Blue Sapphire – The Most Valuable and Iconic Sapphire
The blue sapphire is the most coveted of all sapphires — a gemstone rich in history, symbolism, and prestige. Its fame skyrocketed when Lady Diana received her iconic engagement ring from Prince Charles: a brilliant blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds. Since then, the blue sapphire has become a symbol of royalty, elegance, and eternal love.
A Gemstone with Royal History
Long before Lady Diana wore it, the blue sapphire was treasured by medieval kings, bishops, and nobility. In ancient Greece and throughout the Middle Ages, the gemstone was believed to cure eye diseases and even free prisoners. Before the 19th century, when people spoke of “sapphires,” they were referring exclusively to the blue sapphire.
Meaning of the Name
The word sapphire comes from the Greek word for “blue.” Only later were other sapphire colors discovered — such as pink, yellow, white, violet, and the rare padparadscha sapphire.
Color & Quality – What Makes a Sapphire Valuable?
The most desirable shade of blue sapphire is cornflower blue — a rich, vivid, and clear blue. However, sapphires range from light blue to deep midnight blue, sometimes appearing almost black. Some rare sapphires even display color-changing properties, appearing blue in daylight and violet under artificial light.
Key value factors for blue sapphires:
Blue Sapphire in Jewelry – Durable & Elegant
With a Mohs hardness of 9, the blue sapphire is one of the hardest gemstones in the world — making it ideal for daily-wear jewelry, such as:
Blue sapphires pair exceptionally well with diamonds, enhancing brilliance and attracting attention. Whether worn as a statement piece or a subtle accessory, this gemstone exudes sophistication.
Origins & Mining Locations of Blue Sapphires
The most valuable sapphires come from the Kashmir region of the Himalayas. Discovered in the late 19th century after a rockslide, these stones entered royal collections across Europe. Unfortunately, the main mine was depleted within a few years.
Top Sapphire Sources Worldwide
– Highest quality & rarity
– Often mined together with rubies
– Home to the world-famous “Star of Adam” (1404 carats, valued at ~90 million euros)
– Most common source for modern sapphires
Other mining locations include Thailand, Tanzania, Vietnam, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Nigeria, Australia, and the USA. Australian stones often contain a slight green hue, which lowers their value.
👉 Origin strongly influences price — two sapphires with identical colour and cut can differ significantly in price depending on where they were mined.
Heat Treatment – Common but Important
Many sapphires undergo heat treatment to enhance their color. This is considered normal practice in the gem industry — but it must always be declared on the certificate. Treatments range from high-temperature (easy to detect) to low-temperature (difficult to detect). Untreated blue sapphires are significantly rarer and more valuable.
Most Popular Sapphire Cuts
Gem cutters aim to maximize both beauty and size from the rough stone. The most common cuts for blue sapphires are:
(most popular)
Why Choose a Blue Sapphire?
✔ Symbol of royalty, wisdom, and loyalty
✔ Ideal for engagement rings & fine jewelry
✔ Durable — suitable for daily wear
✔ Investment gemstone with lasting value
Explore Our Collection of Certified Blue Sapphires
Discover naturally beautiful, ethically sourced gemstones — perfect for jewelry, gifts, or investment. Find your blue sapphire today and wear a piece of history.
