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Emerald
Ruby
Sapphire
Amethyst
Aquamarine
Garnet
Peridot
Blue Topaz
Iolite
Tanzanite
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| SAPPHIRE |
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Although the name is derived from the Latin word for blue, "sapphirus," but is actually available in virtually every color except red. According to ancient lore, it was a giant sapphire which gave the sky its blue color.
In recent years, Sapphire has become more widely available in a variety of colors, including yellow, pink, and orange. These gemstones are referred to as "fancy sapphires."
Sapphire is the traditional birthstone for September, and the blue variety is a recommended gift for couples celebrating their fifth anniversary. Sapphire also marks the anniversary for the forty-fifth year.
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Sapphire has been a symbol of the heavens, guardian of innocence, bestowed of sincerity and truth. The ancient Persians believed that the earth's crust rested upon an enormous sapphire, whose brilliance reflected the sky's color at sunset. Kings and queens saw divine favor in the blue stone; priests considered sapphires representative of the unity of the sky and the heavens.
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The world's finest sapphires came from Kashmir, India, and are valued for their rich
shinin blue color. Other sapphire producers - Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Australia.
Only Burmese sapphires rival those from Kashmir, displaying a deep brilliant blue. Sri Lankan stones tend to be paler, while Thai and Australian sapphires are usually darker blue with green undertones.
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A sapphire's value is determined by the richness and purity of its color, also to its country of origin. Kashmir, India and Burma have produced the world's finest sapphires - a pure ultimatum blue.
Nearly all sapphires available today have been enhanced. Some enhancements, such as heating, are an expected part of the polishing process and are accepted by the jewelry industry. Those gemstones that have not been enhanced are very recognizable by the extravagant price.
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To clean sapphire or sapphire jewelry wipe it with a soft cloth to remove dirt and other residues. You can also use either an ultrasonic cleaner, or a solution of one part ammonia and six parts water to clean sapphire jewelry at home.
If cleaning by hand, gentle scrubbing with a soft brush should loosen most dirt and greatly increase the brilliance of the sapphire, but be careful not to scratch the metal of your setting.
Sapphires are harder than gold, silver, or platinum and can scratch the surfaces of your other fine jewelry if they are not kept separate. So take precautions while keeping sapphire with other jewelries.
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