Blue Gemstones - The Definitive Guide
by Suzanne Sachs — 5 min read
THE BASICS--
Blue gemstones can be stunning in all types of engagement rings and jewelry, but just why do we love blue stones so much? Whether you're marking a birthday, an anniversary, or any significant moment, the allure of a blue gemstone is undeniably captivating. This popular color is seen in many lovely gems, making it suitable for any occasion and a wide range of fashion preferences.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- Quick Guide to Blue Gemstones
- Shades of Blue
- 5 Most Popular Blue Gemstones
- Sapphire
- Aquamarine
- Turquoise
- Opal
- Blue Zircon
- Blue Symbolism
- Meanings & Symbolism
- Birthstones
- Famous Blue Gemstones
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Blue Gemstones Will You Choose?
Quick Guide to Blue Gemstones
This table offers a quick guide to blue gemstones, showcasing popular options like sapphire and aquamarine, along with their symbolic meanings and unique shades. Discover birthstones and find answers to common questions to help you choose the perfect blue gemstone for any jewelry piece or special occasion.
| Gemstone | Description | Key Points |
|---|
| Sapphire | Deep, rich blue tones, symbolizing wisdom. | Truth, faithfulness, and serenity. |
| Aquamarine | Tranquil blue-green hues, evoking calmness. | Courage, hope, and communication. |
| Turquoise | Vibrant blue-green tones, symbolizing healing. | Protection, wisdom, and strength. |
| Opal | Dynamic play of colors with ethereal beauty. | Creativity, passion, and transformation. |
| Blue Zircon | Bright sparkle and brilliant blue tones. | Clarity, balance, and vitality. |
Shades of Blue
Despite being a relatively rare color in nature — reds, browns, greens, and yellows are much more common — blue comes in an entire spectrum of brilliance, from the lightest sky blue and gentle baby blue to bright azure and ultramarine to dark navy or midnight blue. This broad gradient includes shades such as cornflower, cobalt, turquoise, denim, cyan, indigo, cerulean, and much more.
Some shades of blue are named for their geography, such as Prussian, Persian, or Pacific blue, while others are named for sports teams or other affiliations, such as Air Force, Carolina, Dodger, or Tiffany blue.
Blue is a generally cool color and may have green, purple, or grayish undertones that give even more distinction to particular shades. With such great variety in the overall color, there can be beautiful blue gemstones to suit anyone’s jewelry preferences.
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5 Most Popular Blue Gemstones
• Sapphire
Sapphire, celebrated for its stunning blue hues and captivating brilliance, is one of the most treasured gemstones. Often associated with wisdom and loyalty, sapphires symbolize truth, serenity, and faithfulness. As the birthstone for September, sapphires are a popular choice in jewelry, particularly for their rich hues, which range from light sky blue to deep royal blue. Known for their allure and durability, sapphires have been cherished by royalty and are considered a timeless symbol of sophistication and elegance.
• Aquamarine
Aquamarine, cherished for its serene blue-green hues and captivating clarity, is one of the most enchanting gemstones. Often associated with tranquility and harmony, aquamarines symbolize courage, hope, and clear communication. As the birthstone for March, aquamarines are a popular choice in jewelry, particularly for their soft, ethereal colors that evoke the calming essence of the sea. Known for their elegance and versatility, aquamarines have long been treasured for their timeless beauty and connection to peace and renewal.
• Turquoise
Turquoise, admired for its vibrant blue-green tones and striking character, is one of the most revered gemstones. Often associated with protection and healing, turquoise symbolizes wisdom, strength, and good fortune. As a traditional birthstone for December, turquoise is a popular choice in jewelry, particularly for its unique hues that evoke the beauty of the sky and the earth. Known for its cultural significance and timeless appeal, turquoise has been treasured for centuries as a symbol of serenity and resilience.
• Opal
Opal, celebrated for its mesmerizing play of colors and ethereal beauty, is one of the most enchanting gemstones. Often associated with creativity and passion, opals symbolize hope, purity, and emotional expression. As a traditional birthstone for October, opals are a popular choice in jewelry, particularly for their dynamic hues that shift with the light, creating a one-of-a-kind brilliance. Known for their allure and uniqueness, opals have been cherished throughout history as a symbol of imagination and transformation.
• Blue Zircon
Blue zircon, admired for its vibrant sparkle and dazzling blue hues, is one of the most striking gemstones. Often associated with wisdom and prosperity, blue zircon symbolizes clarity, balance, and spiritual growth. As a traditional birthstone for December, blue zircon is a popular choice in jewelry, particularly for its brilliance and rich shades of blue that rival even the finest diamonds. Known for its exceptional luster and timeless elegance, blue zircon has been cherished for centuries as a symbol of vitality and protection.
Blue Symbolism
But why do we love blue so much? The answer may vary depending on one's culture, faith, and personal preferences.
• Meaning & Symbolism
The color blue has a wide range of symbolic meanings. In general, blue is considered a calming, peaceful, relaxing shade. It is often associated with conservatism and steadfastness, as well as loyalty and integrity. Deeper blue shades evoke authority, while lighter shades have a delicateness that can symbolize fragility. Hope, healing, determination, grace, and emotional depth are all symbolic meanings connected to the color blue. In some cultures, blue is a sacred color associated with paradise, and can be protective against the evil eye.
Official symbolism of the color blue is likewise widespread. More than 50 percent of the national flags in the world feature at least some blue in their design, and blue is a popular color for sports teams, corporate logos, and schools.
• Birthstones
Certain blue gemstones are also official birthstones - sapphire is the September birthstone, aquamarine is the March birthstone, and five blue gems — blue zircon, blue topaz, tanzanite, turquoise, and lapis lazuli – have been named as December birthstones. Different blue gems are also official wedding anniversary gemstones – blue topaz for the fourth anniversary, sapphire for the fifth, and lapis lazuli for the ninth. Even more blue gems are connected to higher anniversary years: aquamarine (19), iolite (21), spinel (22), tanzanite (24), sapphire (45), and sapphire again (65).
With so much symbolism, there are many reasons to choose a blue gemstone, no matter what you may want it to represent.
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Famous Blue Gemstones
Blue gemstones also captivate with their popularity among royalty, historical figures, and celebrities, featuring prominently in some of the most famous jewelry pieces throughout history.
One of the most famous blue gems today is the oval sapphire and diamond ring first presented to Princess Diana and now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, since her engagement to Prince William in 2010. The sapphire itself is a glorious, 12-carat stone, surrounded by 14 diamonds. Additionally, the Marie Louise Diadem is a remarkable piece that features 79 Persian turquoise stones. Once owned by Marie Louise of Austria, the second wife of Emperor Napoleon of France, the diadem showcases cabochon turquoise stones framed by intricate scrollwork and floral filigree motifs.
These examples highlight the timeless appeal and elegance of blue gemstones, celebrated in royal and celebrity circles throughout history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular blue gemstones?
The most popular blue gemstones include sapphire, aquamarine, blue topaz, turquoise, blue zircon, and opal, each known for its unique shade and appeal. These gemstones are favored in jewelry for their stunning blue hues and distinctive qualities, ranging from the deep, rich blue of sapphire to the light, oceanic blue of aquamarine.
What do blue gemstones symbolize?
Blue gemstones typically symbolize tranquility, wisdom, and truth, reflecting qualities like calmness, peace, and clarity of thought. They are often associated with trust, loyalty, and spiritual insight, making them popular choices for meaningful jewelry pieces.
Are blue gemstones suitable for everyday wear?
Yes, many blue gemstones are suitable for everyday wear, particularly those with higher hardness ratings like sapphires, aquamarine, and blue zircon, which resist scratches and damage. However, softer stones like turquoise and tanzanite require more care and protection from impact to maintain their appearance over time.
What Blue Gemstones Will You Choose?
These are just a few of the most famous blue gemstones in history; many more adorn the wrists, fingers, and necklines of celebrities, royalty, and those special people who just love the rich and variable color. What blue gems will you wear? Explore our collection today and find the perfect piece to add to your jewelry collection!
Antique Engagement Rings For Everyone:
No matter which gemstone is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.
Find The Perfect Engagement Ring:
Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you're looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of Blue Gemstones today.
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