Sapphires have long been prized for their intense blue color. Blue sapphires in particular are associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Throughout history, these gemstones have carried symbolic meaning for various cultures around the world.
Blue Sapphire Meanings in Ancient Cultures
Some of the earliest records of sapphire meaning come from ancient Persia around 800 BC. The Persian word for sapphire was “safir,” and it signified the beauty of the heavens. Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire that gave the sky its blue color. This gem was a symbol of the purity and goodness of God.
In ancient Greece around 400 BC, blue sapphires were associated with Apollo, the god of prophesy and wisdom. Greeks wore these stones when seeking answers or insight. The Greeks also believed sapphires had healing powers and would bring inner peace.
For ancient Romans around 23 BC, blue sapphires represented Saturn, the god of justice and freedom. Roman senators would wear sapphire rings as a symbol of wisdom and moral integrity. The Romans also used sapphires for protection against envy or harm.
In ancient India around 563 BC, Hindus regarded sapphires as the “gem of gems.” These stones were linked to the planet Saturn and signified truth, faithfulness and spiritual enlightenment. The god Krishna was said to wear sapphires to attract divine wisdom, and ancient texts describe sapphires as a gateway to heaven.
During the Middle Ages around the 5th century AD, the Catholic Church viewed blue sapphires as symbolic of heaven. Clergy wore these stones to garner wisdom, and people believed the gem’s blue color represented a glimpse of the heavens. Royalty also favored sapphires for their protective powers against harm or illness.
Meaning of Blue Sapphires in Engagement Rings
Blue sapphires hold special meaning for engagement rings and wedding bands. Prince Charles gave Lady Diana a large Ceylon blue sapphire engagement ring in 1981, bringing these gems back into popularity.
For modern brides, blue sapphires symbolize:
- Wisdom and integrity
- Loyalty, trustworthiness, and commitment
- Communication and mental clarity
- Sincerity
- Faithfulness
Blue is also considered a soothing, peaceful color that encourages open communication. Sapphire engagement rings represent a couple’s shared values and desire for a thoughtful, honest marriage.
Healing Properties of Blue Sapphires
Throughout history, people have ascribed healing properties to blue sapphires. These are some common beliefs about the stone’s powers:
- Promotes mental focus, discipline, and willpower
- Enhances wisdom, honesty, spirituality
- Strengthens perception and insight
- Calms overactive body systems; eases pain
- Improves eyesight; relieves eye strain or infections
- Balances the thyroid; regulates cell regeneration
- Alleviates headaches, fever, nosebleeds
- Boosts the immune system; kills germs
While no scientific studies validate these benefits, blue sapphires are psychologically soothing due to their blue color. Many believe the positive energies of these gems can promote good health.
Blue Sapphire Quality Factors
Several factors determine the value and desirability of a blue sapphire:
Color
The most prized color is a vivid medium blue, neither too light nor too dark. Sapphires also come in green, yellow, pink and purple hues.
Clarity
The most valued sapphires are flawless with no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
Cut
Well-cut sapphires reflect light evenly across the stone. Common cuts are oval, round, emerald, cushion, and princess.
Carat
Large sapphires over 5 carats are rare. Size affects price exponentially.
Source
The original source mine factors into cost. Sapphires from Kashmir and Myanmar (Burma) command a premium.
Here’s a comparison of lower to higher quality 1-carat blue sapphires:
| Quality | Color | Clarity | Cut | Source | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Very light | SI2-I1 (visible inclusions) | Fair | Australia | $500 |
| Average | Medium blue | SI1 (minor inclusions) | Very Good | Sri Lanka | $2,000 |
| High | Vivid blue | VS-VVS (minor inclusions under 10x | Excellent | Myanmar | $5,000 |
In general, the more saturated the color, the higher the clarity, and the better the cut, the greater the value of the sapphire. Large carat sizes of fine quality can fetch prices into the millions.
How to Choose a Sapphire Ring
When selecting a sapphire engagement ring, here are some tips:
- Choose a reputable jeweler with quality gemstone sources.
- Pick a medium to medium-dark blue, unless you prefer a pastel or fancy color sapphire.
- Select an eye-clean stone or one with minor inclusions not readily visible.
- Check for a symmetrical cut that maximizes light performance.
- Match the setting style to the recipient’s personality.
- Consider a custom ring design for a unique look.
- Ask about any treatments to improve color and clarity.
- Request a gemological lab certificate documenting quality.
- Purchase insurance to protect against loss or theft.
With care and maintenance, a sapphire engagement ring will sparkle forever as a symbol of eternal commitment and love.
Conclusion
For thousands of years, people have revered blue sapphires for their beauty and symbolism. These gems represent wisdom, loyalty, truth, and insight across many cultures. Engagement rings featuring sapphires convey sincerity and faithfulness in a relationship. With their stunning blue color, mystical powers, and rare quality, it’s not hard to see why sapphires have captivated imaginations for centuries as the most desirable of gemstones.