The sapphire may be most known for its brilliant celestial tones but it is also known to many throughout history as a stone of wisdom and wealth. The sapphire has been held in high esteem leading back to the mentions of it in the most sacred piece of literature, The Bible.
As a symbol of power, strength and wise judgment, you can learn more about the history of this precious gemstone and its famous mentioning below:
Sapphires have been a notable symbol throughout hebrew lore. They were a sign of truth, royalty and sincerity. All through the bible the appearance of sapphires is showcased. In Exodus, the sapphire represented the Lord’s holy character and his divine nature. In Exodus we find vague descriptions of sapphires placed under the Lord’s feet to signify that the foundation on which everything the Lord does was built on his holy character and divine nature.
In total, you can find representations of the mention of sapphires twelve times in the Holy Bible. It is said that the tablets which contained the Ten Commandments were designed by sapphires. They were so strong that even when a hammer swung to them, the hammer would smash into pieces.
Shah Jahan, whose name means “King of the World” in Persian, is most widely known for building the Taj Mahal for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. However, this wasn’t the only thing of beauty this emperor created. In fact he commissioned the famous Peacock Throne out of Sapphires, which was later would be described and written about by Jean-Baptiste Tavernier during his travels in the year 1676.
Sapphires were also often worn in adornment to connect those to the spirit world. As years passed, sapphires become popular amongst witches and necromancers as they were thought to hold the ability to allow them to see their the “third eye”.
Madame de Genlis, born Stéphanie Félicité du Crest de Saint Aubin, was a popular French writer of the 19th century. Madame de Genlis used the gorgeous sapphire as the center of her literary work in Le Saphire Merveilleux. In the story, the sapphire was used to test female virtue.
Ancient Egyptians used the Sapphire for healing powers. In the book, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, George Kunz states that one of the healing methods this gem was used for was to aid in the treatment of diseases of the eyes. It was believed that the astringent properties may have helped these eye conditions in their healing process. The sapphire of ancient egypt was originally referenced as the “lapis-lazuli”, but later during medieval times, sapphire was the name given to signify the stunning blue gem.
The sapphires we know today are renowned for their beauty and vibrant appearances. Past literature references have allowed us to take an inside look into the many meanings, symbolism and healing properties that the sapphires were believed to hold. When wearing a beautiful sapphire we definitely feel refreshed, renewed and happy. Maybe not only are we just feeling the cloud of beauty from wear, but perhaps there is some truth behind the references of healing properties that allow us to be surrounded with these feelings.
#AndrewPidor