The Sapphire: A Classic Beauty

May 28
09:49

2010

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Sapphire is a classic blue stone is one of the four original precious gems and among the most popular stones used in jewelry.

mediaimage
This classic blue stone is one of the four original precious gems and among the most popular stones used in jewelry. From Greek mythology,The Sapphire: A Classic Beauty Articles Prometheus was the first person to wear the stone after he stole it from the gods when he stole their fire.

Physical properties

This gemstone is a member of the corundum mineral family. The exact chemical make-up is beryllium, aluminum, oxygen and silicon. Trace elements like iron and chrome add different colors and shades of color to each stone. The most desirable color, according to the experts, is the Kashmir variety which has a velvety cornflower blue shade.

Because ruby and (sapphire jewelry) have the exact same physical make-up, they are technically the same gemstone. However, the professionals determined that the ruby could keep its name and all other colors would be sapphires. Yes, there are other colors. The fancy varieties consist of yellow, pink, brown, purple, green and more. Among the fancies, the rarest and most valuable is an orange-pink variety called "padparadscha."

The suppliers

The stones in a (sapphire necklace) could have come from many places. New deposits have been discovered in Brazil, Madagascar and Tanzania. Other mines are in India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Australia.

Special occasions

September is the month for the (sapphire birthstone). It also is supposed to have mystical and healing properties for people born in May and August. The 45th wedding anniversary is commemorated with this classic gemstone as well. But, there doesn’t have to be a special occasion to enjoy it.

Care and cleaning

Because this gemstone ranks a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, it is easy to take care of and it is ok to wear every day in any kind of setting. Of course, if someone tried really hard to break a (sapphire pendant), they could but the normal wear should be ok.

To clean them, soak them in warm water with a gentle soap. Brush them with a toothbrush to get the extra gunk out. Unlike more delicate gems, it is also ok to use the aggressive ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaner. Just make sure the stones are set firmly.

Though it is a classic gem, it was a kind of catalyst to buck tradition when it came to engagement and wedding rings. After Prince Charles gifted Diana with a large (sapphire ring), more and more people are opting for gemstones other than diamonds. Whatever the occasion, giving or wearing the classic blue or the contemporary fancies, this gemstone makes a statement.