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Sapphires are a truly mesmerising gemstone, with their remarkable colouration and elegant range of hues. If you are lucky enough to be born in September, this exquisite gemstone is your birthstone! Associated with faithfulness and truth, sapphires encompass characteristics that are typically associated with Libras.
In ancient times, sapphires were believed to have many majestic powers such as protecting the wearer from harm, healing snake bites and preventing the effects of poison. Sapphires were a favourite choice in the Middle Ages, and due to being considered extremely rare, were reserved exclusively for royalty and upper nobility. The elegant hues of the September birthstone are also favoured by modern British royalty. Iconically, Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring is now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Whilst sapphires are found in several deposits around the world, there are three main mines that are of historical importance. The first to be aware of is the Burmese mines. The Mogok Valley in Upper Burma, known as ‘the valley of gems’ is renowned for its abundance of gemstones. Found approximately 4,000 km above sea level with little to no road access, the sapphires found here are known for their highly saturated, rich colour, and celebrated for their exceptional quality. Whilst the majority of gemstones mined here are rubies, less than 10% are sapphires, heightening their desirability. The purest, most saturated blue of those found are bestowed with the term ‘Royal Blue’,and are the finest Burmese sapphires.
Then we have the Ceylon mines. Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, is known as ‘the jewel box of the Indian Ocean’ due to the many gemstones found there. Ceylon sapphires tend to have a bright mid-blue colour, known as ‘cornflower' blue. This tranquil, ethereal hue is a lighter blue than other sapphires from across the world. Ceylon is also where the Padparadscha sapphire is found. With the name deriving from the Sinhalese word for “lotus flower,” this highly regarded sapphire is a mesmerising blend of orange and pink. Indeed, sapphires naturally occur in a rainbow spectrum of hues including, pink, yellow, green and purple. These are known as ‘fancy sapphire’s’!
With a rich cornflower or cobalt blue, sapphires unearthed from the mines of Kashmir are most famous for their colour which is unlike any other sapphire. Boasting a fine milky, velvety softness, these are of the highest quality to which all other sapphires are compared to. Greatly contributing to their rarity, Kashmir Sapphires were only mined between 1881 and 1887! In a mountain range in north-western Himalayas, a landslide exposed a snow-covered area. The harsh conditions of the landscape made it incredibly difficult to mine here, and the mines were exhausted within just 6 years. To own such a gemstone is to own a piece of immense rarity and historical importance.
Other sapphire deposits include Thailand, where sapphires with an incredible range of hues can be found, including remarkable yellow sapphires that range from a light yellow to a deep cognac yellow. Significant production comes from the provinces of Chantiabuti and Ttat in southeastern Thailand and are known for their vivid deep blue colour.
As the mines are not producing the same quality in which they used to, today, approximately 95% of gemstones are exposed to heat treatments to enhance their colour. Therefore, natural, unenhanced sapphires are a true rarity, and an investment opportunity.
Here at Aubreys Auctioneers, we are thrilled to have consigned an exquisite natural, unenhanced sapphire and diamond ring that will be coming up for sale in our 26th of September auction!
This piece has been certified to confirm the origin, and most importantly, that it has not been exposed to heat treatment. When it comes to determining a sapphires origin, the inclusions within the gemstone must be studied. Commonly, the inclusions found within one gemstone can be associated with several deposits. This sapphire could have derived from Thailand, with its wonderful vivid, deep blue hue. The sapphire itself is in remarkable condition, and the rich blue hue is certainly divine. In addition to this, the ring dates to circa 1905-1915, demonstrating exceptional skills from a bygone era through intricate, handcrafted detail.
This wonderful piece is history has remained in the family and cherished for over 60 years, with the current owner retaining a fond memory of her father purchasing the mesmerising piece in an antique shop in Bournemouth in the 1950’s.
It is now looking for someone to continue its story. This piece will make for an impressive engagement ring, a perfect milestone gift, or simply a standout addition to your personal jewellery collection. Keep an eye out of our online catalogue or visit our Surrey office on viewing days to see how this piece comes to life in person, along with many other jewels.
