During ancient times the Persians believed that the planet earth was resting on a sapphire gemstone and the reflection from the stone was what gave the sky its blue colour. We also know from historians that sapphires were worn as amulets and talisman by kings and royalty to ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer from danger. Sapphires have always been regarded as a stone that represents truth and sincerity. It is here that the history of sapphire gemstones begins.

We all know and love the sapphire for its deep rich blue colour. In the jewellery industry this colour is described as cornflower blue or Kashmir, as this was traditionally the place where the finest quality sapphires were mined. Modern sapphires come from Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand,
the United States, Australia and Africa.

Sapphires come in a range of colours from blue through to a pink and orange colour. Some colours are rarer than others and therefore are more expensive. There are also what are known as star sapphires. These stones are cut and polished as cabochons. When the stone is viewed in the light a six point star shines brightly in the centre of the cabochon. Many different cultures believed that the star sapphire could protect them from witchcraft and black magic. The three intersecting rays in the stone are said to represent faith, hope and destiny. One of the most famous star sapphires in the world is the Star of India, which weighs in at an astounding 543 carats and is housed in the Morgan-Tiffany collection in the American Museum of Natural History in New York.