Sapphires are symbolic of faithfulness, sincerity and truth, among other things.
Sapphires are associated with sincerity and faithfulness. In Isaiah 54:11, the Old Testament writer describes laying "foundations of sapphires," with the gems representing truth. A sapphire is usually blue, although pink, yellow and even white or colorless sapphires are possible. Made of an aluminum oxide called corundum, it is the hardest natural mineral after diamonds. Blue corundum is a sapphire, while red corundum is a ruby.
History
Sapphires have been written about for thousands of years. The Sanskrit "sauriratna" became the Hebrew "sapphir" (most beautiful of things) and went through Greek and Latin before arriving at the modern day English "sapphire." Sapphires are found worldwide, with high-quality gems coming from Myanmar (Burma), Australia and southeast Asia. Sapphires were first found in the United States in 1865. An area around Yogo Gulch, Montana, is known for its naturally blue, high-clarity sapphires that do not require heat treatment. Artificial sapphires can be made so well that an expert is needed to tell natural from synthetic varieties.
Symbolism
According to the website "Gemstone Gifts," the sapphire's meaning includes truth, faithfulness and sincerity. The sapphire is also associated with divine favor. Blue was a color worn by priests to show their association with the heavens. In the Middle Ages, the sapphire represented the union of priest and sky, and sapphires were found in bishops' rings.
Biblical Sapphires
In Isaiah 54:11, the Old Testament writer describes laying "foundations of sapphires" when constructing buildings for an afflicted people. The sapphires represent a solid foundation of truth. Other biblical references to sapphires include Exodus 24:10, with God seen on a pavement of sapphire stone, and Ezekiel 1:26, where God sits on a sapphire throne. The sapphire is also symbolic of a devotion to God.
September Birthstone
The sapphire is the modern September birthstone, and at one time was the April birthstone. It is the symbol of Saturn and Venus and associated with the astrological signs of Aquarius, Virgo, Libra and Capricorn. The website Crystal-cure states sapphires contain the energies of healing, love and power. The gem is said to contribute to mental clarity and promote financial gains.
Royal Sapphires
The British crown jewels contain several sapphires, representing pure and wise leaders. The Imperial Crown of State contains Edward the Confessor's sapphire, which sits inside a Maltese cross mounted at the top of the crown. The Imperial Crown of State also contains sapphires, as does the St. Edward's crown. Prince Charles' engagement ring to the then Diana Spencer contained a large sapphire as its center stone.
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