Unlocking the Enchantment of Blue Sapphires

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In the world of gemstones, few can rival the timeless elegance and enchanting allure of a blue sapphire. Revered for centuries for its striking hue and remarkable symbolism, blue sapphires have captured the hearts of royalty, artists, and gem enthusiasts alike. Join us on a journey as we delve into the captivating world of blue sapphires, exploring their history, characteristics, meanings, and contemporary significance.

  • MS0132 rich blue montana sapphire hex cut
  • MS0121 blue-green montana sapphire round cut
  • AF0123 rich blue african sapphire trillion
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A Glimpse into History: From Royalty to Modern Times

Blue sapphires have a rich history that spans cultures and epochs.

Known for their deep blue color, these gems have been associated with nobility, wisdom, and spirituality. Throughout history, sapphires were often worn by royalty and adorned precious artifacts. One of the most famous sapphire's St. Edward's Sapphire, is known for its brilliant blue color and intriguing past.

  • Sapphires hold a special place in various cultures. In ancient Persia, they were believed to protect against envy and harm. In medieval Europe, sapphires adorned the robes of clergy and were thought to symbolize Heaven. The allure of blue sapphires endured through time, gracing the jewelry of celebrities and dignitaries, including Princess Diana's iconic engagement ring, now worn by Duchess Kate Middleton.

  • princess diana ring with lab diamond halo and royal blue oval lab sapphire

Unveiling the Beauty: Characteristics of Blue Sapphires

The captivating allure of blue sapphires lies in their remarkable physical properties. Sapphires are a variety of corundum, the same mineral family as rubies. While corundum is typically colorless, the presence of trace elements like iron and titanium gives sapphires their distinct blue hue. The intensity of the blue can vary from pale sky blue to a deep, velvety blue, often accompanied by hints of violet or green.

Sapphires are valued for their color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. A well-cut sapphire will exhibit brilliance and depth, showcasing the gem's natural beauty. Clarity is also important; while inclusions are common in natural sapphires, they should not hinder the gem's overall appearance. Of course, size matters too, with larger sapphires being rarer and thus more valuable.

The Symbolism and Meaning

As the birthstone of September, blue sapphires have a wealth of symbolism associated with them. One of the most prevalent is the association with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. They are often seen as symbols of truth, sincerity, and faithfulness, making them popular choices for engagement rings and anniversary gifts. The serene blue hue is also linked to calmness and inner peace, making sapphires not just beautiful adornments, but also meaningful talismans.

milly ring with lab diamonds and montana sapphire oval

Sapphires in Modern Times

In contemporary jewelry design, blue sapphires continue to captivate designers and wearers alike. Due to their hardness and durability, they are often featured in a range of jewelry, from engagement rings to necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Designers love to experiment with sapphires, pairing them with other gemstones and metals to create unique and stunning pieces.

Modified Milly Ring
Cynthia blue radiant engagement ring and band

The Science Behind Blue Lab Sapphires

All of Stag & Finch's blue sapphires are grown using the Czochralski Pulled method which uses a tiny starter crystal that is dipped into a solution and very, very slowly pulled out. This process is so slow, that it only produces sapphires at a rate of 2mm/hour, but results in a lab-created gemstone that has the same optical properties and hardness as its mined counterpart. The brightness of our sapphire is RI 1.76-1.77, identical to other sapphire colors. The result of this method is a beautiful, evenly saturated sapphire that is chemically identical to mined sapphire, but much more affordable.

Cynthia Ring

Caring for Blue Sapphires

As durable as sapphires are (second only to diamonds and moissanite in hardness), they still require proper care to maintain their brilliance. Regular cleaning with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush can keep them looking their best. It's important to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures, as these can affect the gem's appearance and durability over time. It's best to avoid getting oil, hair, or skin care products on your sapphire as it can cause a film over its surface that dulls its brilliance.

In Conclusion

Blue sapphires, with their mesmerizing color and rich history, are truly a gemstone for the ages. From ancient civilizations to modern-day adornments, their enduring charm and symbolism make them a beloved choice for jewelry enthusiasts around the world. Whether set in an engagement ring or worn as a statement piece, blue sapphires continue to capture our hearts with their timeless elegance and captivating allure.

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