The sapphire, originating from the Latin name ‘Sapphiru’, has been sought after for thousands of years as the ultimate blue gemstone.

This stone has long symbolized remembrance, faith and enduring commitment. According to tradition, Moses was given, by god, the Ten Commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it the most sacred stone and giving it reason to be the gem of choice for high priests and kings throughout history.

The sapphire is the sister stone to the ruby. Both of these stones are a part of the corundum family, which is one of the strongest minerals on earth. Hot spots where this stone is popular would include Australia, Cambodia, China, Kashmir, Kenya, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United States and Vietnam. The rarest sapphires are from Kashmir and Myanmar and are particularly prized due to their vibrant blue.

The sapphire, synonymous with blue also may be found in a variety of other fancy colors including colorless/white, pink, yellow, peach, orange, brown violet, purple, green amongst other colors. Some sapphires that have been cut into a cabochon dome shape may even display a six-rayed white star, also known as a star sapphire, which are extremely rare. The ancients have regarded them as powerful talismans that protected the traveler.

Just like any other gemstone, the color is the main factor which will dictate the value of the sapphire. Rule of thumb says that the highest value sapphires have a medium intense, pure vivid blue color that will hold the brightness of their color under any type of light. If there are color undertones, such as black, gray or green, this will usually decrease the value of the stone.

The finest of these stones are “eye clean” with few or no inclusions that are visible to the naked eye.

The sapphire is easily available in sizes up to 2 carats, however gems of 5-10 carats are not unusual. Smaller stones are usually round brilliant cuts, with larger stones being cushion shape, or oval.

Being the sister stone of the ruby, this gem stone is also rated as the second hardest stone next to the diamond, with a Mohs scale rating of 9, making it extremely durable for every day wear.