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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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