Sapphires have long been a favorite gemstone among royalty, prized for their beauty and symbolism. From ancient times to modern-day, sapphires have adorned the crowns and jewels of monarchs around the world. In this article, we'll explore the history of sapphires in royal jewelry, the different types of sapphires used, and some notable sapphire pieces in royal collections.

History of Sapphires in Royal Jewelry

Sapphires have been used in royal jewelry for centuries, with the earliest known use dating back to ancient Persia. They were also popular among royalty in ancient Greece and Rome, with sapphires believed to protect their wearers from harm. In medieval Europe, sapphires were a symbol of the heavens and were thought to bring spiritual enlightenment.

During the Renaissance, sapphires were used extensively in royal jewelry. One notable example is the British Crown Jewels, which feature several sapphire pieces, including the St. Edward's Sapphire, a large cabochon-cut sapphire set in the Imperial State Crown. The crown also features a sapphire pendant that belonged to Queen Victoria and a sapphire-studded Maltese cross.

Types of Sapphires Used in Royal Jewelry

Sapphires come in a range of colors, but blue sapphires are the most popular in royal jewelry. These gems are prized for their deep, rich hues, which are thought to symbolize loyalty, wisdom, and faithfulness. Pink and yellow sapphires are also used in royal jewelry, with the latter being particularly popular among Asian monarchs.

The quality of sapphires is determined by their color, clarity, and cut. The most valuable sapphires are those with a pure, vivid blue color, with a deep, velvety tone. These gems are often cut into cushion or oval shapes to maximize their brilliance and color.

Notable Sapphire Pieces in Royal Collections

Royal collections around the world are home to some of the most stunning sapphire pieces in history. One of the most famous sapphire pieces is the engagement ring worn by Princess Diana, which now belongs to the Duchess of Cambridge. The ring features a 12-carat oval blue sapphire, surrounded by 14 diamonds.

Queen Elizabeth II is also known for her love of sapphires. One of her most famous sapphire pieces is the Sapphire Jubilee Necklace and Tiara, which features 16 large sapphires and a central diamond cluster. The necklace was a gift from King George VI to his wife, Queen Elizabeth, in 1947.

Contemporary Use of Sapphires in Royal Jewelry

Today, sapphires continue to be a popular choice for royal jewelry. Kate Middleton's engagement ring, which belonged to Princess Diana, is one of the most famous sapphire pieces in recent years. Meghan Markle also wore a pair of sapphire and diamond earrings during her engagement announcement with Prince Harry.

Modern trends have also influenced the use of sapphires in royal jewelry. For example, yellow sapphires have become increasingly popular among Asian monarchs, with the Thai royal family in particular known for their love of yellow sapphire jewelry.

Famous Sapphire Jewelry by the royal family of Europe

Sapphires have been a beloved gemstone in royal jewelry for centuries. Their deep blue hue is said to symbolize wisdom, truth, and royalty, making them a perfect choice for regal adornment. European royal families have a long history of incorporating sapphires into their jewelry collections, creating some of the most famous and iconic pieces in history.

British Royal Family

One of the most well-known examples of sapphire jewelry in royal circles is Princess Diana's engagement ring. This stunning piece features a 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by fourteen solitaire diamonds, set in 18-karat white gold. The ring was originally selected by Prince Charles for his engagement to Diana and is now worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.

The British Royal Family has a long history of incorporating sapphires into their jewelry collections. The St. Edward's Sapphire, for example, is a sapphire that has been set in the Imperial State Crown and is part of the British Crown Jewels. This sapphire is said to have been taken from the ring of Edward the Confessor, who was a sainted King of England from the 11th century. Another famous sapphire piece belonging to the British Crown Jewels is a sapphire and diamond pendant that belonged to Queen Victoria.

Swedish Royal Family

The Swedish Royal Family also boasts a collection of beautiful sapphire jewelry, including the Leuchtenberg Sapphire Parure. This stunning set of sapphire jewelry was given to Queen Silvia by her husband King Carl XVI Gustaf and includes a tiara, necklace, brooch, and earrings. The parure is believed to have originally belonged to Empress Josephine of France, the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Danish Royal Family

The Danish Royal Family is another European royal family with a fondness for sapphire jewelry. The Sapphire Jubilee Necklace and Tiara is a beautiful set of jewelry that has been worn by Queen Margrethe II on several occasions. The set features sapphires set in a floral design and can be worn as both a necklace and a tiara. The queen also has a stunning sapphire brooch that can be worn as a pendant.

Belgian Royal Family

The Belgian Sapphire Tiara is a breathtaking piece of jewelry that is often referred to as the Nine Provinces Tiara. This tiara features diamond and sapphire elements and has been worn by several queens of Belgium over the years. It is currently worn by Queen Mathilde.

Norwegian Royal Family

The Norwegian Queen Maud's Sapphire Tiara is another famous sapphire piece in European royal jewelry collections. This tiara was given to Queen Maud as a gift from her husband King Haakon VII, and features large sapphires surrounded by diamonds.

Dutch Royal Family

The Dutch Royal Family also has a collection of sapphire jewelry, including the Stuart Sapphire. This large sapphire is set in the Dutch Crown and is said to have belonged to Charles II of England. The Dutch Royal Family also has a stunning sapphire and diamond necklace worn by Queen Máxima.

Other Royal Family Celebrity ‘Royalty’ Sapphire Jewelry

Beyond Europe, the Thai Royal Family also has a collection of sapphire jewelry, including the Queen Sirikit Sapphire Necklace, which features large sapphires surrounded by diamonds.

Other notable sapphire jewelry in European royal collections include the Spanish Royal Family's Cartier Halo Tiara, which features sapphires and diamonds in a halo design, and the Greek Emerald and Sapphire Parure, which includes a tiara, necklace, and earrings.

Sapphires continue to be a popular choice for royal jewelry, with modern pieces being created by designers such as Bulgari and Harry Winston. The Duchess of Cambridge, for example, has been seen wearing a sapphire and diamond necklace from the latter designer.

Sapphires have also been used in engagement rings for non-royal celebrities, such as Penelope Cruz and Elizabeth Hurley. However, it is the regal history and significance of sapphires in European royal jewelry that truly sets them apart and makes them an enduring symbol of royalty, power, and elegance.

Conclusion

Sapphires have played a significant role in royal jewelry for centuries, with their rich color and symbolism making them a beloved gemstone among monarchs around the world. From ancient Persia to modern-day, sapphires have been a constant in royal collections, with each piece carrying its own history and meaning. Whether they're set in crowns, necklaces, or engagement rings, sapphires continue to be a regal tradition.