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Sapphires: Although
sapphire means
blue in Latin, sapphires can be found in a
rainbow of
colors. 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 are found in other colors such as red,
orange,
yellow, green,
blue, purple and
pink. Colors other than blue are referred to as "fancy
sapphires". Sapphires are the traditional gift for the fifth and forty-fifth wedding anniversaries and the
beautiful
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. Nearly all sapphires are treated with heat after being
mined. Heat treatment of sapphires is a permanent, industry accepted treatment requiring no additional care over
that of unheated sapphires. There are other treatments used to enhance the color of sapphires which are not
industry accepted, may not be permanent, and therefore not sold by
MyJewelrySource.. 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,
sapphires can be
considered the ideal colored gemstone. Besides excelling in color selection,
sapphires excel 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. Your
jewelry
may be cleaned with a soft-bristled brush or a cloth with plain or soapy water.
While steaming and ultrasonic cleaning will not damage the gemstone, these
methods are not recommended by MJS as they may loosen the setting, and
subsequently, stones may fall out. Sapphires must not be put in
boiling hot water. Avoid exposure to hairspray, perfume and chlorine, which can dull gemstones.
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