Featured: Gates to Bosphorus bangle with a Certified Unheated Light Blue Sapphire, from Simone Jewels’ High Jewellery Collection DOLMABAHCE.
Sapphire, the gemstone symbolising nobility, romance, and devotion, is not only a cherished choice for engagement rings but also highly coveted amongst gemstone collectors.
History and Origin
In ancient Persian lore, it was believed that the Earth rested on top of a giant Sapphire – whose reflection gave the sky it’s blue colour. The celestial blue hues also made Sapphires the gemstone that represented heaven and divine favours in many religions.
The Science Behind Sapphires
A Variety of Colours
A common misconception is that Sapphires are exclusively blue. Sapphires, like Rubies, are a variety of the corundum family. While Rubies specifically refer to red corundum, Sapphires encompass all the other colours one can think of – with some even exhibiting colour-changing properties or displaying multiple hues in one stone!
Featured: (Left) Certified Unheated Pink Sapphire ring from High Jewellery Collection PORTRAITS OF PORCELAIN, (Right) Montana Sapphire earrings from High Jewellery Collection FROM EUROPE WITH LOVE.
Heating Treatment
Did you know? 98% of Sapphires undergo heating treatment to enhance their colour and clarity. It is widely accepted in the gemstone industry, and all Sapphires undergo treatment unless specifically labelled as “Unheated.”
Featured: (Left) Majestic Mosaic ring set with a Certified Unheated Sri Lanka Violet-Blue Sapphire, from High Jewellery collection DOLMABAHCE. (Right) Twelve Blossoms ring set with a Heated Blue Sapphire, from High Jewellery collection PORTRAITS OF PORCELAIN.
Heat treatment is regarded as a process of amplifying nature’s beauty. On the other hand, Unheated Sapphires are relatively rare, fetching higher prices but worth the investment.
Famous Sapphires
As iconic jewels in gemstone jewellery, Sapphires are famed for their historical ties to the elegance of royalty and nobility.
Princess Diana's Royal Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring
Featured: Princess Diana’s Royal Blue Sapphire engagement ring. Image source: Lifestyle Asia.
Possibly the most famous engagement ring in the world, Princess Diana and Prince Charles announced their engagement with a dazzling 12-carat, oval cut Royal Blue Sapphire encircled by a Diamond halo.
The ring is now worn by Kate Middleton following Prince William's proposal in 2010.
Princess Eugenie's Padparadscha Sapphire Engagement Ring
Featured: Princess Eugenie’s Padparadscha Sapphire Engagement Ring. Image Source: theknot.com.
Amongst royal jewellery, Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring stands out due to the unconventional choice of gemstone colour.
The name “Padparadscha” comes from the Sinhalese word for “lotus blossom,” as its pink and orange hues closely resemble the colour of the flower.
Sapphires in Modern Jewellery
In modern gemstone jewellery, Sapphires are well known as the September birthstone. Revered for their symbolism of devotion and inspired by royal figures, Sapphires are frequently featured in engagement rings.
Their wide range of colours also makes them a popular choice for bespoke jewellery, allowing collectors to select a Sapphire that truly resonates with their personal style.
Featured: Padparadscha Sapphire (Left) and a pair of Royal Blue Sapphires (Right) in Simone Jewels’ loose gemstone collection, with Simone Jewels’ High Jewellery Sapphire rings as design inspirations.
Whether you’re inspired by our High Jewellery collections, which showcase a diverse range of styles and artisanal techniques, or you have a specific design in mind, Simone Jewels offers premier Bespoke Jewellery services to craft meaningful gemstone pieces tailored just for you.
Embark on a journey of telling your personal stories through exquisite gemstone jewellery and custom designs. Book an appointment to view our loose gemstones and begin your Bespoke jewellery adventure with us.
