Collection: Blue sapphire

Sapphire, in Latin sapphirus, derived from the Greek sappheiros, means “blue”. In Hebrew, sappir translates to “the most beautiful thing”. However, it has other translations in other languages ​​such as Hebrew, Chaldean or Sanskrit. In the latter language, sapphire is understood to mean “sacred to Saturn”. The origin of this name seems plausible, given that in Indian astrology, sapphire is the precious stone attributed to Saturn.

The blue sapphire is mentioned in many mythological and religious tales. The Persians believed that the blue of the sky came from sapphires. In the Bible, the throne of God is famously bright blue due to the presence of sapphires. Furthermore, the sapphire is one of the twelve stones set in Aaron's breastplate. It is also found in the foundations of Jerusalem.

The French form of sapphire dates back to the 12th century in one of the manuscripts of the monk and poet Philippe de Thaon, and later, during the Renaissance, in the dictionary of Jean Nicot, a French diplomat renowned for his introduction of tobacco into France.

In ancient times, sapphire was associated with the Gods: Jupiter among the Romans, Zeus among the Greeks, and Indra in India. However, descriptions by Theophrastus (371 BC - 288 BC) and Pliny the Elder (23 AD - 79 AD) suggest that it was more likely lapis lazuli. However, rare engraved sapphires have been found during archaeological excavations. An Egyptian intaglio depicting a princess or queen dating from the 2nd century BC is kept at the Bibliothèque Nationale.

In the 4th century, the Franks and Visigoths possessed a unique expertise in goldsmithing called cloisonné. Craftsmen inlaid colored stones into fine compartments using copper or gold. This process, also used in Merovingian and Carolingian art, was applied to the reliquary casket of Teuderic, the so-called Saint-Martin vase, and Charlemagne's ewer. All of these magnificent creations are set with sapphires.

In the Middle Ages, sapphires adorned various objects and jewelry. Numerous vases and chests have been found decorated with gems such as garnets and sapphires. A sublime 135-carat sapphire is currently on display at the Museum of Natural History. It is the great sapphire of Louis XIV.

The largest sapphire in the world is a black star sapphire from Queensland, Australia. A young boy brought it home and used it as a doorstop. His father, a miner, identified it as a precious stone and decided to sell it. Jeweler Harry Kazanjian was the first buyer, paying $18,000 and cutting this magnificent stone. Today, it is called the Black Star of Queensland. It weighs 733 carats, or nearly 150 grams, and is estimated at $100 million.

Like rubies, sapphires belong to the corundum family and are also gemstones, along with diamonds and emeralds. Its incredible blue color is due to its iron and titanium composition. It has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. Only diamonds can scratch it, as it has a hardness of 10 on the same scale. Sapphires are formed in small rivers running through the mountains and are then mined from deposits.

The main deposits are located in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, India, etc.

Sapphire has a profound effect on the mind. It improves memory, strengthens concentration, and develops intuition. It is recommended for students, especially during exam periods, and for people undergoing career changes. It promotes spiritual elevation and meditation.

Furthermore, it stimulates creativity and inspiration. This fabulous blue mineral increases imagination and is ideal for all artists, writers, sculptors, etc.

It symbolizes grounding, stability, solidity, and fidelity. It is therefore the stone of engagement. It helps overcome the difficulties and challenges of life, whether alone or as a couple. Wearing a sapphire strengthens courage and willpower to achieve one's goals.

A stone of patience, tenacity, and loyalty, sapphire is ideal for people who are too rushed or stressed. Sapphire soothes anger, jealousy, and resentment. It calms worries and regulates nervousness. At the same time, it fosters perseverance, self-confidence, and assurance.

This stone is perfect for hyperactive people thanks to its calming effect. It provides serenity, restores the joy of living, and enthusiasm. It releases buried fears and anxieties. It removes blockages caused by childhood trauma.