Sapphires from different regions have distinct characteristics that influence their value. For example, sapphires from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) are often lighter in tone, while Burmese sapphires are prized for their deep, saturated blue. Sapphires from Montana, USA, often have a unique steely or greenish-blue tint.

What is the world without color? Without flowers, without the rainbow, or without beautiful gemstones, the world would be a very different place. Gemstone engagement rings are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to diamond engagement rings. Gemstone engagement rings add a brilliant splash of color and allow more individual expression then ever before. MyJewelrySource offers a beautiful selection of truly unique precious and semi-precious gemstone engagement rings and birthstone promise rings, most of which are exclusively sold here.

Tip #7- Hues of Blue: Blue is a soothing color and a symbol of commitment. It is a constant in our lives, from the color of the sky to the color of the ocean. Sapphires are the best choice for many reasons (including their superior hardness and range of colors) for a blue gemstone engagement ring. Other options include tanzanite, which also had purple tones, and aquamarine, a lighter, softer shade of blue, has been the focal point of many outstanding engagement rings we have created. If she likes sky blue or turquoise blue, don't overlook blue topaz engagement rings and blue zircon engagement rings. Did you know that blue zircon is one of the most sparkly gemstones? With a refractive index similar to that of a diamond, it is a brilliant beautiful stone. Sapphires too can be very sparkly; this is particularly true of sapphires with Ceylon origin. At MyJewelrySource, we primarily offer Ceylon sapphire engagement rings for that very reason. Ceylon sapphires are found in a wide range of blue shades from periwinkle to cornflower to cobalt and royal blue. Sapphires from other locations like Africa or Thailand are also quite beautiful and generally have a richer, darker tone. Tanzanite is found in only one location in the world, Tanzania, Africa. It is an exceptional bluish purple gemstone and is often found in large sizes. Lower quality material often is more of a lavender color, which is actually quite pretty. The lighter colors are more affordable and often times set in silver rather than precious gold or platinum. Blue zircon and Swiss blue topaz often look very similar. The highest quality of blue zircon has a color saturation that blue topaz does not have. Both are reminiscent of a gorgeous bright blue sky, or of the Caribbean sea. Blue topaz is the most affordable of the blue gemstones with blue zircon following as a close second. Fine quality aquamarine, particularly the prized Santa Maria aquamarine, is very rare and is priced accordingly. Some qualities and colors of blue sapphire are very affordable especially in sizes of 1 carat or smaller. Fine, vivid cornflower blue Ceylon sapphires are among the most expensive, which reflects the rarity and the quality of the gem.

Although sapphire means blue in Latin, sapphires can be found in a rainbow of colors. Kings once believed these stones offered protection from 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.

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. 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.

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.

Sapphire can withstand most cleaning methods since they are tough and durable. Although steaming and ultrasonic cleaning will not damage the gemstone, these methods are not recommended by MyJewelrySource since 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. Do not put sapphires in boiling hot water. Avoid exposure to hairspray, perfume and chlorine, which can dull gemstones.