While the gemstone can occur in all shades, the most sought after are certainly blue. “From antiquity, it was highly regarded for its talismanic properties today it is valued for its exceptional color.” “Sapphire is one of the most valuable gemstones in the world,” Jean Ghika, global head of jewelry at Bonhams, tells Galerie. More recently, they have been associated with royalty and romance thanks to the iconic blue sapphire engagement ring given to Princess Diana and then to Kate Middleton.

In ancient Greece and Rome, kings and queens believed that the gem protected them from harm while during the Middle Ages, the clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolize Heaven. Photo: Courtesy of the American Natural History MuseumĪdored for their brilliant, celestial-blue tones, sapphires have long symbolized nobility, sincerity, wisdom, and faithfulness, making them the perfect birthstone for September.

The Star of India, the world's largest sapphire-allegedly around 2 billion years old-weighs 563-carats and is roughly the size of a golf ball.

Cashmere sapphires