Gem of the Week: The Many Faces of the Sapphire

Though the word “Sapphire” is derived from the Greek, meaning “blue stone,” sapphires come in a variety of colors. Of course, most of us think of the classic deep blue color when we think of a sapphire, but they naturally can be yellow, pink, purple, orange, green or colorless. These “fancy color” sapphires often take the place of much costlier colored diamonds in many fine pieces of jewelry. A variety of the mineral corundum, the sapphire’s red sister is the ruby.


Sapphires are remarkable stones with some having color-change properties and others that exhibit a star-like effect in direct light. Natural star sapphires are increasingly rare and are now largely found mostly in estate and antique jewelry. The Victorian phenomenon of the “DEAREST” ring relied on the sapphire. A diamond, an emerald, an amethyst, a ruby, another emerald, a sapphire and a topaz were used to symbolize the word, “Dearest.”

Victorian and Edwardian jewelers made great use of the sapphire. But, no eras cherished the sapphire in their designs more than the Art Nouveau and the Art Deco. Sumptuously paired with diamonds, the sapphire proved the perfect counterpoint to the icy sparkle of the most precious stones. The birthstone of September, sapphires remain as popular today as ever. Perfect in any setting, the sapphire is elegance at its best.

Art Deco Diamond, Platinum and Sapphire ring from The Three Graces.