Considered by many as the most beautiful gemstone, the sapphire ranks among the top 10 most expensive gemstones in the world and is undoubtedly one of the most popular. Previously, we discussed the different types of sapphires and their colours to help you gain a deeper insight into one of the most interesting subjects in gemmology. Today, we will continue this fascinating saga by revealing a list of the world’s most famous sapphires.
Throughout history, various master jewelers have sought fame by incorporating these natural wonders into their designs, creating iconic pieces for their most distinguished clients. If you wish to see how the beauty of sapphires seamlessly fits into the most sophisticated and contemporary designs, we recommend visiting Mumit’s online store. There, you will find a fabulous selection of sapphire jewelry, crafted by expert goldsmiths as a tribute to the magic of this mesmerising gemstone.
As you may have noticed, sapphires with the potential to become famous gems possess distinctive physical features. For example, their size, colour, and clarity are far above average. Sometimes, their origin also determines their popularity, as certain regions of the world are known for superior quality deposits. Lastly, we cannot ignore the sentimental factor. Some sapphires become famous for having an interesting history or for having been owned by famous people, especially royalty. Today, we will have a look at the way these factors have influenced the fame of the following precious stones.
The Logan Sapphire
The impressive size of the Logan Sapphire, totalling 420 carats, makes it one of the most famous in the world. Additionally, its deep blue colour and excellent clarity solidify its place at the top. Flanked by a total of twenty brilliant-cut diamonds, this natural sapphire from Sri Lanka was once in the Guggenheim family before moving to its current location at the prestigious National Museum of Natural History in the United States.
If you dream of adding a sizeable sapphire to your ring collection, we recommend Mumit’s Nerissa Rose Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold. Its imposing one-carat blue sapphire, sourced from Sri Lanka like the Logan Sapphire, is complemented by a dazzling array of diamonds totalling one and a half carats, arranged in an exquisite three-stone design that magnificently enhances the central sapphire’s beauty.
The Ruspoli Sapphire
Also known as the Great Sapphire, this magnificent gemstone was acquired by the French Crown in the 17th century and has been on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris since the 18th century. Its unusual cut, shape, and the legends associated with its origin have turned it into an iconic gem.
When talking about famous French sapphires, we cannot miss Napoleon’s engagement ring for Josephine. The fabulous Toi et Moit ring that the French emperor gave his fiancée features two stones: a blue sapphire and a diamond, each one with an approximate weight of one carat. Toi et Moi engagement rings are highly symbolic, representing the coming together of two souls. In this case, the two stones represented a relationship that has been the subject of great popular interest. Hence, the fame of this sapphire and diamond ring which was auctioned off in 2013 for a remarkable sum.
The Blue Giant of the Orient
This cushion-cut wonder is one of the largest gem-quality blue sapphires in the world, with an impressive carat weight of 486. It was discovered more than one hundred years ago in Sri Lanka’s “city of gems”, Ratnapura. It is believed that the rough stone must have weighed around 600 carats. Part of its fame derives from the fact that it is one of the most mysterious sapphires ever to exist, having been owned exclusively by private collectors.
St. Edward’s Sapphire
Beyond its undeniable beauty, St. Edward’s Sapphire is famous for its historical and religious significance. Legend has it that it belonged to Edward the Confessor, an 11th-century King of England who was later canonised. Today, it is part of the St. Edward’s Cross, one of the most notable pieces of the British Crown Jewels, used in coronation ceremonies.
Besides the most formal ceremonies, you will also see the British royalty members wearing stunning sapphire jewelry pieces for different types of events. For example, Queen Camilla has already worn the George VI Sapphires several times since she inherited them from Queen Elizabeth II. This stunning set, which consists of a necklace and a matching pair of earrings, was one of the belated Queen’s most treasured pieces, given to her by her father as a wedding gift.
If you are also fascinated by royal jewels, you can find your personal treasure in Mumit’s Crown Sapphire Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold. The pieces in this collection are a minimalist interpretation of the striking gems adorning the Crown Jewels. The design of these earrings features a captivating central sapphire guarded by four brilliant-cut diamonds, a perfect fusion of elegance and modernity.
The Star of Bombay
This 182-carat star sapphire stands out for its colour and clarity, as well as its history. Actor Douglas Fairbanks presented this delicate cabochon-cut gem to his wife, actress Mary Pickford, lending it its renowned romantic allure. The gemstone also inspired the name of the famous British gin, Bombay Sapphire.
The Star of India
At an impressive total of 560 carats, this unusual star sapphire is one of the largest on the planet. Besides its size, it became famous for being stolen from the American Museum of Natural History in New York in 1964, only to be recovered a year later in a bus station locker in Miami.
The Stuart Sapphire
This magnificent sapphire also belongs to the British Crown Jewels collection and is located on the back of the Imperial State Crown. Since the mid-17th century, this 104-carat gemstone has been worn by various British monarchs. Its size, beauty, and history have established it as one of the most iconic sapphires.
We cannot discuss the British royal family’s jewels without highlighting the iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring of Diana, Princess of Wales. Over the years, it has become one of the most famous sapphire jewels in the world, especially since Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with the symbolic ring that once belonged to his mother.
If you think sapphire engagement rings would perfectly suit your style, Mumit’s Irem 0.70 ct Diamond and Sapphire Ring in 18k White Gold would be a spectacular choice. The magnificent central sapphire of 1.95 carats is framed by a delicate halo of diamonds, creating a stunning piece of fine jewelry that will have all eyes on you.
You can discover all of Mumit’s striking sapphire rings on their website.
The Queen of Asia
As of 2021, the Queen of Asia has been proclaimed the largest natural blue sapphire and one of the rarest gems in the world. Discovered in Sri Lanka’s “city of gems”, it weighs a total of 1,600,000 carats. Currently, it is owned by the Gemological Institute of Ratnapura.
The Rockefeller Sapphire
Known for its exceptional quality, this 62 carat blue sapphire presents a stunning step-cut silhouette. Originally purchased by John D. Rockefeller Jr. from an Indian maharajah, its ownership by one of the most famous families in America certainly added to its fame. Its current location is not publicly disclosed, since it was acquired by a private collector at an auction in 2001.
The Blue Belle of Asia
This cushion-cut beauty has an impressive total carat weight of 392 and a stunningly rich blue colour. It is famous for setting a world record for the highest price ever paid for a sapphire at an auction, when it was sold for almost 18 million dollars in 2014.
All in all, these are just some of the world’s most renowned sapphires. As you can see, each of their stories is as fascinating as their attractive physical qualities, making them true treasures for jewelry lovers and collectors.
If you too have fallen for the eternal charm of precious stones and want to start your own collection of sapphire jewelry, we recommend following Mumit’s Instagram profile, where you’ll find endless options to complete your jewelry box with the most exclusive and innovative pieces.