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CANVASES, CARATS AND CURIOSITIES

Purple Sapphires, a Rare and Regal Delight!

Discover an exquisite selection of rare purple gemstones at M.S. Rau. Purple sapphires, akin to their yellow and blue counterparts, belong to the esteemed corundum family, prized for their rarity and value. Long associated with royalty and spirituality, purple sapphires evoke a sense of wealth and refinement, reminiscent of the iconic true blue sapphire adorning royals like Princess Diana.

Whether in a pair of earrings, an engagement ring, a necklace or a tiara, purple sapphires captivate with their enchanting beauty. Explore the meaning and background of purple sapphires before adding them to your jewelry collection with this comprehensive guide.
Untreated Purple Sapphire Ring, 3.16 Carats

Untreated Purple Sapphire Ring, 3.16 Carats. M.S. Rau

A Cut Above

Sapphires can be called the gemstones of the sky, though they lie well hidden below the ground in just a select few places on earth. These coveted gems are sourced from regions including India, Burma, Ceylon, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Tanzania and Kenya. From the gemstone mines, these raw crystals are first taken to the cutting-centers where they are turned into sparkling gemstones by skilled hands.

The cutter's expertise is crucial in accentuating the natural purple color, these gemstones are not only hard; depending on the angle from which you look at them, they also have different intensities and shades of color. So it is the job of the cutter to orientate the raw gem in such a way that the natural purple color is brought out to its best advantage. This is particularly important in the case of the rarest colored stones, including purple sapphires.

Unlike their more common blue counterparts, natural purple sapphires typically require minimal heat treatment to enhance their color. Notably, these exquisite gems exhibit color-changing properties in different lighting conditions, making each jewelry piece, whether an engagement ring or necklace, truly unique.

Purple fancy sapphire are quite extraordinary and far rarer than the more traditional blue sapphire. Unlike most blue and pink sapphires which need to be heat treated in order to obtain their best color display, natural purple sapphires very rarely require any heat treatment. Furthermore this purple gem tends to change color in different lighting!

Color-Change Sapphire Ring, 12.40 Carats

Color-Change Sapphire Ring, 12.40 Carats. M.S. Rau

Meaning Beyond Aesthetics

Purple sapphires are believed to possess significant meaning and energy beyond their aesthetic appeal. They are associated with activating the Crown Chakra, fostering wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. The violet rays emitted by purple sapphires are believed to enhance clarity and profound vision.

Purple sapphires are emblematic of accomplishment and the pursuit of ambitions, making them ideal gifts for graduations, symbolizing success and attainment. Additionally, many attribute healing properties to purple sapphires, promoting mental clarity and stimulating creative expression. They inspire individuals to pursue their dreams with sincerity and dedication.

The color purple has long been associated with royalty and nobility. Reserved exclusively for monarchs and the elite, purple garments symbolized power, wealth and prestige, reinforcing the regal status of those adorned in its majestic hue. Thanks in part to this history, purple sapphires are associated with royalty, symbolizing luxury and nobility.
David Webb Purple Sapphire Ring, 9.64 Carats
David Webb Purple Sapphire Ring, 9.64 Carats. M.S. Rau

Color Range

Purple sapphire gems exhibit a captivating spectrum of colors, ranging from delicate lavender to vibrant violet, offering a myriad of stunning hues. The natural color variations are influenced by factors such as cut, brilliance and hardness, making each stone uniquely beautiful.

Purple and violet, though often conflated, are distinct hues with unique characteristics. Purple comprises a blend of red with hints of blue, while violet is a blend of blue with undertones of purple. Experienced jewelers and gemologists can differentiate sapphire from amethyst based solely on their luster.

Belonging to the corundum group, sapphires are prized for their exceptional hardness, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamonds. This inherent durability ensures sapphires remain resilient over time, requiring minimal maintenance from the wearer, making them an effortless choice for everyday wear.

When fashioned into exquisite jewelry, the inherent beauty of these colored gemstones results in truly unique work coveted by collectors worldwide. From its captivating color variations to its innate allure, purple sapphire stands out as a premier choice for a multitude of applications. If you're seeking antique sapphire jewelry to enrich your collection, explore M.S. Rau's exquisite selection of fancy gems and jewelry available through our online showroom today.

To take a look at our other sapphires in stock, click here.

Oscar Heyman Pink And Purple Sapphire Bracelet, 42.25 Carats
Oscar Heyman Pink And Purple Sapphire Bracelet, 42.25 Carats. M.S. Rau

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