Sapphires are a colored gemstone variety of Corundum. Sapphires are
said to be the celestial colored gemstone and have been treasured for thousands of years.
One supplier of sapphires says the ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a
giant sapphire and its reflection colored the sky. Sapphires are found in beautiful array
of colors. Among these, the incredible colors of the heavens: from midnight blue to the
bright blue of noon sky in Atlanta, golden sunrise to fiery reddish-orange sunsets, and the
delicate violet of twilight. Fine sapphires are a deep rich blue. &bnsp;Some the most
famous and valuable sapphires are a rich intense blue, a truly royal blue hue.
Sapphires have long symbolized truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. Tradition holds
that Moses was given the Ten Commandments on tablets of sapphire, making sapphires the most
sacred of colored gemstone varieties. Because sapphires represent divine favor, they
were the gemstone variety of choice for kings and high priests. The British Crown Jewels
are full of large blue sapphires, the symbol of pure and wise rulers.
Since sapphire symbolizes sincerity and faithfulness, they are an excellent choice
for an engagement ring. When Prince Charles chose a sapphire engagement ring for Princess
Diana, couples all over the world were inspired to revive this venerable tradition and have
chosen fine blue sapphires.
Sapphires are also the birthstone for September, the month when the most babies are born.
Ancient lists also name sapphires as a birthstone for April and the gemstone for the
sign of Taurus.
Sapphires come from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, and Cambodia. Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania,
China, Vietnam, Madagascar, and the United States also produce some sapphires.
