Prior to the era of the Roman Empire, the blue gems were referred to as sapphiros a Greek word for sapphire. However, the English word sapphire is disputed to be truly derived from the Hebrew word sapir. While it is believed that the word has been a corrupted form of the Sanskrit word "Sanipriya", Sani meaning Saturn and Priya meaning Beloved. According to the Vedic astrology, the yellow sapphire has an association with the planet Saturn and so does the blue sapphire with the planet Jupiter. The Buddhist monks were responsible for the introduction of sapphire as Sanipriya when they moved to the Middle East; the name eventually became sapir and turned out to be sapphire in the end. According to the lore that is associated with the sapphire gemstone, it is said that by wearing the stone it will help those faced with challenges to find the right solutions. In India, theres a belief that when sapphire is used as a pendant, it serves as a talisman, protecting its wearer from evil spirits.

Any mineral corundum that possesses its quality varieties are considered as sapphires, except the red variety of the corundum family known as ruby, as well as the padparadscha, a pinkish-orange corundum variety. Sapphire has been dictated to become the birthstone of the month of September, as well as the 45th wedding anniversary known to be called as the sapphire anniversary. Aside from being the birthstone of the month of September, as well as the zodiac sign Sagittarius, the gemstone is also linked with Pisces also as its birthstone, Libra as its planetary stone and Taurus as its lucky gemstone. The largest-faceted blue sapphire of gem-quality is the Logan sapphire with 422.9 carat housed at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC, as well as the 182-carat Star of Bombay, a fine example of a very well-defined phenomenal asterism, a true blue-star sapphire.

The finest specimens of sapphire are mined in the country of Sri Lanka, where the Star of Bombay and the Logan Sapphire were found. Other countries with sources of sapphires are Myanmar, Thailand, Madagascar and Australia. During the year 1987, the biggest producers of sapphire gemstones came from Ilaka, Australia. However, sapphires were also found almost everywhere; you can get the stone from river mud and on the ground. Other places that produce sapphires are the countries of India, Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan and Pakistan as well.

Sapphire are typically known for its blue hue, however, there are different color varieties which you can choose from, you can have a pink sapphire, yellow sapphire, purple sapphire, green sapphire, and black sapphire. If you prefer something unusual you can opt for Star Sapphires, they have a star-like phenomenon exhibited on the gem which is otherwise known as asterism. The value of a Star Sapphire is determined not only by its carat but also by the color, intensity and visibility of its asterism. Sapphires are known all over the world and some of the famous include the Madagascan Sapphires, Nigerian Sapphires, Ceylonese Sapphires and the Australian Sapphires. Whether its set in sterling silver, platinum or gold jewelry, sapphires will always be regarded as one of the greatest gemstones.