be from certain localities command a premium. Sapphires occur readily in sizes up to two carats. Most commercial- quality sapphires weigh less than five carats. But it is not unusual to see gemstones in sizes of five to 15 carats. Traditionally, sapphires are cut into cushion and oval shapes, though additional shapes can include rounds, emerald cuts and princess cuts. A sapphire is ranked at nine on the Mohs Hardness Scale, just below the ultimate 10 of a diamond. Because they are so durable, sapphires are an ideal choice for everyday wear — and can even be soaked in mild dish soap and gently cleaned with a toothbrush. Sapphires are the birthstone for September and — perhaps because they are so strong — the traditional gemstone for fifth, 45th and 70th wedding anniversaries.
Yes, throughout history, sapphires have been associated with the color blue. The name is derived from the Greek word sappheiros, which actually referred to lapis lazuli, the famous blue stone used in everything from art and healing to pigments and cosmetics. Sapphires come in every hue of blue — that most celestial color symbolizes the heavens, loyalty and integrity. But, sapphires hold a surprise: They come in a veritable array of colors, including pinks, yellows, greens, oranges and violets. Referred to as fancy sapphires, these multihued stones can be every color except red. If a sapphire is red, it is classified as a ruby, as both are part of the corundum mineral family. How did sapphires happen? More than 150 million years ago, rocks containing traces of corundum went through intense pressure and extreme temperature changes at a depth of six to 18 miles below the earth’s crust. Rough corundums are
mined today in a variety of places, including Madagascar, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Montana in the United States. Just like diamonds, sapphires are assessed by color, clarity, cut and carat size. The origin of the sapphire, like with other colored gemstones, can affect the price, but color is the key factor. The highest-valued sapphires are vivid blue, sometimes with a violet hue. Sapphires are often treated with heat to improve color and clarity. Heat enhancement is stable, routine and does not necessitate special care. Natural, unheated gemstones are somewhat rare and incredibly valuable. If you desire a natural sapphire, a report from a recognized gem-testing laboratory showing no evidence of heating is recommended. It is also recommended that you ask for lab verification of origin for any sapphire said to be from Kashmir, Burma or any other prestigious country of origin. Stones proved to
HIGH JEWELRY COLLECTION RING OF APOLLO A cushion-cut yellow sapphire totaling more than 11 carats is framed by alternating trilliant-cut yellow sapphires and diamonds and crafted in platinum. POSH STACKABLE RING Ring with pink sapphires (0.93 ctw.) in 18K rose gold.
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