Freelance Writer

There is just something about sapphires; most people when they think of a sapphire imagine a deep blue colour, which almost seems to glow from within, an enchanting gemstone of great form and beauty. In reality, some of the most well known sapphires in the world do fit this particular description rather well. The three discussed below are magnificent gems which sum up all that is wonderful about a sapphire.

Almost everybody who has given gemstones even a tertiary study will be familiar with the incredible Star of India. This is the largest star sapphire found in the world to date, it is said to have been discovered in Sri Lanka over 300 years ago, indeed, Sri Lanka is one of the worlds primary hot spots for finding high quality sapphires. The gem itself was formed some 2 billion years ago and during its formation inducted a quantity of the mineral rutile. The presence of this mineral has given the Star of India a milky quality, but also supplies what is termed an “asterism”, which is a star effect in the centre of the gemstone. It is this feature, along with the actual colour, which makes star sapphires such sought after stones. The base stone was cut into a cabochon shape, and retains a carat weight of 563.35.

The Queen Marie of Romania’s Sapphire is the third largest known sapphire in the world, the aforementioned Star of India being the largest, and Peter the Great’s Nose being the second largest. What really sets this gem apart is the incredible colour and stylish cushion shape cut which is slightly narrowed at one end. The stones itself is of Sri Lankan origin and displays no imperfections or phenomena. It remains to this day the largest sapphire ever to come of up for auction at Christies of Geneva. It has a long and noble history, but in more recent times had become the property of Harry Winston in 1947 to form part of the “Court of jewels” exhibition. The stone is now on permanent display in the Diamond Fund Exhibition, within the Kremlin Armoury Museum in Moscow.

A rather interesting gemstone is The Stuart Sapphire; the interest comes from the fact that its historical value far outstrips its monetary value. Indeed, the stone itself has a hole drilled through it at one end, possibly dating back to the time it was used as a pendant. It also contains several flaws, although it must be said that it displays a stunning blue colour. It is believed that the sapphire first belonged to Charles II, but the first documented evidence of ownership is that it was part of the jewel collection which James II fled to France with. James II passed the gem on to his son, Charles Edward, who in turn gave it to his son Henry Bentick, who would eventually become the Cardinal of York. When he died, he bequeathed the stone to King George III. It was then set into Queen Victoria’s State Crown, sitting just below the Black Prince’s Ruby at the front of the headpiece. When the crown was remade at a later date, the Stuart Sapphire was moved to the back, and replaced at the front by the Cullinan II Diamond. As you can see, this particular sapphire has distinct historical value.