What is the meaning of sapphire?

The meaning of sapphire, a precious stone imbued with beautiful values, has fascinated and inspired us for centuries. Let’s explore its symbolism, as well as the other main reasons why this gem is exceptional.

Symbolism and meaning of sapphire

Sapphire, especially the meaning of blue sapphire, symbolizes several remarkable values. However, this meaning also extends to sapphires of other colors, each of which can embody different virtues.

Loyalty and fidelity are the main ones. The other meanings of sapphire are relatively similar. Beliefs have persisted through the centuries, and it is very likely that since Antiquity, sapphire has been associated with truth and justice in the West. And according to some interpretations, the Tablets of the Law in the Bible are made of sapphire.

It was often a sacred stone, in Egypt, in India, in ancient Greece, associated with protection, but also with wisdom.

Sapphire is also the birthstone for those born in September. Discover what your birthstone is.

The origins of sapphire

Sapphire has been known for a long time, although it was often confused with lapis lazuli in the past. Gradually, from the end of the 18th century, mineralogists began to identify it scientifically.

There are three types of rocks: sedimentary, magmatic, and metamorphic. Sapphire is extracted from the latter two, on several continents. Some mines are rich in sapphires of particular colors, specific shades of blue, or of excellent quality.

Ceylon sapphire (Sri Lanka) is renowned for its quality, making it possible to create jewelry.Others are sought after in jewelry, such as those from Burma, Kashmir in India, and the Madagascar sapphire. Mines are also found in Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, Brazil, and even in the United States.

Sapphire deposits are not exploited when the quality is not sufficient, as is the case in Puy-de-Dôme.

Also read our guide to choosing an engagement ring.

The physical properties of sapphire

All sapphires are corundums, a family of very hard minerals. The hardness of sapphire reaches 9 on the Mohs scale, the main reference used since the 19th century to assess and compare the strength of minerals. The ruby also belongs to the corundum family. While this stone owes its color to chromium oxide, blue sapphire is rich in iron and titanium. The colors vary, but not the crystalline structure, which is based on aluminum oxide.For maintenance, see our guide "cleaning a blue sapphire ring".

The virtues of sapphire in lithotherapy

Lithotherapy attributes energetic properties to stones, bringing psychic and physical benefits. According to this practice, the psychic virtues of sapphire are soothing and emotional balance, mental clarity, the return of joy or hope, stimulation of inspiration, intuition, and creativity.

Regarding its physical virtues, sapphire is said to promote health and sleep, helping with sleep problems and various pains, such as headaches. Protective virtues are also found, as with the spiritual meaning of sapphire.

Many lithotherapy enthusiasts wear stones directly on the skin to benefit from their virtues.

The meaning of sapphire in love and its success

There is no direct meaning of sapphire in love, but fidelity and loyalty are obviously important for romantic relationships. And as a protective stone, considered favorable to peace, serenity, and stability, sapphire evokes fulfillment and lasting bonds.

Besides its beauty, the fact that it is a very hard stone explains why sapphire engagement rings are extremely sought after. Sapphire resists scratches, shocks, temperature variations, and chemicals… It is also appreciated for unique special occasions, such as sapphire wedding anniversaries.

The multiple colors of sapphire, which are considerably different from one another, for example pink sapphire, and different from blue sapphire, which itself exists in various shades, are fascinating for lovers of fine jewelry and unique creations, as well as for jewelers.

Finally, kings and royal families have certainly contributed to its popularity. In France, this dates back at least to Louis XIV and his Grand Sapphire, one of the crown jewels.

Assessing the quality of a sapphire

The quality of a sapphire is assessed based on 4 criteria, which makes it possible to determine a certain level and a price.

• Color: the color of heated sapphires is enhanced by a fully accepted technique, which is not the case for other treatments.
• The weight in carats: larger sapphires are more easily found in certain regions. Many sapphires weigh less than 2 carats, for example this white sapphire
• Clarity: gemstones have inclusions, which are different natural imperfections. They are not always visible to the naked eye, and this results in higher quality, more brilliant stones for jewelry.
• Cut or faceting: this involves creating a certain number of facets and achieving different shapes. Although the oval sapphire is common, it is also frequently cut in pear or round shapes, at least for blue sapphires. Choosing to cut a sapphire in a certain shape depends on several factors, including minimizing material loss.