Sapphire - a gem that has been cherished for thousands of years. Although most people think of sapphires only being blue like the deep royal blue of Princess Diana's engagement ring, this gem comes in every color of the rainbow, except red. Sapphire's are a variety of the mineral corundum, and when corundum is red, it is a Ruby.
The September birthstone has traditionally symbolized sincerity, truth, faithfulness and nobility. For countless centuries, sapphire has adorned royalty and the robes of the clergy. The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed that blue sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy. Clerics of the Middle Ages wore sapphires because they symbolized Heaven. Ancient Persians believed the earth actually rested on a giant sapphire, which made the sky blue. Rulers of ancient Persia believed the sky was painted blue by the reflection of sapphire stones. And a great poet once described the sapphire as “the blue of a clear sky just minutes after sundown".
Sapphires are relatively hard stones ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, just below diamonds, making them a great choice for jewelry you can wear every day. With their excellent durability and vast variety of colors, sapphires make the perfect alternative gem for engagements rings.
Shop some of our favorite A+T gems below and shop our full collection of sapphire beauties online!
The Sophia Ring by Viviana Langhoff
This regal 14K yellow gold decorative band features a fair trade blue sapphire with melee diamonds and milgrain accents.
Mini Revival Frame Neckalce by Jeanette Park
This mini geometric necklace is the perfect effortless layering piece. Featuring sparkling princess cut gemstones and polished 14k gold this piece will add a beautiful glimmer to your neckline.
Orange Bouquet Collage Ring by Masumi Hayashi
One-of-a-kind collage of colorful gems! Featuring a pear orange sapphire, round ruby and pink sapphire, Baguette pink tourmaline, and Square pink sapphire.