![]() ![]() Spectacular pockets of velvet blue crystals were recovered by the army of the Maharaja of Kashmir. In 1881, an impressive sapphire deposit was discovered in Kashmir following a landslide in the Himalayas. It is found in many other countries such as Australia, Madagascar, Cambodia, United States, and across Asia and Africa. The Blue Sapphire is extracted from the Kashmir region (between India, Pakistan, and China), Burma, and Sri Lanka, the three most important sources for this colorful gemstone. In 1951, this sapphire was valued at $250,000 and was listed as the eleventh largest sapphire globally. She gave her name to this magnificent precious stone, “The sapphire of Catherine the Great.” Her stone is a sapphire of an intense blue, cut in oval, facetted, whose cut, size, color, and clarity are perfect. It is said that during her reign, Catherine The Great received a blue sapphire of 337.10 carats from a secret lover. She was initially a German princess who established herself as one of the most outstanding leaders of Russia (1762-1796). Catherine II, Empress of Russia, belonged to the Romanov dynasty by marriage after marrying Peter III. The blue Sapphire has remained highly appreciated by royal families and former Russian dynasties, such as the Romanov dynasty, which ruled Russia for more than 300 years (1613-1917). It was also used as an antidote against poisons. Known for its healing powers, the Medieval Europeans used this precious stone to cure the boils of plague and eye-related diseases. From Ancient Greece’s elite who perceived the stone as a protector from evil and envy to the Ancient Persians who believed the earth had been created and rested on a giant sapphire, reflecting its blue color in the sky, the sapphire has been admired and adored. Throughout history, the blue sapphire has served as a talisman and amulet to its owner. This precious stone has symbolized loyalty, nobility, sincerity, and truth for hundreds of years. Its crystals are composed of oxygen and aluminum however, its deep blue color originates from chemical elements such as chrome, titanium, manganese, vanadium. The Sapphire belongs to the corundum family, as is the Ruby. ![]()
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