History and Lore of Sapphire

The sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. The name sapphire is derived from the Latin word ““saphirus” and the Greek word “sapheiros,” both meaning blue. Some believe that the name sapphire is derived from its association with the planet Saturn. The name can be roughly be translated to mean “dear to the planet Saturn” in many different languages.

Sapphires have been prized as great gemstones since 800BC. Rulers of ancient Persia believed the sky was painted blue by the reflection of sapphire stones. And a great poet once described the sapphire as “the blue of a clear sky just minutes after sundown.” Blue sapphires were a holy stone to the catholic church and to Ancient Persians, who believed they made the sky blue with their reflections. To some religions, the blue color of the sapphire represents the heavens.

Sapphires are stones of the apocalypse, and ancient lore held that the tablets upon which the Ten Commandments were written, were actually sapphire. Kings wore sapphires around their necks as a powerful defense from harm. They preserved the wearer from envy and attracted divine favor. In the 12th Century, the sapphire was known as the most appropriate stone for ecclesiastical rings. The Cingalese believed that the star sapphire served as protection and a guard against witchcraft.

The ancient Persians believed that the Earth was imbedded into a gigantic blue Sapphire stone. For the Buddhists, a Sapphire represented friendship and loyalty. For others, Sapphire is the stone of prosperity, preventing terror and poverty in men. During the 18th century, Sapphire was used to test female loyalty, changing its color if its wearer was unfaithful. Some have used Sapphires as talismans for protection, to ward of diseases, and to bring peace, happiness, and intelligence. Now known as the stone of serenity, Sapphire helps one to meditate by providing mental calming.

The great Oriental traveler, Sir Richard Francis Burton, had a large star sapphire which he referred to as his “talisman,” for it always brought him good horses and prompt attention wherever he went. Just the mere sight of the stone was believed to bring luck and he showed it to people everywhere he went.

We have witnessed the sapphire on royalty throughout history; in olden times, King Solomon wore a sapphire ring, and in modern times, Prince Charles gave a sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana. The Museum of Natural History in New York is home to the one of the most notorious sapphires in the world, the “Star of India,” a sapphire of 563 carats. The British Crown Jewels are full of large blue Sapphires, the mark of prudent and wise rulers.

Ever since Prince Charles has given Princess Diana a Sapphire engagement ring, more and more couples have decided to adopt this old tradition to the present day. Sapphire doesn’t stand for wild and fiery passion, rather for truth, compatibility, commitment, and mutual understanding. Sapphire is also recommended for a couple’s 5th or 45th anniversaries.

The sapphire has for a long time, been identified with chastity, piety, and repentance. It brings wisdom and truth, increases perception and the understanding of justice. It helps find peace of mind and serenity and promotes a life of sincerity, helping preserve one’s innocence while learning life’s truths. Sapphires also are associated with romantic love, representing fidelity and romantic devotion. I it also used for a quest to increase one’s faith, hope, and joy, and to keep thoughts pure and heavenly.