The sapphire and diamond cluster ring was
an instant classic amongst fashionable ladies during the Victorian era and the
popularity of the style has continued to go from strength to strength in the 21st
century. This exquisite oval sapphire gemstone is not just any blue sapphire,
but a natural Ceylon Sapphire of the finest deep vivid colour, weighing in at
2.00ct. Ceylon, or Ceilão was a name given to Sri Lanka when the
Portuguese colonised the country in the early 1500s. Although the country
gained independence in 1948 it was still widely known as Ceylon until it was
officially named as Sri Lanka in 1972. However, sapphires from Sri Lanka are
still named Ceylon Sapphires, where a vast majority are predominately found.
Although Sapphires are found in many countries, Explorer Marco Polo named Sri
Lanka as having the most beautiful Sapphires in the world.
For
centuries the Ceylon blue sapphire has been most coveted by royal families and
aristocrats from around the world, admirers considered sapphires as a symbol of
power, love and loyalty. Some of the world’s most famous women have worn Ceylon sapphires as their engagement ring, notably due to its beauty, allure
and durability. Princess Diana wore the renowned 12ct oval Ceylon Sapphire engagement
ring surrounded by round brilliant diamonds made by esteemed royal jeweller
Garrard. The ring was then passed down to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
Other prominent wearers of Ceylon Sapphires are Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth
II and Queen Catherine II of Moscow.
This dazzling
antique oval Ceylon Sapphire is surrounded by 14 x 0.05ct Old Mine Cut round
diamonds totalling 0.70cts, colour I-J and VS-SI clarity. It is set in 18ct white
gold with an 18ct yellow gold split shank tapered band that is both comfortable and
secure. As a September birthstone sapphires would make an excellent birthday
gift as well as gift for 5th and 45th wedding
anniversaries. It is possibly the second most popular choice for engagement
rings after diamonds. However, the popular combination of sapphires and
diamonds gives you the best of both worlds.
To view more fabulous antique sapphire jewellery please visit our website
