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| Extremely rare and fine, non heated, sugarloaf sapphire 24.86 carats total, circa 1930 at Fourtane |
For those celebrating a birthday in September, sapphire is the traditional birthstone.
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| Art Deco sapphire and diamond bracelet circa 1930 at Fourtane |
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum and is found in every color of the rainbow with red being designated as ruby, all other hues sapphire. The most prized color of sapphire is a rich, sumptuous blue reminiscent of a heavenly night sky. |
| Gorgeous cushion cut sapphire and diamond earrings at Fourtane |
Today sapphires are mined in Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nigeria. Although sapphires are no longer mined there, the most prized examples were sourced in Kashmir mines over 120 years ago. These sapphires are revered for their unparalleled royal blue color saturation and superb, velvety texture. Kashmir sapphires have almost a mythical reputation in the gemstone world. They are so scarce that they are rarely offered for auctions at Sotheby's or Christie's, though top stones draw record prices when they come on to the market.
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| Elegant pear shaped sapphire ring at Fourtane 12.83 carats |
The allure of sapphires has endured for centuries. They have long been a favorite among royalty who, throughout history, considered them symbolic of wisdom and purity. Sapphires are prominent in the British Crown Jewels and the iconic ring made famous by Princess Diana.
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| Museum quality, antique, cabochon sapphire (26.49 carats) and diamond (5.92 carats) brooch circa 1875 at Fourtane |
"A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September breeze,
A sapphire on her brow should bind;
To bring her joy and peace of mind."
