Because sapphires are available in so many colors, they are the most important and versatile of all the gemstones. Rubies and sapphires are said to be prized just under the level of diamonds because of their hardness.
Diamonds are listed as a ten in terms of hardness, sapphires as a nine. The attribute of hardness of the sapphire makes it a perfect choice for jewelry that needs to stand up to everyday wear, such as in rings or bracelets.
Sapphires are usually given round or oval cuts but rectangular or square cuts are also possible. Fine sapphires are most available under two carats, but they can also be found in sizes from five to ten carats. The color of a sapphire is created by various amounts of iron and titanium in the stone, the combination of which produce varying colors.
Heat treatments have become common in recent years, as a way of improving color as the beauty of a sapphire is judged by the richness and intensity of its color. The star sapphire reflects light, showing a glittering star with six points. These special stones possess the deep blue color of the finest sapphire.
Sapphires also come in violet, dark gray, orange, yellow, pink, green and black, which tends to be relatively inexpensive. This stone is orange and pink simultaneously and can be very expensive.
Blue sapphires come from Burma and Kashmir, where the blue tone is the most pure to the true spectral blue, and the stones tend to have a unique velvety luster. Sapphires from Sri Lanka are a less deep shade, almost a pastel blue. Many sapphires also come from Australia , which are dark blue but with a slightly green undertone, as those from Thailand. These tend to be less expensive than those from Burma, Kashmir and Sri Lanka.
Stones from the Mogok valley in Burma are very highly regarded, and many star sapphires come from there. Gems from Western Cambodia are also highly prized, but usually small. China and Nigeria produce dark stones and in the US, Montana sapphires are prized for their natural metallic blue color. They are not subjected to any treatment, as sapphires are normally heat treated to eliminate impurities and enhance the color and clarity- this treatment is usually permanent.
Caring for your Sapphire Jewelry Because of their hardness, Sapphires can be cleaned in almost any way. Warm, soapy water is best, though you might also try ultrasonic cleaners and steamers.
You can also try using water with a touch of ammonia in it. If you have a fracture in your sapphire or own a star sapphire, do not use mechanical cleaning methods as a sapphire can shatter with one single blow, if hit sharply. This may be especially risky if the stone has inclusions, which weaken the crystal structure.
As with most valuable stones, avoid doing heavy work or coming into contact with chemicals while wearing your stone, as they can damage your settings. What's My Birthstone? White Topaz. Lab Alexandrite. Black Onyx. Pink Tourmaline. Blue Topaz. What does your birthday say about you?
Crown jewels are also nice. Good article, however sapphires can often be a different hardness even within the one stone, therefore it is not only possible but probable that a sapphire can scratch another sapphire just like a diamond can. Your privacy is important to us. View Privacy Policy. Book Appointment. View our Privacy Policy. Thank you for booking a Brilliant Earth appointment! A jewelry specialist will reach out to you shortly to confirm your appointment.
You will receive an email shortly with more details on your virtual appointment. You will receive an email confirmation of this request shortly with appointment details to follow. Diamond Engagement Rings. Featured Collections. Natural diamonds. Create Your Own Gemstone Ring. About Us. Our Showrooms. Don't have an Account? Create An Account. Fact 2 When you think of sapphires, you probably think of a rich blue color, but sapphires actually come in almost every color of the rainbow—including pink, peach, orange, yellow, green, teal, and purple.
Fact 3 Sapphires get their colors from trace elements in the mineral corundum. Fact 4 The rarest type of sapphire is a pinkish orange variety called padparadscha , a name that comes from the Sinhalese word for lotus flower.
Fact 6 Sapphires are among the most durable naturally occurring elements in the world. Fact 7 Because of its hardness, sapphire also has industrial uses.
Fact 9 What does a sapphire represent? Fact 11 French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte gave to his beloved wife Josephine a two stone sapphire and diamond engagement ring in Final Thoughts Are you a September baby? Shop Sapphire Birthstone Jewelry. You Might Also Like from.
Get Inspired Tag us on Instagram brilliantearth. Comments 21 This a required field. This a required field. Sam Martin Says: December 15th, at pm Sapphires have always been my favorite stone!! Harry Cutbirth Says: August 22nd, at pm Love dark blue sapphires.. Crown jewels are also nice Noel Ryan Says: April 24th, at am Good article, however sapphires can often be a different hardness even within the one stone, therefore it is not only possible but probable that a sapphire can scratch another sapphire just like a diamond can.
Mercedes Says: September 1st, at am Love Them!!!!!! Customer Care. All images courtesy of the Diamond Brokers of Memphis website. Name required. Mail will not be published required. Write your comment here! We love reading your feedback on our blog!
This is great blog, thanks for sharing this article and beautiful non-traditional engagement rings. Thanks for sharing it. Louis Tri-Cities. Filled with wedding planning tips and money-saving advice! I would like to receive All Rights Reserved.
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