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Sapphire Guide

DEFINITION OF A SAPPHIRE

Sapphire is a priceless gemstone that belongs to the corundum group. Due to its extraordinary brilliance and hardness, it is one of the most expensive and well-known diamonds. Sapphires come in a wide variety of hues, from pink to yellow to various shades of blue, which are among the most common colors. They make an excellent choice for those seeking a timeless piece of jewelry because they are extremely durable and withstand the test of time.

HISTORY OF SAPPHIRE

For many years, sapphire has been associated with wealth and aristocracy. It is one of the most precious gemstones in the world, and its history is long and fascinating. For many decades, sapphire has captivated enthusiasts from all cultures with its magnificent colors, ranging from deep blues to dazzling yellows. In ancient Greece and Rome, where this gemstone was attributed with supernatural powers, sapphire is first mentioned in documents dating back to 800 years before Christ. It was believed that the world was perched on a massive sapphire, and its reflection gave the sky its vivid blue color, according to the ancient Persians. Furthermore, in medieval Europe, it was believed that wearing a sapphire could protect the wearer from danger or evil spirits.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SAPPHIRE

Sapphire is a precious gemstone highly prized for its enchanting beauty and a wide range of colors. Sapphire is one of the most sought-after gemstones by collectors worldwide. It comes in a wide variety of colors, from vibrant blues and yellows to soft pinks and purples. While blue sapphires are the most popular, other colors like yellow, pink, purple, and even colorless sapphires are also common.

Each of these hues carries a particular symbolism. Colorless sapphires are believed to signify clarity of judgment. Yellow sapphires are thought to represent happiness and success. Pink sapphires are believed to bring love into one’s life. Purple sapphires are believed to symbolize protection from evil. Regardless of the chosen color, each variety of the stone holds a unique meaning.

BLUE SAPPHIRE

With its deep blue hue, representing wisdom, loyalty, and trust, the blue sapphire is a magnificent gemstone, exuding royal elegance and exceptional rarity. Most of the world’s highest-quality sapphires are produced through its mining, primarily carried out in Sri Lanka.

It is believed that this blue gemstone was first discovered on Sri Lankan soil over 2000 years ago. It has become a highly sought-after gemstone among luxury collectors worldwide due to its distinctive hue and brilliant beauty.

Due to their rarity, blue sapphires rank among the most expensive gemstones on the market, yet their beauty remains timeless.

PINK SAPPHIRE

Pink sapphires have become increasingly popular for engagement rings in recent years, a trend that was undoubtedly influenced by the choice of Lady Gaga, who selected this precious gemstone for her engagement ring. The pink sapphire is an ideal choice for those looking to add a touch of pastel beauty to their special moment. This exquisite gemstone is often chosen as a modern alternative to traditional pink diamonds, with its eye-catching hue bringing a lot of sparkle and sophistication. Pink sapphire is said to represent love, joy, and commitment – key elements of a successful relationship. This stunning gemstone comes in many shades, from pale blush to vibrant magenta, making it easy to find the perfect match for any style or personal preference.

PADPARADSCHA SAPPHIRE

The Padparadscha sapphire is one of the most stunning gemstones in nature. Due to its brilliant pink-orange color, which has been compared to a breathtaking sunrise or sunset, it is exceptionally rare and highly sought after. These sapphires are among the rarest gemstones in the world and are only found in Tanzania, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. The fact that these stones have not been heated or chemically altered makes them even more unique. This indicates that all their beautiful hues come from nature itself. That’s why Padparadscha sapphires are unique gemstones, with none ever identical to another. They have an unparalleled beauty of their own, which is why those who appreciate what’s special should consider adding one of these rare stones to their collection.

YELLOW SAPPHIRE

The yellow sapphire is a gemstone of astonishing color, frequently used in jewelry. One of the most prized gemstones is the yellow sapphire, renowned for its brilliant golden color and distinctive untreated clarity. Since ancient times, this gemstone has been used to enhance jewelry such as yellow sapphire rings, bracelets, sapphire earrings, and necklaces. Yellow sapphires are still highly sought-after jewelry in the current market, especially those that are untreated. Unlike other varieties of sapphires that have been heated, treated, or modified to enhance their appearance, these stones retain their original color and luster. To ensure that a yellow sapphire maintains its original beauty over time, it is essential to purchase jewelry containing yellow sapphires that have not been heated.

PURPLE SAPPHIRE

Anyone looking to add color and brilliance to their jewelry collection can opt for the violet sapphire. From deep blue to violet to magenta, this beautiful gemstone comes in a wide variety of hues. As one of the rarest sapphire varieties, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone seeking something truly exceptional. These violet sapphires can be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes for jewelry. Due to its distinctive elegance, it makes the perfect choice for engagement rings and other heirloom-quality pieces. Additionally, this rich hue is often used as an accent stone with diamonds or other gemstones like rubies or emeralds. There are many options for violet sapphire jewelry, whether you’re looking for a standout piece or a more understated accessory.

TURQUOISE SAPPHIRE

Turquoise sapphire, also known as teal sapphire, is a colored gemstone primarily found in Australia. These beautiful gemstones, often referred to as parti sapphires, are a type of fancy sapphire that can exhibit additional blue and green tones. The most desirable teal sapphires are highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts because they are predominantly blue, with very few green or yellow hues. When assessing the overall value of a stone, factors such as cut quality, clarity, and color are taken into account. Teal sapphires often exhibit inclusions, such as tiny minerals or other stones. However, as they can add more personality to the stone, they do not detract from its appeal.

COLORLESS SAPPHIRE (WHITE SAPPHIRE)

White sapphire is gaining popularity as a beautiful and valuable colored gemstone, replacing diamonds in sapphire jewelry or engagement rings. When it comes to elegance and sophistication, white sapphire has nothing to envy from other gemstones. Many people are starting to prefer white sapphire over traditional stones like diamonds due to its clarity and sparkling brilliance.

STAR SAPPHIRE

The star sapphire is a rare and charming gemstone that has long been used in jewelry. The wonderful quality known as asterism is present in these astonishing gems, which are available in black star sapphire, gray star sapphire, and blue star sapphire. A six-pointed star can be observed on the surface of these stones when light reflects at specific angles. Star sapphires are absolutely unique among gemstones due to this natural phenomenon, which resembles nothing else in the world. For their beauty and spiritual significance, these spectacular stones have been cherished by civilizations throughout history. A star sapphire is believed to bring luck and prosperity to the wearer. Some tribes even believed that these stones could treat illnesses like fever or alleviate pain.

ORANGE SAPPHIRE

Orange sapphire is a gemstone of beautiful color, typically ranging in shades of yellow and pink, but some orange sapphires stand out with their vivid orange hue. The amount of chromium in the chemical composition of an orange sapphire determines its hue, which can range from muted to brilliant. Due to their distinctive color, they are highly sought after by jewelers and collectors alike. The durability and hardness of orange sapphires, identical to that of all corundums, make them ideal stones for furnishings and horology, as well as for everyday jewelry.

GREEN SAPPHIRE

If you’re looking for a unique and charming gemstone that won’t break the bank, consider green sapphires. Heated green sapphires are highly sought after as they can be further enhanced through heat treatments to bring out their unique color. These stones are both unique and affordable, as they are primarily sourced from Australian and African sapphires.

Deep forest green and lighter mint hues are just some of the attractive tones that heated green sapphires can exhibit. These gemstones are often used in antique jewelry or settings made from white gold or silver bands. They are highly prized by collectors and fine jewelry enthusiasts due to their beauty.

TRADE NAMES OF SAPPHIRE

Blue sapphires found in nature are the most common type of sapphire, although many other shades have also gained popularity over time. Depending on their color and place of origin, gemologists have created a number of trade names to distinguish different varieties of sapphires. The following trade names are commonly used to denote various shades of blue sapphires:

ROYAL BLUE SAPPHIRE

Some of the most beautiful sapphires are royal blue sapphires, with their vibrant color intriguing and capturing attention with their brilliance. These astonishing stones have been captivating admirers for decades and have long been favorites among jewelry enthusiasts. Royal blue sapphire will stand out whether it’s used in a stunning sapphire necklace or an exquisite engagement ring.

CORAL BLUE SAPPHIRE

Blue coral sapphire is a favorite gemstone among collectors. One of the most common colors of this precious stone is its distinctive pastel hue, which can vary in intensity from light to dark. Many admirers are drawn to this stunning shade of blue because of its unmatched charm.

PEACOCK BLUE SAPPHIRE

The peacock blue sapphire is a rare and magnificent gemstone often compared to the striking colors of a peacock feather. It is renowned for its velvety appearance that captivates onlookers with its stunning beauty. Among all shades of blue sapphire, this hue of blue is one of the rarest.

PROPERTIES AND FEATURES

Due to its vibrant colors and robust structure, sapphire is an astonishing and expensive gemstone. This gemstone is one of the toughest in the market due to its well-known hardness. Sapphire is an ideal choice for jewelry as its Mohs hardness is 9, making it exceptionally resistant to scratches and wear. This magnificent gemstone has long been a favorite among celebrities due to its luxurious character. Sapphires come in a variety of colors, from pink to blue, making them extremely versatile and highly sought after in the fashion industry. Sapphire jewelry is undeniably a wise choice for anyone seeking an expensive yet classic accessory. Cooler weather, spiced pumpkin lattes, and a stunning sapphire gemstone—all elements that arrive in September. The traditional birthstone for September babies is the sapphire. Given its breathtaking beauty, it’s no wonder that the sapphire, the birthstone of September, is one of the most popular gemstones in the world today.

FAMOUS SAPPHIRE STONES

The most famous blue sapphire engagement ring is that of Princess Diana, with a stunning unheated blue sapphire as its centerpiece. The Logan Sapphire and the renowned Rockefeller Sapphire are two other notable large blue sapphires.

ORIGIN AND SOURCES OF SAPPHIRE STONE

The sapphire gemstone is sourced from various locations, including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Australia, and numerous African countries, including Madagascar and Tanzania.

SRI LANKA SAPPHIRE (CEYLON SAPPHIRE)

Sapphires are no exception to Thailand’s renowned abundance of gemstones. Thailand is a significant supplier of these brilliant blue stones in the international market, thanks to the country’s abundant natural resources, the majority of which are extracted in the Kanchanaburi province. Some of Thailand’s most valuable sapphires are found in Kanchanaburi, which has been providing them for generations. When farmers in the Sai Yok district discovered significant reserves, mining began as early as the 18th century.

BURMAIAN SAPPHIRE

Since ancient times, the Mogok region in Burma (Myanmar) has been the source of the gemstone known as Burmese sapphire. These gems have long captivated collectors with their brilliant blues and violets. The exceptional brilliance and clarity of Burmese sapphires are well-known. British miners began extracting them from neighboring mines in the 19th century and exporting them to Europe and America. Due to their rarity and high quality, Burmese sapphires attracted a large number of foreign customers. Mogok, home to some of the world’s finest stones, remains the hub of the current gemstone trade.

SAPPHIRE FROM CASHMERI, SAPPHIRE FROM INDIA

One of the rarest and most expensive varieties of sapphires in the world is the Indian sapphire. This rare gemstone is primarily found in Kashmir, India, making it a coveted possession for gemstone collectors. Since ancient times, Indian sapphire has been admired for its stunning blue color and continues to be highly sought after today.

MADAGASCAR SAPPHIRE

Madagascar is home to some of the world’s most remarkable sapphires. Due to their exceptional quality and the recent discovery of a new source, Madagascar sapphires are in increasing demand. These exquisite gems have the potential to become a major international supplier of top-tier sapphires.

ETHIOPIAN SAPPHIRE

A new deposit of stunning opals that Ethiopia is known for has been discovered. The recently discovered deposit is nestled within basaltic rocks and is located in the Wollo province in northern Ethiopia.

MONTANA SAPPHIRE

Sapphires found in Montana are a national treasure. Since the late 1800s, gravel in Montana has been mined for these teal-colored sapphires. These sapphires are available in a wide range of colors, from rich green to deep royal blue. These gems have recently gained some notoriety after receiving significant media attention on television and in magazines. More and more people are starting to recognize the unique character of a Montana sapphire as a jewel in their collection.

AUSTRALIAN SAPPHIRE

Australia is well-known for its sapphires. For many years, miners have been delving into the depths of the earth in search of rare gemstones. Fura Gems Inc., a Canadian-based mining company, has recently made significant strides in this field with its extensive blue sapphire mining operations in Australia, which are expanding rapidly.

Since 2018, Fura Gems Inc. has been operating in Australia, and the company is now mining sapphires in the towns of Rubyvale and Anakie in Queensland. These sites provide a variety of blue sapphires sought after by jewelry designers worldwide, with varying color intensity and quality.

Fura Gems Inc.’s efficient mining procedures ensure that minerals extracted from their sites are closely inspected while adhering to standards in line with international best practices.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION TABLE

MINERAL	Corundum
CHEMISTRY	Al2O3
COLOR	Light to dark blue
REFRACTIVE INDEX	1.762-1.770
BIREFRINGENCE	0.008-0.010
DENSITY	4.00
MOHS HARDNESS	9.0

MAINTAINING A SAPPHIRE

If you want to preserve the beauty of your sapphire, it is essential to take care of it. By adopting the right approach, you can maintain its brilliance and beauty for years. The first step is to carefully wash the sapphire gemstone with lukewarm water and a mild soap or detergent. Avoid using abrasive products that could scratch the surface of the stone. Use soft bristles and refrain from scrubbing too vigorously when cleaning your sapphire, as this could damage its delicate structure. After cleaning, rinse it thoroughly with clear water, let it air dry, and then store it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Additionally, you should be cautious when handling your sapphire, as over time, the natural oils from your skin can cause it to lose some of its inherent shine.