All About Blue Sapphires: Their Meaning, Properties and Care Tips

Blue Sapphires have captivated the hearts of jewellers, gem enthusiasts, and jewellery lovers alike for centuries. These gemstones are renowned for their breathtaking beauty and rich symbolism. From ancient lore to modern fine jewellery, these gemstones hold a special place in cultures around the world. This guide explores the fascinating world of Blue Sapphires; their meanings, properties, and essential care tips.

What is a Blue Sapphire?

Blue Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum; trace amounts of iron and titanium give it its captivating blue colour. 

The Meanings Behind Blue Sapphires

As a gemstone with a rich history dating back to In ancient times, Sapphires have been associated with various meanings all over the world. Some societies and cultures believe in its protective properties, and even royalty have favoured specifically, the Blue Sapphires,, for their calming property.

Blue Sapphires and Love

In love, Blue Sapphires hold a deep and enduring meaning. Its colour symbolises loyalty and devotion, making it a very popular gem for engagement rings and other types of wedding jewellery. It is also believed to foster love and harmony, making it a fitting symbol of lasting commitment.

Blue Sapphire as a Symbol of Truth

In various cultures, Blue Sapphires represent truth, sincerity, and integrity. It is also associated with clear communication, mental clarity, and the pursuit of knowledge. Therefore, some believe that it encourages honesty and authenticity in oneself and others.

Blue Sapphires and Royalty

Blue Sapphires have also long been associated with royalty and nobility. Throughout history, monarchs and aristocrats have adorned themselves with Blue Sapphires, believing they represented wisdom, power, and divine favour.

Some of the most famous Blue Sapphires in history include the Stuart Sapphire, which once adorned the British Crown Jewels, and the engagement ring of Princess Diana, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales. These iconic gems have solidified the Blue Sapphire's regal status.

Facts About Blue Sapphires

The name "Sapphire" originates from the Greek word "sappheiros," meaning blue stone, reflecting the gem's historical association with this colour. While Sapphires can occur in a rainbow of colours, blue remains the most iconic and sought-after hue, embodying the gem's timeless elegance and allure.

Blue Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, which is a crystalline form of aluminium oxide. The captivating blue hue of these Sapphires arises from the presence of trace elements like iron and titanium within the crystal structure. Interestingly, even small amounts of these elements can significantly impact the Sapphire's colour, with varying concentrations creating a spectrum of blue hues, from delicate pastels to deep, velvety blues and some of the world’s most desired types: Cornflower, Kashmir, and Royal blues.

Renowned for their exceptional hardness, Blue Sapphires rank 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making them second only to Diamonds in durability. This remarkable property makes them an excellent choice for jewellery that is intended for everyday wear, and family heirlooms.

Origins and Sources of Blue Sapphires

Sri Lanka, historically known as Ceylon, is one of the most notable sources of fine Blue Sapphires in the world, with historical records noting their presence since the BCE, highlighting their significance in the gemstone and jewellery world. Having been born in Sri Lanka, our Founder, B.P. de Silva, himself, curated Sapphires for trade across the globe.

Today, Blue Sapphires are mined in different countries, including Madagascar, and Australia. Sri Lanka remains home to some of the most renowned Blue Sapphires in the world like the “Blue Belle of Asia”, The “Logan Sapphire” and Princess Diana’s (now Kate’s, Princess of Wales) Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring.

In 2024, we launched a line of Traceable Sapphires, which includes Blue Sapphire Necklaces in our Pocketful of Gems Collection.

Choosing a Blue Sapphire: Key Properties to Consider

When investing in a Blue Sapphire, it is important to understand the qualities that determine its value and beauty. Here are some key consideration: 

Colour

The colour of a Blue Sapphire is arguably its most important property. Since Blue Sapphires are natural gemstones, their colour can vary from light to dark. To identify the best gems, B.P. de Silva Gem Specialists recommend looking for Sapphires with vivid colour combined with good clarity, and even more importantly, to go with the colour tone that makes you feel. Colour is emotion, after all. 

Carat

Carat refers to the weight of a gemstone. Most people are familiar with this term when it comes to Diamonds, but the same principle applies to Blue Sapphires and other gemstones.  If you come across a natural, unheated or even untreated Blue Sapphire in the colour that you specifically desire, and it is of a good clarity grade, and the cut and carat-weight that matches the jewellery you wish to create, you can be assured that it is one-of-a-kind due to its organic nature.

Clarity

Clarity refers to the degree to which a gemstone is free from inclusions. There are various types of inclusions in a natural gemstone, occuring naturally within the crystal as in forms in the Earth. Inclusions may affect the visual properties of the gemstone, such as its transparency and brilliance but they also add character and uniqueness; inclusions also allow gemmologists and specialists to know their origin. 

At B.P.’s the conversation is open, talk to us about what you desire. Some of our clients are excited about inclusions, and some prefer less inclusions. We’d love to know your preferences.

Cut

A good cut will not only bring out a Blue Sapphire's sparkle but also flatter its natural colour; in some cases, depending on the rough, gemstones are cut to minimise natural inclusions. Traditionally, the most popular cuts for Blue Sapphires are oval and round cuts. These are used in all types of jewellery, especially for engagement rings, tennis bracelets, or bridal jewellery. 

Caring for Your Blue Sapphire Jewellery

Given their remarkable properties, proper gemstone care is essential to preserve the beauty of your Blue Sapphires. By following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure your Sapphire remains a cherished treasure for generations. Here are some tips to ensure your Blue Sapphire stays radiant:

• Cleaning: Clean your Sapphire jewellery regularly with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Do avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the stone.
• Storage: When not being worn, store your Sapphire jewellery in your B.P. de Silva pouch, or in its jewellery box, separate from other pieces to prevent scratching. 
• Protection: Avoid wearing your Sapphire jewellery during strenuous activities or when there is a risk of impact. We also recommend keeping your Sapphiure jewellery dry
• Professional Cleaning: For a more thorough cleaning and inspection, consider having your Sapphire jewellery professionally cleaned at B.P.’s once a year. This can help maintain its brilliance and ensure proper jewellery care.