Identifying the actual gem species behind ancient gem names can prove challenging. Although the term "hyacinth" or "jacinth" is frequently associated with reddish or orange brown varieties of gemstones like zircons and garnets, historically, the term also referred to blue gemstones. So-called hyacinths, such as the blue sapphires in these earrings, were popular in Byzantine jewelry. Gold earrings with pearls and blue sapphires, Byzantine Empire, 6th-7th century CE. Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Public Domain.
Blue Sapphire Bead in Earrings
Identifying the actual gem species behind ancient gem names can prove challenging. Although the term "hyacinth" or "jacinth" is frequently associated with reddish or orange brown varieties of gemstones like zircons and garnets, historically, the term also referred to blue gemstones. So-called hyacinths, such as the blue sapphires in these earrings, were popular in Byzantine jewelry. Gold earrings with pearls and blue sapphires, Byzantine Empire, 6th-7th century CE. Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Public Domain.
Article: Sapphire Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art
| Gemstone | Sapphire, Corundum |
| Natural or man made | Natural |
| Jewelry type | Earrings |
| Gem State | Bead |
| Color | Blue |
| Transparency | Transparent |