Sapphire

Sapphire takes its name from the ancient Greek sappheiros, meaning “blue stone,” though some trace it to the Hebrew saphar, “to engrave.” Known for its exceptional resistance to scratching — second only to diamond — sapphire is used not only in fine jewellery but also in watch crystals, camera lenses and certain smartphone components. Found in the United States, Canada and various tropical regions, sapphire belongs to the corundum family. While it is most often associated with blue, its spectrum is remarkably wide: greens, purples, pinks, oranges, yellows, and the celebrated star sapphires, displaying an asterism created by multidirectional light refraction. Across traditions, sapphire symbolises truth, loyalty and strength. Its saturated colour and steady brilliance give it a quiet authority, often linked to clarity and sincerity. In contemporary jewellery, designers such as Polly Wales and Ruth Tomlinson value sapphire for its versatility and expressive palette, using it to create pieces that feel both textured and luminous.