Sapphires

Long associated with royalty and romance, sapphires are symbolic of sincerity, truth, faithfulness and nobility. Frequently used as an adornment for aristocracy over the centuries, as well as a staple inclusion in the robes and accessories of clergy, sapphires have inspired quite a following and folklore. 

The term sapphire commonly refers to the mineral corundum - in the past this name was specific to the blue variety (ruby is the name for the red variety), but this beautiful gemstone occurs naturally in every colour of the rainbow. Pinks, champagne tones and clear sapphires are very popular options for engagement rings, as are the traditional blue and teal green blue colours. The word “Sapphire” is derived from the Greek word “Sappheiros” meaning “blue stone” and blue sapphires are one of the most popular (and expensive) coloured stones available.

It is said that a Sapphire chooses its wearer, and if it doesn’t like the wearer, then that person is likely to have ill luck while wearing the stone. This idea did not stop royalty from wearing these beautiful gems. There are records dating as far back as the 2nd century of blue sapphires adorning royalty. Some royals, like the Duchess of Cambridge - Kate Middleton, still famously wear this gem today in her engagement ring, a family heirloom, worn by Princess Diana, Prince William’s mother, before her.  

The Ancient Greeks believed that sapphires were connected to the spirit world and often associated the gem with Apollo. Sapphires were also popular with witches and necromancers for their supposed ability to tap into the ‘third eye’. The elite of Ancient Rome and Greece believed that blue Sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy, while clergy in the middle ages wore blue sapphires to represent heaven. Ancient Persians took the symbolic meaning of heaven further and believed the sky was blue because the earth rested on a giant sapphire. These stones weren’t just thought to be an effective talisman for warding off evil and envy, but Medieval Europeans also considered blue sapphires a powerful cure for plague boils and diseases of the eye, and an effective antidote to poison. 

Corundum can be produced in a laboratory to a very high quality and clarity in large pieces in reasonably short periods of time.It is colourless, transparent, durable and effectively scratch resistant as well as being chemically inert and resistant to heat. Lab-created corundum is therefore popular where strong, hard and scratch resistant glass is needed in high-end machinery. It is frequently used in telescope and camera lenses, for example, and is also the Space Shuttle window material of choice. It is also present in every day technology too, like supermarket checkout scanners, electronic device protectors and aircraft windows. It is also commonly used to make kiln furniture and kiln liners. 

Large tech companies are also loving this gem. Apple uses lab-created clear sapphire as its iWatch, and iPhone glass, due to its high scratch resistance and durability. Synthetic corundum is also an essential part of many lasers and present in almost every device that uses laser technology, like CD and DVD players, as well as more complicated technology like surgical lasers used for ocular operations, laser hair and tattoo removal, and more. 

Imbued with centuries of followers believing these stones to be vessels of wisdom and divine revelation the Sapphire is forever tied to all things sacred. Across cultural lore and steeped in religious beliefs the globe over as a symbol of resilience, wisdom and ambition. 

How to Care for your Sapphire
As always, we recommend treating your jewellery like you treat your high heel shoes. Make it the last thing you put on when you leave the house and the first thing you take off when you return home. We recommend that you do not wear your jewellery while sleeping, showering, swimming or during extreme physical activity. Avoid contact with body care products and harsh chemicals including perfumes, hairspray, lotions and household cleaning products.

How to clean your Sapphire Jewellery
At Home - use warm, soapy water coupled with a gentle toothbrush is the safest way to clean sapphires. Be careful not to use strong detergents or vigorous scrubbing especially on treated stones. Or alternatively, you can bring your sapphire jewellery in store for a complimentary clean or let our jeweller revive your jewellery to it's former glory with a professional clean, polish and check for a small fee. 

Where are they sourced?
Sapphires come from a wide array of locations. Some produce Fancy colours while others only product different tones of Blue.Sapphires can be found in: Australia, Cambodia, China, India/ Pakistan, Kenya, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United States, Vietnam

Hardness - Sapphires are rated a 9 out of 10 on Moh's Scale of Hardness
Toughness - Usually excellent, but stones with certain treatments or with large fractures or inclusions can be less durable

Can you wear Sapphire's as an engagement ring?
Yes - Sapphires are very durable, so while they can scratch and can chip, you'll probably get many years of wear. The more you care for and look after your sapphire, the longer it will last.

Any Questions?
Please email us at hello@senseandwonder.co.nz and we would be happy to answer them for you!