The word
Sapphire comes from the Greek sappheiros meaning blue. It refers
to all corundums (aluminum oxides) that are not red (these are known
as rubies). For, like diamonds, it is a common misconception that
all sapphires are blue. "Fancy" sapphires can be yellow,
green, brown, purple or pink, according to the presence of various
types of mineral. The presence of chromium results in a pink sapphire,
vanadium causes violet stones and iron produces either yellow or green
sapphires. In the 16th century, sapphires were not as highly regarded
as other gems-their worth was less than half that of an emerald and
four times less than a ruby of similar weight. Up to the 19th century,
sapphires came mainly from Burma and Sri Lanka. In 1870, deposits
were also found in Thailand and Australia. Eleven years later, sapphires
were discovered in Kashmir, where the most exceptional examples have
been unearthed in modern times. India sapphires from Kashmir are highly
sought after because of their magnificent cornflower blue color, which
tends-unlike the hue of other sapphires-to keep its character in the
artificial light that fantastic gems are usually worn under at night.
Sri Lanka sapphires, which are the most common, tend to be clearer
and brighter than India and Burmese sapphires, but do not display
the same strength of color. Sapphires have been of great significance
to past societies. For example, the Mystical Jews regarded the blue
gemstones as a secret message from the beyond and the Persians thought
the world rested on a giant sapphire, the sky being a reflection of
the fabulous color of the stone.
