September Sapphires 2021

The September birthstone of sapphire is said to protect its owner from harm and envy according to Ancient Romans. Clerics during the Middle Ages wore blue sapphires as they believed that they represented Heaven and Ancient Persians believed that the world rested on a huge blue sapphire which made the sky blue. 

Sapphires have long been associated with royalty and they often feature in crowns, jewellery and sceptres of Kings and Queens across the world. St Edwards sapphire is an octagonal rose cut sapphire which features in the Imperial State Crown and is the oldest gemstone in the Royal Crown Jewels collection. Thought to have originally belonged to Edward the Confessor, the stone dates all the way back to the crowning of Edward in 1042. When this came into Queen Victoria’s possession, she set it at the centre of the cross on the top of the crown which is where it remains today. 

Unfortunately, there are no 11^th century sapphires in the Jewellery Auction to be held on the 5th of September however there are some magnificent modern examples. Lot 417 is a sapphire and old mine cut diamond ring. Formed by two rows of alternating sapphires and diamonds, this ring was miles ahead of its time with its contemporary look. This ring has stood the test of time and proved to be fashionable since its creation and I am confident that it won’t be going out of fashion any time soon.

Love sapphires but aren’t keen on wearing rings? Then lot 360 is for you. This pair of sapphire stud earrings are set in silver and come with a modest auction estimate of £50 - £70. 

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Amy Cameron

McTear’s sells more jewellery than any other traditional auction house in the dedicated jewellery auctions that take place twice monthly, run concurrently live online on a platform that attracts six million visitors annually from over 120 countries worldwide.