Blue Sapphire Brooch

A 47 x 40 mm brooch made of rhodium-plated 925 sterling silver with hand-faceted blue sapphires in oval shapes of 7 x 5 mm and 5 x 3 mm and circular shapes of 2 mm. The brooch's design is in the shape of a butterfly, with the sapphires set in silver frames for its eyes and wings to prevent it from snagging on fabric or knitted garments.

The elements that give it color are iron and titanium in blue sapphire, and vanadium in violet. Iron determines the yellow and green tones, chromium the pink color, and inclusions of rutile needles produce a silky luster. In ancient European and Indian cultures, it was considered the stone of Saturn, representing the sky, the world of angels, magic, loyalty, and friendship. In antiquity, and to some extent even into the Middle Ages, the term sapphire was generally understood to refer to what is now known as lapis lazuli.

Origin: Sri Lanka.

Properties: It provides uprightness, instills wisdom, and enhances judgment and the structuring of thoughts. Known as the stone of wisdom.

Zodiac sign: Pisces