Gem Guide

Origin: The modern word sapphire is derived from the Latin sapphirus, Greek sappheiros and Hebrew sappir. It’s thought that all these derivations could possibly come from the Sanskrit saniprita meaning dear to the planet Saturn.  Ancient Persians believed Earth rested on a sapphire and its reflection colored the sky.

Lore:  Sacred to the god Apollo, the sapphire was often called the “celestial stone” because of its deep blue color, Sapphires were believed to have gender: dark stones were designated female, light ones were male, Ancient priests and sorcerers honored sapphire above all gems, for this stone enabled them to interpret oracles and foretell the future. Ancients believed the Ten Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet, and because of the hardness of sapphire, it was thought that only God could engrave the large sapphire tablets.

Marriage partners put great faith in the stone. If its luster dimmed, one knew his or her spouse had been unfaithful. Sapphire refused to shine when worn by the wicked or impure. Sapphire is a guardian of love. That is, it promotes fidelity and attunes the feelings between lovers.

The Greeks identified the sapphire with Apollo, and the stone was worn when consulting oracles such as the famous one at Delphi.

The blue sapphire is worn to stimulate the third eye for the purpose of expanding psychic awareness. The ancient Greek practice mentioned above seems to indicate that even they were aware of the sapphire’s ability to tap the subconscious mind.

Anciently it was also worn to banish envy, to promote positive social interaction and to reconcile with foes; sapphire can be used for all those purposes within any kind of relationship, not just martial.

The Roman Catholic church gave sapphire a place of honor. It’s been considered a lucky charm that promotes chastity and guards against evil. Pop Innocent II had all the bishops wear rings with sapphire, “By nature with superior honours graced, as gem of gems above all others places’ gave it Celestial powers.

It is said that sapphire will refuse to shine when worn by the wicked or impure

This stone is one of the earliest colored gems known to man. Blue sapphire has long symbolized truth, sincerity, wisdom, contentment and faithfulness. Sapphires are worn for healing purposes, as some believe they strengthen the bones, increase longevity and help calm the nerves and emotions. Sapphires were the gemstone of kings and high priests. The British crown jewels are full of large blue sapphires, the symbol of pure and wise rulers.

Kings used to wear sapphire around their necks as a powerful defense against harm. The stone preserved the wearer from envy and attracted divine favor. Sacred to the god Apollo, the sapphire was often called the “celestial stone” because of its deep blue color, Sapphires were believed to have gender: dark stones were designated female, light ones were male, Ancient priests and sorcerers honored sapphire above all gems, for this stone enabled them to

interpret oracles and foretell the future. Ancients believed the Ten Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet. Marriage partners put great faith in the stone. If its luster dimmed, one knew his or her spouse had been unfaithful. Sapphire refused to shine when worn by the wicked or impure.

The Greeks identified the sapphire with Apollo, and the stone was worn when consulting oracles such as the famous one at Delphi.

Some thought it a Magical Stone?  This stone is worn to stimulate the third eye for the purpose of expanding psychic awareness. The ancient Greek practice mentioned above seems to indicate that even they were aware of the sapphire’s ability to tap the subconscious mind.

Sapphire is a guardian of love. That is, it promotes fidelity and attunes the feelings between lovers. Anciently it was also worn to banish envy, to promote positive social interaction and to reconcile with foes; sapphire can be used for all those purposes within any kind of relationship, not just martial.

Some of the more legendary blue sapphires are

• St Edwards Sapphire-Set in the Imperial State Crown of the British Crown Jewels, said to be worn by Edward the Confessor
• Blue Giant of the Orient Sapphire-At 486 carats this faceted sapphire last sold in 2004
• Stuart Sapphire- At 104 carats is currently set at the back of the Imperial State Crown
• Rockefeller Sapphire-At 62 carats and considered by many to be internally flawless, it was last sold at auction in 2001 for $3,000.000-
• Logan Sapphire-A mind boggling 423-carat Logan Sapphire was mined in Sri Lanka and was donated to the Smithsonian Institution by Mrs. John A. Logan in 1960

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