What is the significance of sapphire?

The significance of the gemstone sapphire has fascinated and inspired us for centuries. Let's explore its symbolism, as well as the other main reasons why this gem is exceptional.

Symbolism and meaning of sapphire

Sapphires, especially blue sapphires, symbolize a number of remarkable values. However, this meaning extends to sapphires of other colors, each of which can also embody different virtues.

Loyalty and faithfulness are the main ones. Sapphire's other meanings are relatively similar. Beliefs span the centuries, and it's highly likely that as early as antiquity, sapphire was associated with truth and justice in the West. And according to some interpretations, the Tables of the Law in the Bible are made of sapphire.

It was often a sacred stone in Egypt, India and ancient Greece, associated with protection and wisdom.

The origins of sapphire

Sapphire has long been known, although it was often confused with lapis lazuli in the past. Gradually, from the late 18th century onwards, mineralogists began to identify it scientifically.

There are three types of rock: sedimentary, magmatic and metamorphic. Sapphire is extracted from the last two, on several continents. Some mines are rich in sapphires of particular colors, specific shades of blue or excellent quality.

Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka) is renowned for its quality, making it ideal for jewelry. Others are sought-after for jewelry, such as those from Burma, Kashmir in India and Madagascar. Mines are also found in Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, Brazil and the United States.

Some sapphire deposits, such as those in the Puy-de-Dôme region, are not exploited because the quality is not up to scratch.

Physical properties of sapphire

All sapphires are corundum, a family of very hard minerals. The hardness of sapphire reaches 9 on the Mohs scale, the main reference used since the 19th century to evaluate and compare mineral solidity. Ruby also belongs to the corundum group. While this stone owes its color to chromium oxide, blue sapphire is rich in iron and titanium. The colors vary, but not the crystal structure, based on aluminum oxide.

The virtues of sapphire in lithotherapy

Lithotherapy attributes energetic properties to stones, bringing both psychic and physical benefits. According to this practice, the psychic virtues of sapphire include emotional calm and balance, mental clarity, the return of joy or hope, the stimulation of inspiration, intuition and creativity.

As for its physical virtues, sapphire is said to promote health and sleep, helping against sleep problems and many aches and pains, such as headaches. Sapphire's spiritual significance is matched by its protective qualities.

Many lithotherapy enthusiasts wear the stones next to their skin, to benefit from their virtues.

The meaning of sapphire in love and its success

There's no direct meaning to sapphire in love, but fidelity and loyalty are obviously important to relationships. And as a stone of protection, considered conducive to peace, serenity and stability, sapphire evokes fulfillment and lasting bonding.

In addition to its beauty, the fact that it is a very hard stone explains why sapphire engagement rings are extremely popular. Sapphire resists scratches, shocks, temperature variations, chemicals... It's also loved for special, once-in-a-lifetime occasions, like a sapphire nuptials.

The many colors of sapphire, which differ considerably from one another - pink sapphire, for example, and from blue sapphire, which itself exists in various shades - are fascinating for lovers of fine jewelry and unique creations, as well as for jewelers.

Finally, kings and royal families have certainly contributed to its popularity. In France, it goes back at least to Louis XIV, and his Grand Saphir, one of the crown jewels.

Evaluating sapphire quality

The quality of a sapphire is assessed according to 4 criteria, which allow us to determine a certain level and price.

• Color: the color of heated sapphires is enhanced by a totally accepted technique, which is not the case with other treatments.
• Carat weight: large sapphires are easier to find in certain regions. Many sapphires are less than 2 carats.
• Purity: gemstones have inclusions, which are various natural imperfections. They are not always visible to the naked eye, which makes them better quality, brighter stones for jewelry.
• Cutting or faceting: this involves creating a number of facets to obtain different shapes. Although oval sapphires are common, they are also frequently cut in pear or round shapes, especially blue sapphires. Choosing to cut a sapphire into a certain shape depends on a number of parameters, including the need to lose as little material as possible.