Sapphire

Sapphires are strong and durable gemstones, and are second only to diamonds for natural hardness. The name “sapphire” comes from sappheiros, the Greek word for “blue”, and when it is used on its own refers definitively to the blue sapphire. However, the gemstone can also come in every colour imaginable including pink, purple, yellow, green, and the very popular teal. When the gemstone is any other colour, it is considered a “fancy” sapphire and its name is prefixed by its colour.

The blue sapphire is a unique yet popular choice for engagement rings, most notably being Princess Diana’s heirloom ring that now rests on the hand of Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. Celebrities with sapphire-adorned engagement rings include Elizabeth Hurley, Penelope Cruz, Gwyneth Paltrow, and of course Elizabeth Taylor.

The 182-carat Star of Bombay Sapphire was given to film star Mary Pickford by her husband, Douglas Fairbanks, and was given to the Smithsonian Institute after her death. It is rumoured to be the inspiration for the name of Bombay Sapphire Gin.

Gift Guide

April Birthstone (15th and 20th Century)
September Birthstone (Modern, US and Britain)
Taurus Astrological Gemstone
45th and 70th Wedding Anniversaries
Day of the Week: Thursday