Sapphire: meanings, origins and benefits

Sapphire is one of the four gemstones along with diamond, ruby and emerald. With its deep blue hues and majestic brilliance, it seduces with its timeless elegance. This noble yet powerful gemstone not only adds a touch of sophistication to your DIY jewelry creations, it is also prized in lithotherapy for its soothing virtues.

Get inspired by our natural stone jewelry tutorials and create fabulous DIY costume jewelry.

The origin of sapphire

The name of this natural stone has its roots in several ancient languages: it comes from the Latin "sapphirus", derived from the Greek "sappheiros" and the Hebrew "sappir", meaning "blue stone".

The origin of sapphire

Legend has it that the Tables of the Law entrusted to Moses were made of sapphire, symbolizing divine purity and sacred law.

In ancient Rome and Egypt, this gemstone was considered the stone of truth and justice. It was considered sacred.
The Persians believed that the sky was blue due to the reflection of light on an immense sapphire on which the Earth rested.
Among the Greeks and Romans, it was associated with celestial power. The Greeks wore this natural stone to attract the favor of the gods, while the Romans believed it could appease the wrath of Jupiter, god of the sky, light, thunder and lightning.

In the Middle Ages, it was considered the stone of ecclesiastics, symbolizing purity, piety and divine connection. This blue stone was often used to adorn episcopal rings, worn by bishops as a symbol of their spiritual authority and commitment to the Church.
In the 12th century, Pope Innocent III instituted that every cardinal should wear a sapphire ring on his right hand, not only as a symbol of their spiritual commitment and loyalty to the Church, but also to reflect the purity and wisdom that the stone represented.

During the Renaissance, European monarchs often wore them as symbols of their power and divine wisdom. The kings of France incorporated sapphires into their crowns and royal insignia. The "Grand Saphir", a magnificent 135-carat cut stone, was one of the French crown jewels. It is currently housed in the Musée du Louvres in Paris.

Today, the most famous example is probably the engagement ring given by Prince Charles to Lady Diana in 1981, featuring a large blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds.

Among the world's most famous sapphires is a black star sapphire called Black Star of Queensland. It weighs almost 733 carats.

What color is sapphire?

When we think of sapphire, we inevitably think of the color blue. This natural stone has an intense blue hue, varying from light to midnight blue. Royal blue is a particularly popular shade.

Although blue is the most common hue, it can also be found in other colors: pink, green, yellow or violet sapphires are available, and the only color that doesn't exist is red (reserved for ruby).
The violet-pink or orange-pink shade, known as"Padparadscha sapphire" (meaning "lotus flower" in Sinhalese) or"Padparadja sapphire", is the rarest and most sought-after.

A fascinating and rare variety is the star sapphire. Star sapphires exhibit asterism, an optical effect manifested by the appearance of a luminous star on the surface of the stone when exposed to a light source.

Sapphires are usually heat-treated to enhance their color and brilliance.

What are sapphire's properties?

Like ruby, sapphire is a precious stone in the corundum family. It is extremely hard, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond. This hardness makes it highly resistant to scratches, making it a popular choice for everyday jewelry and engagement rings.
It has a density ranging from 4 to 4.1 g/cm³.

Where is sapphire found?

The main sapphire deposits are found in the United States, Sri Lanka, China, India, Pakistan, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania and Vietnam.

What are the benefits of sapphire?

In lithotherapy, sapphire is often associated with wisdom, truth and fidelity. It is also believed to promote mental clarity and spiritual fulfillment.
Some believe it stimulates concentration and meditation, as well as creativity and inspiration.

Which chakra for sapphire? Linked to the third eye chakra, it is believed to stimulate intuition and insight.

If you're a native of the signs Libra or Taurus, this natural stone is for you.

Please note: our gemstones are not sold for lithotherapy. The effects of stones have not been scientifically proven. Natural stones are no substitute for medical expertise or treatment.

How do I recharge a spahir?

Before recharging, we recommend that you purify your stone. To do this, immerse your stone in salted, distilled or demineralized water. You can also use white sage fumigations.
Finally, to recharge your stone, expose it to sunlight or moonlight. You can also place it on a quartz cluster to revitalize its energy.

How to wear sapphire

Sapphire blends perfectly with a variety of precious metals. The silver color of 925 sterling silver or stainless steel creates a subtle contrast with the blue of the sapphire, accentuating the purity of the stone while giving the jewelry a modern, refined look. The golden color of gold-plated or gold-filled (laminated gold) will be ideal for those who prefer a classic piece of jewelry.

Which stone to match sapphire with?

• Amethyst, with its violet color, complements blue sapphire. These two stones are often associated in lithotherapy to reinforce wisdom, serenity and spiritual protection.
• Moonstone, with its pearly reflections and soft hues, blends harmoniously with sapphire. Together, they create a soothing, balanced energy.

On the other hand, lithotherapists advise against combining it with overly energizing stones such as garnet, sunstone or hematite, as their energies could disrupt the soothing effect of sapphire.