Sapphire is a precious gemstone, typically known for its stunning blue hue, although it can also be found in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, and green. It is a variety of the mineral corundum, the same species as ruby, but with trace elements such as iron, titanium, and chromium responsible for its color variations. Sapphires are renowned for their hardness (9 on the Mohs scale), making them highly durable and suitable for use in jewelry.

Sapphires are prized not only for their beauty but also for their symbolism. Traditionally, they have been associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility, and were historically worn by royalty and clergy as symbols of purity and divine favor. The gemstone's clarity, brilliance, and range of colors make it a highly sought-after stone in fine jewelry and other decorative items.

The most prized sapphire variety is the cornflower blue sapphire, which exhibits a rich, velvety blue with a subtle glow. Famous sapphire sources include Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Kashmir, though sapphires are now mined in various locations around the world.