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Gemstone: Natural Ceylon Sapphires Shades of
red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and pink
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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 world's 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 nature's 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 rare.
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.
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