Don't see the perfect ring? We can create it for you. See what's possible. Sapphires: Sapphires can be found in a rainbow of colors although the word sapphire means blue in Latin. Kings once believed these stones offered protection from harm and envy. Sapphires are thought to be calm and relaxing. Until the discovery of extraordinary stones in Kashmir in 1880, Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) was the 'gold standard' for sapphires. The Kashmir supply was essentially exhausted by 1930, leaving Sri Lanka as the location of the most beautiful sapphires. Sapphire mining also occurs 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 commonly referred to as "fancy sapphires". Sapphires are the traditional gift for the fifth (5th) and forty-fifth (45th) wedding anniversaries and the birthstone for September. Enhancements: There are many fascinating methods by which man has demonstrated his ability to draw maximum color, luster, clarity and brilliance from natures earthbound treasures. Cutting is the most basic enhancement method used to showcase the beauty of a gemstone. A basic understanding of 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. Most sapphires are treated with heat after being mined. This treatment is a permanent, jewelry industry accepted treatment and sapphires that have been heated require 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.com. 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: Truly sapphires can be considered the ideal colored gemstone. Besides the gorgeous array of colors available, sapphires excel in durability with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Sapphires in sizes of 1 carat and higher are considered to be important size stones. 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 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. We also have jewelry that features all of the colors of sapphire (rainbow). Care of Sapphires: Since sapphires are tough and durable and can therefore can withstand most cleaning methods. While steaming and ultrasonic cleaning will not damage them, these methods are not recommended by MJS as they may loosen the setting, and subsequently, stones may fall out. 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. |