Sapphires: Although
sapphire means
blue in Latin, sapphires can be found in a
rainbow of
colors. Kings once believed that sapphires offered protection from harm and envy. Sapphires are
considered to be calm and
relaxing. Until the incredible discovery of extraordinary stones in Kashmir in 1880, Sri Lanka (formerly known as
Ceylon) was the
standard bearer of sapphire. The Kashmir supply was nearly exhausted by 1930, leaving
Sri Lanka as the premier location for the mining of the most beautiful sapphires.
Today, sapphires are also mined in Madagascar, Australia
and Thailand. Sapphires are found in other colors as red (ruby),
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
(5th) and forty-fifth (45th) wedding anniversaries and the
birthstone for September.
Enhancements: Cutting is the most basic enhancement method
used to display the beauty of
a gemstone. There are many other methods by which man has demonstrated his ability to draw maximum color,
luster, clarity and brilliance from nature's treasures. One can better appreciate the beauty, durability and value of
gemstone
jewelry with a basic understanding of these enhancement techniques.
Nearly all sapphires are treated with heat after being
mined. This treatment of sapphires is a permanent, industry accepted treatment requiring no additional care over
that of unheated sapphires. Other treatments are 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: Overall,
sapphires can be
considered the ideal colored gemstone. Besides the amazing selection of
colors,
sapphires
are highly durable with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Sapphires in sizes of more than 1 carat are considered to be important.
Minor inclusions are generally acceptable 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
very 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 bubble gum and baby
pink, orange, and
yellow sapphires. We also have a large collection of
rainbow
sapphire jewelry.
Care of Sapphires: MyJewelrySource recommends cleaning
your jewelry
with a soft-bristled brush or a cloth with plain or soapy water or jewelry
cleaning solution. With routine cleaning, your jewelry and gemstones will
look as new for many years to come. Without cleaning, gemstones can begin
to look dull since dirt and grime can accumulate on the underside of the
stones. 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.
Avoid putting your sapphire jewelry in
boiling hot water. Avoid exposure to hairspray, perfume and chlorine, which can dull gemstones.
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