Sapphires: 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. In the 1990's Southern Madagascar became one of the top sources of good to fine quality
sapphires. Sapphires are also mined in the US (Montana), Australia, Thailand, Cambodia and Northern Madagascar, however these locations don't produce as fine a sapphire and are mainly used to supply "commercial grade" sapphires to the industry. They come 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
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. Most 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 our company. 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,
sapphiresexcel 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.
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. Your 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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