Sapphire

Most current sapphire production comes from Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Montana, Australia and Africa. The finest sapphire is a rich, velvety cornflower blue. This is called "Kashmir” after the original source in India, but today the area in not mined because it’s so remote. The ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire whose reflection gave the sky its colour. Sapphire jewellery was worn by kings to protect them from harm. It was also believed that sapphire jewellery would protect the wearer from envy and attract divine favour. The gem was regarded as a symbol of truth, sincerity and constancy and is associated with the astrological sign Taurus (21 Apr - 20 May)