Sapphire is a precious gemstone known for its stunning blue color, although it can come in a variety of colors, including yellow, green, pink, and even colorless. The most recognized and valuable sapphires are a rich, vibrant blue, often referred to as "royal blue" or "cornflower blue." Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, the same mineral that forms rubies, with the blue color coming from trace amounts of iron and titanium.

Sapphires are prized for their durability and hardness, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, just below diamonds. This makes them ideal for use in all kinds of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Historically, sapphires were believed to symbolize wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. They are often associated with royalty, and famous sapphires like the one in Princess Diana's engagement ring continue to captivate people around the world.

Sapphire is also known for its "star" effect when viewed under direct light, known as asterism. This is caused by inclusions of needle-like structures that form a star pattern on the surface of the stone.

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