Sapphire Spotlight
Sapphire 101: From Mines to Meaning
Sapphires have captivated hearts for centuries - gracing royal crowns, engagement rings, and treasured heirlooms around the world. More than just their famous blue hue, sapphires are rich in history, full of symbolic meaning, and surprisingly durable - making them a standout choice for both everyday wear and once-in-a-lifetime bridal jewellery.
Spiritual and Symbolic Meaning
Historically, they were believed to shield the wearer from envy and harm, and to attract blessings, good health, and insight. Sapphires are often seen as stones of wisdom, truth, and protection. In modern crystal healing, blue sapphires are linked to mental clarity and calm, pink sapphires to emotional resilience and love, and green sapphires to growth and compassion.
Where Sapphires Are Found
Today, sapphires are mined in several parts of the world, with each origin offering its own unique palette and characteristics. Some of the most well-known sources included in our jewellery come from:
- Montana (USA): Celebrated for earthy, teal-toned sapphires. Learn more from the Gemological Institute of America.
- Australia: A reliable source of darker-toned blues and striking parti sapphires. Learn more from our trusted Sapphire supplier, Misfit.
- Sri Lanka (Ceylon): Known for vivid, cornflower blues.
- Madagascar: Offers a wide range of hues including blue, pink, and peach
What Gives a Sapphire Its Colour?
Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, composed primarily of aluminum and oxygen. What gives sapphires their vibrant hues are trace elements:
- Blue sapphires owe their colour to the presence of iron and titanium.
- Green sapphires get their hue from iron—more of it than in blue stones.
- Pink sapphires are coloured by traces of chromium (the same element that turns corundum red in rubies!)
This range of trace elements is what makes sapphires so versatile - from icy pastels to bold, moody tones.
Hardness, Durability and Everyday Wear
Sapphires rank 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, second only to diamonds. This makes them incredibly resistant to scratching - ideal for engagement rings, daily wear, and heirloom pieces. With proper care, a sapphire ring can last for generations.
A Gemstone of Longevity and Prestige
Few gemstones can rival the reputation of the sapphire. From royal family heirlooms to modern celebrity engagement rings, sapphires have long been associated with enduring elegance and prestige. Perhaps the most iconic is Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring—now worn by the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.
Why We Love Working With Sapphires
At Yuliya Chorna Jewellery, sapphires are one of our favourite stones to work with -thanks to their variety, meaning, and timeless beauty. Whether you’re dreaming of a periwinkle blue solitaire or a unique teal, purple, or pink stone, sapphires offer an exciting world of colour and character. Discover our studio sapphire collection, thoughtfully curated by Yuliya, in studio or online.
Thinking about a sapphire for your next custom piece? Let’s chat!
