Sapphire: Meaning, Lore, And Legend Throughout the Ages

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September.

In folklore, history, art, and consumer awareness, sapphire has always been associated with the color blue. Its name comes from the Greek word sappheiros, which probably referred to lapis lazuli.

Sapphires are associated with focusing the mind, maintaining self-discipline, and channeling higher powers. Throughout time, this gemstone has been referenced in almost all religions.

Lore & Legend

Sapphires are among the earliest known gemstones in history. As a result, it is no surprise that there are many legends about this wonderful stone.

The blue sapphire is most prominent in mythology. Blue was a pure, heavenly color, and in many Eastern cultures sapphires were believed to ward off evil. It was also believed that if a wicked person wore a sapphire, it would not shine. Others believed that sapphires could influence spirits, and thus the stone has been popular with witches and even necromancers who have used it to talk to the dead.

An ancient Persian legend says that the earth rests upon a giant sapphire and that the sky reflects its color.

In Greek legend, the Titan Prometheus was chained to a rock as punishment for gifting humanity with fire. In some myths, the rock is a giant sapphire. When Hercules later freed Prometheus, a link from the chain remained on Prometheus’ finger, and a piece of the stone was on it. This stone was the very first sapphire.

Another legend tells that Helen of Troy owned a large star sapphire which brought her many worthy suitors.

In 1000 B.C., King Solomon was said to have owned an inscribed sapphire which gave him the power to command demons and speak to animals.

In Religion

According to the Jewish Talmud, Moses was given the Ten Commandments on sapphire tablets, making them a sacred stone. In the Middle Ages, wealthy nobles wore them to protect themselves from envy and harm, and the clergy wore them as a symbol of heaven.

The asteria, or white lines across a star sapphire, have a large symbolic meaning. Known as the Stone of Destiny, each of the three long lines represented faith, hope, and destiny in Christian mythology. These lines were thought to ward off evil. They were so strong that their influence would protect the owner even after it was no longer in the owner’s possession. 

Buddhists believed that sapphires had a calming effect on people, which facilitated their devotion to prayer and meditation.

Celebrity Sapphires

The highly valued star sapphires have been thought to bring good luck. Explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton famously carried a star sapphire talisman with him when he traveled, believing the stone would bring good fortune.

He often rewarded people who displayed politeness to him with a glimpse of the stone, which was enough to bring him more favors and praise, as many believed that merely glimpsing a star sapphire would bring luck.

Even today, many royals across Europe wear sapphires. One of the most famous examples is the late Princess Diana’s sapphire ring, now worn by Kate Middleton. Like many stones, the sapphire was believed to have the power to cure poison, improve eyesight, and heal the body.

Conclusion

Throughout time and continuing to this day, folks have been enchanted by sapphire. Karma & Luck has some beauties you might want to see!