Happy birthday, September babies! Traditionally, sapphires represent purity and wisdom, making it a common jewel used for priests and royalty throughout the ages. Sapphires are typically blue stones, ranging in color from deep indigo to very pale blue, with the highest value set on a pure cornflower blue color. Sapphires occur in other colors all across the color spectrum, although these are far lesser in value and are referred to as fancy sapphires.
Sapphires were first mined in Sri Lanka in the 7th century. For centuries, India was the largest source of the highly prized cornflower blue sapphires, including the famous 563 carat Star of India sapphire. Now Australia boasts of the world’s largest sapphire mines, followed by mines in the South Pacific and Africa. Domestically, mines in North Carolina and Montana have produced a small amount of sapphires.
Sapphires have always been popular with the public, but it was Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring that has been credited for their huge popularity in the last decades. Sapphires are a member of the “precious four” family along with fine diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. Sapphires are a close second to diamonds in popularity and durability, and are found in most any design. Sapphires look remarkably stunning set into the vintage-inspired halo engagement settings.
Come by and visit our showroom at Griner Jewelry 30 1st Ave. SE Moultrie, Georgia 31768, or call us at (229)985-3700!