The Allure of Sapphires

Once in a Blue Moon, Feeling Blue, True Blue, and Sacrebleu!

  The color blue can signify rarity, one’s sadness, loyalty, and even surprise! Blue is recognized as a color of royalty and a frequent favorite color for many people. The magnificence of this color is that it can represent a very diverse set of emotions for different people.
     Take into consideration the symbolic language mentioned in the title of this article: “Once in a Blue Moon” suggests a rare occurrence and “feeling blue” refers to a sense of sadness. The term “True Blue” is one of a fascinating and historical origin. It is meant to symbolize one’s unwavering loyalty. The saying is believed to be derived from the blue cloth made by dyers in Coventry, England during the middle ages. This cloth had a reputation for its persistent blue color which did not fade with washing. In the 17th century, Scottish Presbyterians who opposed the rule of James I of Scotland wore blue badges to symbolize their enduring support for the cause. Even today, conservative politics has an association with the color blue.    
     Many Americans may recognize the exclamation “Sacrebleu!” from Disney movies such as The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Its literal translation is “sacred blue”. The source of this phrase actually has roots in the Catholic church. Imagine such an exclamation inspired by the church! It is thought to originate from someone’s exclamation when viewing a painting of the Virgin Mary dressed in blue. This expression refers to God while reserving the mention of his name.With its fascinating history and association, it is no wonder blue is such a popular color!

Royal Sri Lankan Sapphires

     Sri Lankan Sapphires are one of the three most highly regarded Sapphires. The other two famous types are Burmese Sapphires and Kashmir Sapphires. Sri Lanka is believed to have one of the oldest Sapphire mines in the world. According to the tradition of Judaism the tablets upon which the Ten Commandments were carved by Moses are Sapphires. The color is supposed to be a mark of the heavens; therefore, it represents God’s throne.
     The use of Sri Lankan Sapphires in Royal jewels has been a popular practice. The St. Edward Sapphire on the Imperial Crown of State worn by Queen Elizabeth II comes from Sri Lanka. Princess Diana’s engagement ring also had a Sri Lankan Sapphire. It is no wonder Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with such a precious jewel. This ring will definitely be a symbol of this century’s royal wedding!

DE15926 Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring

DE16324 Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring

DE16184 Pear Shaped Sapphire and Diamond Ring

DE17352 Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring

Adding to the allure of Sapphires, ancient Persian legend has it that Mother Earth rests upon a massive blue sapphire. The striking blue sky is purely a reflection of this mythical stone. This would be a stone to desire!

A livelier emerald twinkles in the grass; a purer sapphire melts into the sea. –Tennyson

Ancient Egyptian Luxuries

In addition to man's innate fascination with beautiful items, jewelry had a spiritual and magical significance in the Egyptian ancient world. It protected the wearer from malevolence and illness. Jewelry was so important to daily life that it was even buried with the dead to ensure a lavish journey into the afterlife! Deep red Rubies adorned the bodies of the dead to represent an offering of blood to the God Isis!
     It was not just women who wore jewelry. Men were often dressed in beautiful ornaments possessing different powers. Bright green Emeralds symbolized life and success. Majestic blue colored stones such as Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise were highly favored by royalty.  Jewelry was so important to the Ancient Egyptians that it was during the Middle Kingdom in Egypt when many new gold working techniques were invented. At the time, much of the abundant gold came from Nubia. It was only after the arrival of Christianity in Egypt that the wearing of ornate jewelry began to decline. The new Christians wore smaller ornaments to show their piety and devotion to the new religion. After the introduction of Islam, men no longer wore gold jewelry. 

Can’t Fight the Influence

      In Elizabeth Taylor’s most famous role, Cleopatra wears a collection of beautiful Ancient Egyptian inspired jewelry. The motion picture sparked her personal interest with jewelry in elaborate matching sets. Her parures often consisted of a bib style necklace, matching drop ear pendants, bracelets, and a ring in every color of the rainbow! Emeralds and Rubies were popular in Egyptian jewelry and these gemstones appeared in many pieces of her jewelry. This heavy eyeliner look was so enchanting that Elizabeth Taylor adopted the look many times even after filming. From their rituals, to jewelry, to eye make-up- the Egyptians were dramatic indeed!  

     Colorful stones were not just used in jewelry. They were used for make-up as well! In Egyptians times, Lapis Lazuli (blue) and Malachite (Green) were among the stones used for colored eye liner. This was popularized by the image of the Goddesses wearing extended eyeliner in carvings and statues. This was not a practice restricted to the rich. It was worn by all people- even men!

DE18206 Victorian Emerald Charm/ Pendant set in Yellow Gold. Etruscan style Gold beads decorate the top of the acorn shaped emerald.

 

“Fool! Don't you see now that I could have poisoned you a hundred times had I been able to live without you?” ~Cleopatra

Midday Dinners

Prior to the 18th century, dinner was served at midday. During the Georgian period, the lower classes continued to eat this meal at midday since they could not afford a candlelit meal. The growing upper class began to dine later in the evening to show off their ability to provide lighting for servants to cook and serve a meal after sun down!

Honeymoon and Honey Mead

The Origin of the Honeymoon Tradition

     In European history, the Honeymoon was recorded as the tradition of kidnapping a lady and taking her as wife. A friend would help to hide the whereabouts of the kidnapper and bride from the rest of their families and neighbors. For the entire duration of capture, they would drink a honey wine called mead. This was to symbolize the sweetness of new love. Once the four phases of the moon pass, the couple would return home as husband and wife. The word Honeymoon was most likely derived from this drink and the monthly change in the phases of the moon; symbolizing the fading and growing of love throughout a marriage.
     The historical tradition of Honeymoon is very different from most Honeymoons today. The couples usually decide on the destination, time period, and activities of the getaway together. Some people even choose not to go away for their Honeymoon; instead, they opt to stay close to home where they have festivities planned.
     In modern day America, kidnapping a stranger, expecting them to fall in love with you, and having them feel alright about the whole ordeal would be unfathomable! This kind of Honeymoon would only exist in Hollywood films!

A Gift Exchanged by the Bride and Groom

     The tradition of exchanging a present on the wedding night has been around for a long time. It’s a symbol of appreciation for each other as husband and wife. In truth, it is not required for a couple to exchange presents. There are partners who are unaware of this special tradition. So why does it matter?
     SHE may not expect any presents from you upon entering the honeymoon suite. But you look her in the eyes, pronounce your love, and present her with a gorgeous gift of jewelry (a lovely pair of earrings or anything to go with her new sparkler). What happens next? She falls into your arms absolutely delighted, cries, and tells you that she will never ever forget this moment in her life. You are a hero.
    HE may have no expectations; after all, he is already married to the most fabulous woman in the entire world. So what happens when you walk up to him and present him with a watch that he has always wanted? Perhaps a pair of elegant cufflinks? There is no better way to show your admiration of how amazing he is- his beautiful vows that moved you to tears, his willingness to tuck in his shirt for once, or his patience with the daylong wedding photography- like a unique gift.
     There are so many ways to say “I love and appreciate you”. It does not have to cost much but make the gift and its presentation meaningful.

 A husband may forget where he went on his honeymoon, but he never forgets why. ~Anonymous