Birthstones - Sapphire

Bright and Brilliant

Long considered the ultimate blue gemstone, sapphire swings from the coolest and quietest shades to the most vibrant and lusty blues imaginable. And sapphire doesn’t stop there. You’ll discover some sapphires – often referred to as fancy sapphires – in shades of pink, purple, orange, yellow, gold and green, ranging from soft pastels to vibrant hues that shout with excitement. Varied and versatile – the choice is yours!

The tribe of Issachar

The word Sapir in the verse Exodus 28:18 means sapphire and was the stone on the Breastplate of Aaron representing the tribe of Issachar. The English word sapphire derives from the Hebrew sapir (via Greek sapphiros).

Sapphires were not known before the Roman Empire (and were initially considered to be forms of jacinth, rather than deserving of a word to themselves), and prior to that time sapphiros referred to blue gems in general.