The Hidden Secrets of Blue Sapphires

Sapphires possess amazing powers, according to history buffs. Early on, sapphires were given attributes by devotees in a bid to explain their allure.

Historical Significance

Sapphire’s tint was once thought to symbolize the heavens with its divine realm, connecting us to the spiritual and celestial worlds.   

Ancient Persians believed the sky acquired its blue color from the reflection of sapphires on earth. Scriptures in Exodus 18 placed sapphire among the 12 gemstones in the High Priest’s breastplate—representing justice.  Later, Medieval clergymen attributed sapphires to purity and wisdom.

Modern Appreciation

When European royalty embraced sapphires, their popularity exploded. Who can forget Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring?  Today it’s worn by Catherine, the new Princess of Wales. This ring more than any other solidified sapphire’s status as a symbol of timeless elegance.

Following Diana's death in 1997, the sapphire ring passed to her son, Prince Harry who gave it to his brother Prince William in 2010 because he got engaged first. The ring’s destiny of being worn by the future Queen Catherine simply skipped a generation.

What Makes Sapphire---Sapphire?

Sapphire is the blue variety of corundum, to which was added iron and titanium. Sapphire alone refers to the blue variety. Sapphires displaying other vivid colors are called Fancy Sapphires. These brightly tinted stones owe their coloration to trace minerals.

Where Sapphires Are Found

Origins, like Burma greatly impact the value of sapphire. But the world’s highest value sapphire once hailed from the Kashmir region in the Himalayas. Mining became restricted due to the region’s grueling weather, and completely ceased by 1934. Now, fine sapphires come from Madagascar and Sri Lanka.

Sapphire Facts & Features

Sapphire, with its rich symbolism, has become the ultimate engagement ring stone, because one of its most compelling features is its durability. Scoring 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, sapphires rank next to diamonds for toughness, making them ideal for everyday wear. 

Caring for sapphires is simple. Regular cleaning with warm, soapy water using a soft brush keeps sapphires looking new. Avoid harsh chemicals though, to preserve its luster. 

My Special Sapphire

Sapphires have long captured my imagination with their range of colors and spectacular brilliance. We stepped into this world at the very top, buying a 131-carat Burma sapphire. Mogok, Burma (now Myanmar) has produced superior sapphire for a thousand years.  Although I sold it to a Chinese client, it still holds a place in my heart because of its size and majestic beauty.

A Legacy of Excellence

LEIBISH has built a masterful reputation for unparalleled colored gemstones for over 25 years. Founded on a vision of offering the finest fancy color diamonds, LEIBISH added sapphires into the collections, reflecting a commitment to quality and elegance.

Innovative Craftsmanship

LEIBISH approach to craftsmanship is marked by innovation and artistry. Our cutting-edge techniques enhance the natural beauty of each sapphire, ensuring every stone is showcased to its optimum.

Signature Collections & Bespoke Jewels

Each carefully crafted piece spotlights sapphire's unique traits for a striking visual impact. Sapphire engagement rings in the Signature Collection are paired with icy white diamond accents, creating a stunning contrast. Similarly, sapphire earrings and necklaces create a distinct signature statement for the wearer.

Bespoke sapphire pieces bring customized options and beautifully reveal the individuality of the wearer. Our bespoke service ensures a unique creation tailored to the client's vision.

Increasing Value

Great sapphires have increased substantially in value over the last 2 decades. These treasures are mined--never grown in labs.  And they’re polished by real people without tainted blood marring in their value.

Kashmir sapphires remain the most expensive and sought-after gemstones. They continue to eclipse their previous sale price, exemplified by the remarkable 35.09-carat Kashmir sapphire ring. Fetching a whopping $7,357,999 at Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale in May 2015, it set a new record price at auction for a Kashmir sapphire, at over $200,000 per carat.

A Very Special Sapphire Ring

Years ago I had heard that blue sapphires represented calmness, serenity, and spirituality. At the time, I was not really calm, nor was I sure about spirituality. Yet with £100 pounds in my pocket, I found a very pretty sapphire engagement ring for my wife Rosi.

When Prince Charles proposed Diana In 1981 with a Garrard 12-carat Sri Lankan sapphire, I became convinced that my modest sapphire engagement ring was the perfect choice.

Rosi adored her sapphire ring until it was stolen in an armed home-robbery some years later. The one thing they couldn’t steal was our love, though. Our romance continued unharmed and remains strong to this day.

Frankly, I lacked the virtues that sapphire possessed, but with our sapphire engagement ring, we definitely possessed faithfulness and sincerity. I had great faith in G_d then. But I had less wisdom than the drive for good fortune when I began polishing diamonds in Israel.

I looked hard for good fortune, and thank G_d, together we succeeded.  I’ve wondered if a sapphire ring could actually protect its wearer from infidelity. If that were so, sapphire ring sales would skyrocket!

Personally I think people create their own luck and destiny, and a sapphire ring is simply a shining symbol of their good luck.

We can’t promise that a LEIBISH sapphire ring will guarantee fidelity in your relationship but in our case, it helped even after it was stolen.