It’s September, which means a sapphire gift guide is in order! Sapphires serve as a birthstone for September, a month that often marks a transition in seasons and a return to the rhythm of daily life after the summer's freedom. This is a perfect time of the year to embrace the beauty and symbolism of the sapphire as legend tells us this stone brings wisdom, protection, and good fortune.
Sapphires, treasured for their captivating blue hue and timeless charm, have adorned various forms of jewelry throughout the centuries. From the halls of ancient royalty to modern runways, these magnificent gems have consistently woven a rich tapestry of style and symbolism. Sapphires have long been seen as shields against harm and negative energy.
In this gift guide, we will delve into the allure of sapphires, discussing their journey through different eras and offering insights to help you select a gift that radiates enduring elegance.
The Basics: What is a Sapphire?
Sapphires are part of the corundum family of minerals, known for their superior hardness—second only on the Mohs scale to diamonds. It is the trace elements within these stones, such as iron and titanium, that gift sapphires their iconic blue color. Interestingly, sapphires are not just limited to blue; they come in virtually all colors aside from red - red corundums are known as rubies.
Sapphire Quality: The Four Cs
The quality of sapphires is traditionally evaluated on the basis of the 'Four Cs' - Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Color. With sapphires, color often takes precedence over other factors. The color of sapphires, especially blue sapphires, is often indicative of the origin of the Sapphire. There are certain provenances that are especially appealing. Kashmir, Ceylon, and Burma sapphires are known for their beauty and dimension. Kashmir sapphires are a deep, velvety cornflower blue while Burma sapphires have a deep royal blue hue and Ceylon sapphires are a bright mid blue hue.
Source: Diamond Jewelry Pedia Online
Selecting the Perfect Sapphire Gift
When selecting a sapphire gift, it’s important to consider the recipient's personal style and their lifestyle and think about the availability of different eras of jewelry. For lovers of vintage style, a Victorian sapphire brooch or an Art Nouveau sapphire pendant may be ideal. For those with modern tastes, a contemporary sapphire ring or bracelet could be the perfect pick. For someone who works with their hands, a necklace may be a better choice than a ring, while a scarf lover may appreciate a brooch over a necklace! It’s up to you to do your homework when it comes to the recipient and what they might like. The most important thing is that you think about what this gift symbolizes to you and the recipient.
Selecting the Perfect Sapphire Gift by Era
Victorian Era - (1837-1901) During the Victorian era, sapphires were often set in yellow gold and paired with pearls or diamonds. Jewelry from this period, such as brooches and pendants, showcases intricate designs and detailed craftsmanship. In the Victorian era, sapphires rose to prominence, particularly during the late Victorian period. The discovery of significant sapphire deposits in Australia fueled their accessibility and popularity. Romantic and sentimental motifs like hearts and bows, often featuring sapphires, were popular during this period. After Queen Victoria's death, mourning jewelry also incorporated sapphires, symbolizing heavenly hope.
Art Nouveau Era - Spanning 1890 to 1910, the Art Nouveau era embraced organic and fluid designs. Sapphires were often used in intricate, enamel pieces depicting nature, a popular theme of this period. The Art Nouveau era was characterized by free-flowing designs and themes drawn from nature. Sapphires were used alongside other gemstones and enamels in highly decorative, organic pieces. Dragonfly and peacock feather designs, set with sapphires, were especially popular.
Edwardian Era - From 1901 to 1910, Edwardian jewelry was characterized by elegance and lightness. The widespread use of platinum allowed for delicate, lace-like designs, often adorned with diamonds and blue sapphires. Garlands, bows, and tassels were common themes, reflecting the period's love for opulence.
Art Deco Era - The Art Deco period from the 1920s to 1930s favored geometric designs and bold contrasts over the ornate designs of the past. Sapphires were commonly used alongside diamonds in white gold or platinum settings for an elegant, dramatic look. Calibrated sapphires, cut specifically to fit into precise geometric designs, were popular to create these striking looks. Sapphires were often used to accent diamonds in stark contrast of color, embodying the era's spirit of modernity and progress.
Retro Era - The Retro era from 1935 - 1950ish, influenced by the hardships of World War II, saw more affordable, yet bold and glamorous styles. Rose gold became popular, and sapphires, being durable and relatively available, were used extensively. The designs were dimensional and chunky, often featuring large, cushion-cut sapphires.
RETRO GIA CEYLON NO HEAT SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND 18K YELOW GOLD PLATINUM RING
Modern Era - Today, sapphires grace everything from minimalist pendants to ornate rings, showcasing their rich colors and versatility. Contemporary designs celebrate the gem's rich color, often using creative cuts and innovative settings. The iconic Princess Diana sapphire engagement ring, now worn by Duchess Kate Middleton, has fueled a resurgence in the popularity of sapphire engagement rings.
In each era, sapphires have held their own, continuously evolving in design and yet consistently embodying elegance and allure. Their timeless appeal makes them a superb choice for a meaningful gift that carries a touch of history.
Selecting the Perfect Sapphire Gift by Occasion
Caring for the Sapphire Gift
Sapphires, while durable, require appropriate care. Clean sapphire jewelry regularly using mild soap and water, and gently remove any dirt with a soft brush. Keep sapphires away from harsh chemicals and extreme heat.
Sapphires are more than just beautiful gemstones; they are fragments of history, steeped in symbolism and style. Whether it's a significant birthday, a milestone anniversary, or a surprise for a loved one, a sapphire's timeless allure and robust nature make it a cherished gift, promising to delight its wearer for generations. We’d be happy to help you find the perfect sapphire gift for your beloved - just give us a ring!
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At Jack Weir & Sons, we’ve spent the last 40 years traveling to Europe and all over the world, curating extraordinary estate jewels. JWS is where the old world meets the new world. Celebrate life, preserve history, and discover your own priceless heirloom jewel. We are extremely grateful for our clients and the ability to help people to celebrate their special moments through one-of-a-kind jewelry. To share that gratitude and our strong family values, we chose to partner with Baby2Baby. So far, we've donated $125,000. A portion of every sale goes towards children living in poverty to provide them with diapers, clothing, and all the basic necessities that every child deserves.
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