Sapphire: the history and secrets of the blue stone par excellence

Kashmir sapphires: the most precious in the world

Kashmir, India 1881: a tremendous avalanche in the Himalayan peaks brings to light, at an altitude of 4,000–5,000 meters, a sapphire mine. They are gems of the purest blue, which shine the same way under any light, including artificial light. Once the treasure was discovered, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Ranbir Singh, immediately took control of the area and the mine, declaring himself the owner of the excavations. After 40 years, the Maharaja's mines were exhausted, which helped to increase the myth of the sapphires that were extracted there. Sapphires from Kashmir are considered the most beautiful in the world: they display a vivid, velvety blue hue that is unique to the region and are among the most prized gems for their rarity and scarcity. From time to time they still appear on the market as collector's items or mounted in antique jewelry. They certainly set a benchmark against which all other sapphires are measured and are highly sought after.

Sapphire: meaning, history, and symbolism of the blue stone

Like many famous gems, the blue sapphire appears in religious and mythological tales of antiquity and symbolizes sincerity and serenity. It is often used as a talisman to preserve purity and protect the wearer. It is highly sought after for its "gifts" of psychic activation and spiritual quest: its color (from the Greek “Sappheiros”, blue) brings order and healing to the mind, bestowing strength and focus, and the ability to see beyond superficial appearances. It is an exceptional gem for calming the mind and encourages intuition, bringing with it lightness, joy, and balance. As an engagement ring, it represents “faithful love” and certainly “the most beautiful thing,” according to the ancient Hebrew “Sappire”.

Sapphire Jewelry

In-depth article by Sonia Basso