SAPPHIRES IN FAVOUR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20065, 23 March 1935, Page 11

SAPPHIRES IN FAVOUR

AN INTERESTING HISTORY This beautiful stone is supposed to elevate the thoughts. If its wearers lead honest lives, it is said to bring them happiness. If you read the Bible you will remember that King Solomon’s ring contained a sapphire, and during the thirteenth century it was ordered that the rings of bishops should be set with sapphires in puregold. It is still a very popular gem for engagement rings, but it is said only to keep its beautiful rich colouring if worn by those who are true. “Star” sapphires are slightly cloudy and are considered the most powerful mascots for lovers. The Stuart Royalties appeared to be very fond of sapphires, and some very beautiful jewellery set with these gems was owned by the late Tsarina of Russia. After a fall from popularity in the nineteenth century, the sapphire suddenly became the vogue again when the Princess Royal married, as she had many beautiful presents of sapphire

jewellery. The Queen also wears sapphires a great deal during the daytime, and a beautiful Kashmir sapphire was chosen for Princess Marina’s engagement ring. This precious stone —which is next in hardness to the diamond—is getting more valuable. It is mined in Burma, Kashmir and Siam. From these places it is a deep royal blue in colour. It is also found in Ceylon—much pale.* in tone; in Australia—very dark; and in the United States of America. The American sapphires, apparently, are the true sapphire blue. Even more surprising is the fact that sapphires are not always blue. They can be pink or yellow, and some of those mined in America are magenta. It is the birthstone of people bom under the Zodiacal signs of Taurus and Capricorn.