Sapphire is a general term for corundum of diverse colours apart from rubies. Blue sapphires are the most valued among all. Originating in different countries including Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka and China, sapphires vary in colour. With the exception of those from Kashmir, Burmese blue sapphires are of the highest quality as they derive their colour from titanium contents, exhibiting the most beautiful blues in the gem kingdom.
Blue sapphires symbolise loyalty, love and good fortune. Therefore, they are also called the Gem of Heaven and Gem of Kings. As early as the ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek periods, they were used for decorating mosques, churches, temples and for religious tributes. The gemstones were also embroidered in the crowns of the British Kings and Russian Tsars and their ceremonial robes.
In recent years, blue sapphires have become a symbol of happy matrimony and a lucky gemstone to mark wedding anniversaries. British Prince William’s engagement ring for his lovely wife was also a blue sapphire, sparking a craze for the precious stone. Yet, their mining outputs are significantly reduced these days, which means that blue sapphires have become even rarer and more precious than before. Gemstone merchants have resorted to thermal treatments to process blue sapphires of inferior quality, to enhance their reflections and colours. Excessive mining in the past has made natural blue sapphires that weigh over ten carats extremely rare. In this auction, lot 183 offers an untreated, 30.91 carat Burmese blue sapphire coveted for its vivid blue colour, superb clarity and purity. It is undoubtedly a highly sought after piece by collectors.