The Logan Sapphire is a magnificent gemstone with an intriguing history. This stunning blue gem is one of the largest faceted sapphires in the world, weighing a remarkable 423 carats. Its size, color, and clarity have made it a beloved treasure among gem collectors and enthusiasts alike. In this post, we will delve into the fascinating story of the Logan Sapphire, including its discovery, ownership, and famous appearances.

Discovery and Ownership of the Logan Sapphire

The Logan Sapphire was discovered in the Ratnapura district of Sri Lanka in the early 20th century. The exact year of its discovery is unknown, but it is believed to have been mined in the late 1800s or early 1900s. The gem was originally sold to a wealthy American businessman named J.P. Morgan, who was known for his love of fine art and exquisite jewelry.

After J.P. Morgan's death in 1913, the Logan Sapphire was purchased by a wealthy Washington DC socialite named Mrs. John A. Logan. Mrs. Logan was the widow of General John A. Logan, a prominent Civil War general and politician. She was known for her love of luxury and her extensive jewelry collection, which included other notable gems such as the Hope Diamond.

Mrs. Logan donated the Logan Sapphire to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC in 1960, where it remains on display to this day. The gem is part of the National Gem Collection and is one of the most popular exhibits at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.

Characteristics of the Logan Sapphire

The Logan Sapphire is a stunning blue gemstone with a deep, rich color. The gem is oval in shape and measures approximately 2 inches in length and 1 inch in width. It is one of the largest faceted sapphires in the world, weighing 423 carats. The Logan Sapphire is also known for its exceptional clarity, which is rare for a gemstone of this size.

One of the unique features of the Logan Sapphire is its pleochroism. Pleochroism is the phenomenon where a gemstone appears to have different colors when viewed from different angles. The Logan Sapphire exhibits pleochroism, showing a slightly different shade of blue when viewed from different angles.

Famous Appearances

The Logan Sapphire has made several famous appearances throughout its history. One of the most notable was in 1953 when it was worn by actress Elizabeth Taylor in the movie "The Courtship of Eddie's Father." Taylor was known for her love of fine jewelry, and the Logan Sapphire was one of her favorite gems.

In 2005, the Logan Sapphire was also featured in an exhibit at the Smithsonian called "The Splendor of Diamonds." The exhibit showcased several famous diamonds and other gemstones, including the Hope Diamond and the Tiffany Diamond.

In addition to its appearances in movies and exhibits, the Logan Sapphire has also been worn by several First Ladies of the United States. In 1962, Jacqueline Kennedy wore the Logan Sapphire to a state dinner with the President of Pakistan. The gem has also been worn by Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, and Rosalynn Carter.

Conclusion

The Logan Sapphire is a remarkable gemstone with a rich history and notable appearances. Its size, color, and clarity make it one of the most beloved sapphires in the world. From its discovery in Sri Lanka to its current place of honor at the Smithsonian, the Logan Sapphire continues to captivate and inspire gem enthusiasts around the world.