Gem Gossip- Sapphire September

A maiden born when September leaves

Are rustling in September’s breeze,

A sapphire on her brow should bind

`Twill cure diseases of the mind.

The month of September is governed by the planet Mercury and by the sign of Virgo. September borns are intellectual, very critical, and picky, and they tend to work too hard. They are masters of communication and always combine logic and intuition in dealing with life. Astrologically, they are labeled the perfectionists and have a powerfully investigative mind.

Speaking about the Sapphire stone, people immediately envision a stunning violet-blue gemstone because the word “Sapphire” comes from ‘Saphirus’ in Latin and ‘Sapheiros’ in Greek, both meaning blue. The name sapphire is also said to be derived from its association with the planet Saturn. The name can be roughly translated to mean “dear to the planet Saturn” in many different languages. For centuries, the Sapphire has been referred to as the ultimate blue gemstone.

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminium oxide (α-Al2O3). Trace amounts of elements such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper, or magnesium can give corundum respectively blue, yellow, purple, orange, or green colour. Chromium impurities in corundum yield pink or red tint, the latter being Ruby. Sapphire is remarkably hard, measuring 9 on the Mohs scale.

Since Ancient times, the Blue Sapphire has represented a promise of honesty, loyalty, purity, and trust. Keeping with this tradition, Sapphires are one of the most popular engagement gemstones today. While the blue Sapphire is perhaps the most popular, Sapphires come in almost every colour of the rainbow: pink, yellow, orange, peach, and violet. The most sought-after fancy coloured Sapphire is the rare and beautiful Padparadscha: a pink-orange corundum with a distinctive salmon colour reminiscent of a tropical sunset. These ultra-rare, ultra-expensive stones are among the most coveted gems in the world.

Sapphires are found in many parts of the world, but the most prized Sapphires are from Myanmar (Burma), Kashmir, and Sri Lanka. Sapphires with highly saturated violet-blue colour and “velvety” or “sleepy” transparency are rarer. The purer the blue of the Sapphire, the greater the price. However, many people find that the darker hues of Sapphire can be just as appealing. The cost of natural sapphires varies depending on their colour, clarity, size, cut, and overall quality – as well as their geographic origin.

Sapphires have been prized as great gemstones since 800BC. Rulers of ancient Persia believed the sky was painted blue by the reflection of sapphire stones. Blue sapphires were also holy to the Catholic Church, and ancient lore held that the tablets upon which the Ten Commandments were written, were actually sapphire. Kings wore sapphires around their necks as a powerful defense from harm. They preserved the wearer from envy and attracted divine favor. During the 12th Century, the sapphire was known as the most appropriate stone for ecclesiastical rings. The Sinhalese believed that the star sapphire served as protection and as a guard against witchcraft. The great Oriental traveler, Sir Richard Francis Burton, had a large star sapphire which he referred to as his “talisman,” for it always brought him good horses and attention wherever he went. The mere sight of the stone was believed to bring luck. King Solomon wore a sapphire ring, and in modern times, the sapphire gained popularity with Lady Diana’s (and now Kate Middleton’s) engagement ring.

In Indian Astrology too, Blue sapphire is the gemstone of Saturn, the attendant in our solar system. Saturn has been considered malefic, spreading negative impacts, but ultimately bringing positivity. It compels catastrophe and calamities that will lead to promising times.

Sapphire could compel the wearer towards great heights but could also send him or her into an abyss of despair and failure. It bestows affluence, longevity, contentment, prosperity, strength, and glory, wiping out hurdles of health, faults, misery, and poverty. Buddhist Monks believed Blue sapphire or Neelam eliminated the negative rays of Saturn from the life of a person bringing tranquility of mind, turns losses into gains, and could make a barren woman fertile. But being the gemstone of Saturn, it also could adversely impact the wearer with negative thoughts and energies. It is believed that before choosing to wear sapphires, one must place the gemstones under the pillow while sleeping. The quality of one’s dream is said to reflect the effect that the gem may have on the wearer’s disposition. Pleasant dreams indicate the positivity Sapphires can bring, while nightmares warn one of possible negative effects.  Nevertheless, the gemstone brings the wearer the hope required to sustain and pursue dreams and aspirations.

Astrology aside, the vibrant blue of the Sapphire is magical and comes alive when set along with brilliant diamonds. The green-blue contrast of Emeralds and Sapphires is perfect for Indian jewellery with peacock themes. For subtler beauty, sapphires are just as elegant with pearls. It is the gemstone of dreams and desires, and needless to say, no one respects your dreams as much as our team at Gehna. Bring us your Sapphire visions, or feast yourself to our design team’s wonders, and watch your Sapphire fantasies breathe life!