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Sapphire: Although
sapphire means blue
in Latin, sapphires can be found in a rainbow of colors.
Kings once believed these stones offered protection form harm and envy. Sapphires are calm and relaxing. Until the discovery of extraordinary stones in
Kashmir in 1880, Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) was the
standard bearer of sapphire. The Kashmir supply was essentially exhausted by 1930, leaving
Sri Lanka
as the location of the most beautiful sapphires. Sapphires are also mined in Madagascar, Australia and Thailand. Sapphires come other colors such as red,
orange,
yellow, green,
blue, purple and
pink. Colors
other than blue are referred to as "fancy sapphires".
Sapphire is the traditional gift for the fifth and forty-fifth wedding anniversaries and the
birthstone for September.
Enhancements: Although cutting is the most basic enhancement method necessary to display the beauty of a
gemstone, there are many fascinating methods by
which man has demonstrated his ability to draw maximum color, luster, clarity and brilliance from natures earthbound treasures. A basic understanding of
these enhancement techniques will add to your appreciation of the beauty, durability and value of the
gemstone jewelry you already own, or plan to purchase
in the future. Sapphires are commonly treated with heat to enhance the color and clarity and the treatment is considered acceptable and permanent.
Approximately, 99% of sapphires used in jewelry are heated, leaving 1% which are unheated and considered very rare. You
should assume that the sapphires sold at MyJewelrySource are heated unless stated otherwise.
Buying a Sapphire: All in all, sapphire can be
considered the ideal colored gemstone. Besides excelling in color selection,
sapphire excels in durability with a rating of 9 on the
Mohs scale of hardness.
Sapphires in sizes
of 1 carat and over are considered to be important. Some inclusions are accepted although certainly not as many as with
ruby or
emerald. Nearly all of the sapphires at MyJewelrySource.com
are eye clean and most important, all are pleasing to the eye. We offer a wide range of colors from a traditional
Ceylon blue, to rich lustrous royal blue, to many styles with
pink, orange, and
yellow sapphires.
Care of Sapphires: Since sapphires are tough and durable, they can withstand most cleaning methods. Steaming or ultrasonic cleaners are acceptable.
Your sapphire jewelry may be cleaned with a soft-bristled brush or a
cloth with plain or soapy water. Sapphires must not be put in boiling hot water. Avoid exposure to hairspray, perfume and chlorine, which can dull gemstones.
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