The Gemstone that is the Birthstone for September and is the Star Sign of Virgo, looks simply superb set in Sapphire Rings, sapphire Pendants, Sapphire Earrings and all other types of Sapphire Jewellery.
Giving a piece of jewellery containing a birthstone gem will offer the wearer good luck and protection. Monthly birthstones symbolize the month of birth according to the Gregorian Calendar.
Introduction
All Sapphires and Sapphire items of jewellery should only be purchased from suppliers under the provision that they were sourced under conflict free and ethical conditions.
Sapphires remain the worlds number 1 selling coloured gem. While not as expensive as rubies, the price for a fine quality sapphire can be higher than that of a diamond.
SAPPHIRE HISTORY, LEGEND and LORE
The September birthstone poem reflects some of the properties with which the Sapphire is associated - truth, sincerity and constancy.
A Sapphire Poem
"A maiden born with Autumen Leaves, Are rustling in September's breeze, A sapphire on her brow should bind; To bring her joy and peace of mind."
The traditional metaphysical properties for the September Birthstone Sapphire are clairvoyance, insight and interpretation. The healing properties of the September birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to lowering fevers and inflammation, hearing problems, cancer and burns. The Sapphire is also used to enhance the influences of Venus and and banish evil thoughts.
During their history Sapphires have been the most venerated amongst all nations, and particularly in the East it is the stone most frequently consecrated to the various gods and deities. Amongst Buddhists it is believed to produce a desire for prayer, and is regarded as the Stone of Stones to give Spiritual Light, and to bring Peace and Happiness as long as the wearer of a sapphire leads a moral life.
Christian Church: In the early days of the Christian Church, the stones and metal used in making the ring of a Bishop was left very much to the taste of the individual, but in the twelfth century Pope Innocent III decreed that these rings should be made of pure gold and then set with an un-engraved stone. The Sapphire was the gem which was selected, as possessing the virtues and qualities essential to its dignified position as the badge of the Pope.
The Jews: The Jews also held sapphires in high veneration, the seal-stone in the ring of King Solomon was said to have been a Sapphire. In Exodus xxiv. 10, the description of a manifestation of Jehovah is as follows: Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages the qualities attributed to Sapphires were that they preserved Chastity, discovered Fraud and Treachery, protected from Poison, Plague, Fever, and Skin Diseases and had great power in resisting black magic. In smallpox sapphires were thought to preserve the eyes from injury if rubbed on them. It is recorded that in the Church of Old St. Paul's, London, there was a famous Sapphire given by "Richard de Preston, Citizen and Grocer of that city, for the cure of infirmities in the eyes of those thus afflicted who might resort to it.
"Love Charm": Cloudy Sapphires are sometimes found which owing to a peculiarity in their composition show six rays of light running from the top of the stone. These are known as Asteria, or Star Stones. Star sapphires were believed to be powerful for the procuring of favours, for bringing good fortune and as protection against witchcraft. Star Sapphires were also valued in Ancient History as a love charm. The wife of the Emperor Charlemagne is reputed to have possessed a very powerful charm consisting of two rough Sapphires and a portion of the Holy Cross, made by the Magi in the train of the Emperor of the East. This Talisman, or love charm, was made for the purpose of keeping the Emperor's affections constant to his wife. The sapphire charm worked so well that his love endured after her death.
BUYING SAPPHIRES and SAPPHIRE JEWELLERY
If you're not an expert, buying Sapphire Jewellery can be a very daunting task. To help you out, I have put together this little guide, which will hopefully help you make the right choice for your needs. When buying your Sapphire or Sapphire Jewellery you should first consider the combination of the Sapphire colour, clarity, weight and cut. As with any gems, there are trade-offs that have to be made, and once you choose the type and quality of Sapphire, it usually comes down to simply choosing a colour of Sapphire that you find attractive and that meets your budget.
MAKE UP OF A SAPPHIRE
Properties
Composition - aluminum oxide AL2O3 Hardness (Mohs) - 9 Crystal Habit - massive and granular Fracture - conchoidal, splintery Cleavage - none Specific Gravity - 3.95-4.03 Refractive Index - 1.768-1.772 Birefringence - 0.008 Crystal System - trigonal Colours - All except red (ruby) and pink-orange (padparadscha) Pleochroism - strong Melting Point - 2030-2050 Fusibility - infusible Solubility - insoluble
Sapphire is the usual name for transparent corundum. The word corundum (aluminium oxide) often includes sapphire and ruby, because of their shared characteristics.
The overall grade of a sapphire gemstone is determined by looking at Hue, Tone, Color-Purity, Clarity, Transparency and Cut. Taking all this into account and following gemmological industry standards supplied by such as EGL (European Gemological Society) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) sapphires are graded as follows: Overall grade scores: Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, Exceptional (Best).
Colour of a Sapphire
Pure corundum is colourless, often called white, and although quite rare, tends not to be valuable because it does not have much brilliance. Colours, as in many gemstones, are caused by small amounts of impurity, usually metallic oxides. This is a case where impurity is desirable. Sapphires are identical in every way to a ruby, except for colour. Chromic oxide causes brilliant red colouring in corundum, thereby producing rubies. Ferric oxide causes yellow colouration, titanium oxide produces vivid blue.
Found in a wide variety of colours - the main true colour that we are all familiar with is the Blue sapphire. Sapphire can also be colourless. However, sapphires are also available in pink, yellow, green and purple. These sapphires are aptly named "Fancy Sapphires". In addition there are other sapphires, which are extremely rare and collectible termed as Padparadscha Sapphires. Red corundum and most pink corundum is called ruby, blue corundum is called sapphire, and other colours are also called sapphire, usually with the colour specified as a prefix to the word sapphire, for example, yellow sapphire. Brilliant orange sapphires are sometimes called padparascha. Colours of blue sapphires can range from a light blue to the darkest of blue (we call it black/blue). The colloidal nature may be responsible for other optical effects such as "silk", asterism, and colour banding.
Pink Sapphires - are highly prized gems with many collectors and consumers. Pink sapphires can resemble ruby ??(so be careful, because you can not go for the colour - just a description). Again, pink sapphires can go to very dark rose and called "hot pink". Those who can not afford a pink sapphire? then search around for pink topaz! They are reasonably priced and will vary from light pink to "Hot Pink".
Yellow Sapphires - can be had for a very reasonable price, because they are found in large crystal formations. They range in colour from very pale yellow (canary yellow) to dark yellow. In search of a canary yellow diamond, but can not afford the price? Why not buy a canary yellow sapphire, set in white gold frame (I have a platinum and white gold setting!) And many will wonder if it is a canary diamond! Keep the size of the gem at the bottom of the scale (under 2 carats), as the canary yellow diamond is of high quality and they are extremely expensive, and those more than 2 carats may not be credible!
Green Sapphires - Green Sapphire offer great deals because they are the least desirable of all sapphires, and range in colour from very light green (like peridot) to the darkest of greens.
Purple Sapphires - Of all the sapphires purple sapphires stand out as what we term a "middle of the road gem" with a great price and a nice colour range.
Star Sapphires - This is a gem you either like so much you buy every one you can find or this gem is just not your cup of tea. They come in various shades of blue. The outstanding feature of this gem is the six or twelve ray star effect, which seems to dazzle it buyers. This gem is not that expensive and can be had for less then many of the sapphires in the group mentioned above.
Colour Change Sapphires - For those who love the colour change effect of Alexandrite or Tanzanite but don't like the price. A colour change sapphire is your best buy! The gem will change colour in various lighting, known as 'pleochroism'.
Cornflower Blue - Although sapphire can be almost any colour, blue is the colour normally associated with it. Cornflower blue is frequently quoted as the best and most desirable colour for sapphire. We would not argue with this. Colour is, in our opinion, the most important property for any gemstone.
Blue Ceylon - Ceylon sapphire is a term often used to describe pale to the medium coloured variations. Unless the stone is known to be from Sri Lanka, as it is now called, such as sapphire would be called "Ceylon-type".
Australian Blue - Currently most dark sapphires come from Australia, and the term "Australian sapphire" is often used to denote dark coloured sapphires, in a similar way to the term "Ceylon sapphire" for lighter stones.
Padparadscha Sapphires - This sapphire combines three colour - purple, pink and orange! A sapphire viewing these colour is known as Padparadscha Sapphire and the cost can be thousands of pounds per carat!
The Colour that is Best and Most Valuable?
I am frequently informed, by partially educated customers that the darker the sapphire the better. I am equally frequently and erroneously told the opposite. If you think, even briefly, about this it becomes obvious why. A very dark sapphire would appear black, and would not be very attractive or desirable. The darkness often being caused by inclusions. An extremely pale sapphire would be colourless, and although rarer than black sapphire, is not particularly attractive or valuable.
As usual, the truth lies between the two extremes. The most desirable sapphires are generally those with an intense blue colour, and plenty of sparkle and life. These latter two factors are usually helped by high optical clarity and skillful cutting. The middle of the road in the sapphire gem group appears to be the most expensive (and the most sought after gem).
Good rule of thumb is that light and dark sapphire colour will cost less and mid-range colour sapphires will cost more. Also, never buy on price, but by the colour and clarity of sapphire, which appeals most to you. Many buyers love a light sapphire stone, and many others prefer the night (almost black/blue) sapphire.
Ultimately which is "best" is really a subjective matter, and personal preference is important. My usual advice is to buy whichever colour of sapphire they personally find the most attractive. I also think it's slightly sad that we need to give this advice. Buy what you like, using your own judgment, rather than allowing yourself to be a slave to fashion and buying what you think will impress other people.
Clarity of a Sapphire
Blue sapphires tend to have more inclusions than most other colour sapphires. Gemologists use the term "inclusion" to describe the features found on a stone. The inclusions are often used as an indicator that the stone is of natural origin. A "blemish" is a feature that affects the surface of the stone.
Sapphire degrees of purity.
VVS - Very, very slightly included - minor inclusions that can be seen under 10x magnification, but invisible to the naked eye. No effect on appearance.
VS - Very slightly included - noticeable inclusions unlikely to be visible to the unaided eye, but easy to see under 10x magnification. Little to no effect on brilliance.
SI1 - Slightly included - large or numerous inclusions that can be easily seen under 10x magnification. These inclusions are apparent/somewhat apparent with the naked eye. Slight effect on appearance, little to no effect on brilliance.
SI2 - Slightly included - obvious inclusions that can be easily seen under 10x magnification. Slight effect on appearance and brilliance.
I1 - Obvious inclusions - significant effect on appearance, brilliance and transparency.
I2 - Prominent inclusions - significant effect on appearance, brilliance and transparency.
I3 - Numerous and prominent inclusions - severe effect on appearance, brilliance and transparency.
Crystals - solid inclusions of various shapes and sizes. Extremely small crystals are referred to as pinpoints or grains.
Silk - fine fibers of titanium dioxide (rutile) or other minerals that resemble the look of silk. silk indicates that the sapphire undergone no heat-treatment and is of natural origin. Silk is a preferred inclusion in sapphires.
Needles - long, thin inclusions of either crystals, or tubes filled with gas or liquid (growth tubes).
Cracks - feather-like inclusions also known as fractures or fissures.
Parting - breakage along a plane of weakness.
Twinning - two crystals grown out of one another or next to each other.
Halos - circular fractures surrounding a crystal.
Fingerprints - common in sapphire, these inclusions look like human fingerprint outlines.
Colour zoning - uneven colour distribution in the sapphire.
Cavities - holes extending into the sapphire from the surface.
Chips - broken off pieces along the girdle or on the culet of the sapphire Sapphire Surface Blemishes.
Scratches - lines scraped on a gemstone.
Pits - tiny holes on the stone's surface..
Nicks - broken parts of a stone's girdle or facet.
Abrasions - rough scrapings along the stone's facet edges Transparency of a Sapphire.
The degree of visibility through the sapphire crystal is known for its transparency. It is often overlooked when it comes to features of sapphires. Transparency has been designated as follows:
Transparent - objects look clear and distinct through the stone. These sapphires usually have excellent brilliance despite any inclusions they may have.
Semitransparent - objects look slightly hazy or blurry through the stone.
Translucent - objects are difficult to see through the sapphire. Light can pass through, but it is somewhat diffused.
Semi-translucent or semi-opaque - a small fraction of light passes through the stone.
Opaque - almost no light passes through the stone.
Cut of a Sapphire
The best cuts of sapphire provide depth/width ratio greater than comparable cuts of diamonds. I hope to share a depth of 65% to 80% of the sapphires of good quality. If the cuts are too deep then stones are smaller than expected, but show more colour than they would if they Ire cut to normal proportions. Deeper cut stones are Ill for preserving light, increasing the cost of stone without the expected increase in the size of the crown (the top of the gemstone). If cuts are too shallow, stones will look bigger than than their true light and appear lighter in colour than the deep cut stones. Sapphires of good quality also show good symmetry when viewed in profile - they reflect light evenly.
Brilliance
The brilliance of a stone can be almost as important as its actually hue. A stone which is relatively free of inclusions will transmit more light, and therefore appear more brilliant. Attention to detail when cutting the stone can help the brilliance of any gemstone. It is well known that accurate proportions are important for diamonds, but less well know that it is also important for coloured stones also.
Hardness
Corundum is very hard, having a hardness of 9 on Mohs' scale, compared with 10 for diamond, and 8 for topaz. Hardness is generally a desirable feature is gemstones. Other uses for corundum, because of its hardness, are as watch bearings, watch glasses, and as an abrasive.
Sources
Sapphires are extracts of alluvial deposits or from primary underground workings. Mining sites include Myanmar, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Australia, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Kenya and China. Logan sapphire, the Star of India, and the star of Bombay comes from mines in Sri Lanka. Madagascar is the world leader in the production of sapphire (2007) specifically deposits around the city of Ilakaka. Prior to the opening of mines in Ilakaka, Australia was the largest producer of sapphires (as in 1987).
In 1991, a new source of sapphires was discovered in Andranondambo, southern Madagascar. That area has been exploited for its sapphires started in 1993, but it was practically abandoned just a few years later - because of the difficulties in recovering sapphires in their bedrock. This kind of sapphire has been sold as the "Kashmir sapphire" in international markets.
In North America, sapphires have been mined mostly from deposits around Helena, Montana. A few gem-grade sapphires and rubies have also been found in the area of Franklin, N.C.
Prices
The price range of sapphires is very large, ranging from under 1 per carat to many thousands of pounds per carat, depending primarily on colour, but also on brilliance, which is affected by clarity and cutting.
Enhancements
Sapphires may be treated by several methods to enhance and improve their clarity and colour.[It is common practice to heat natural sapphires to improve or enhance colour. This is done by heating the sapphires in air to temperatures between 500 and 1800 C for several hours, or by heating in a nitrogen-deficient atmosphere oven for seven days or more. Upon heating, the stone becomes a more blue in colour but loses some of the rutile inclusions (silk). When high heat temperatures are used, the stone loses all of the silk and becomes clear under magnification.
Evidence of sapphire and other gemstones being subjected to heating goes back to, at least, Roman times. Un-heated stones are quite rare and will often be sold accompanied by a certificate from an independent gemological laboratory attesting to "no evidence of heat treatment".
Diffusion treatments are somewhat more controversial as they are used to add elements to the sapphire for the purpose of improving colours. Typically beryllium is diffused into a sapphire with very high heat, just below the melting point of the sapphire. Initially (c. 2000) orange sapphires were created with this process, although now the process has been advanced and many colours of sapphire are often treated with beryllium. It is unethical to sell beryllium-treated sapphires without disclosure, and the price should be much lower than a natural gem or one that has been enhanced by heat alone.
Treating stones with surface diffusion is generally frowned upon because when stones chip or are repolished/refaceted the 'padparadscha' coloured layer can be removed. (There are some diffusion treated stones in which the colour goes much deeper than the surface, however.) The problem lies in the fact that treated padparadschas are at times very difficult to detect, and they are the reason that getting a certificate from a reputable gemological lab is recommended before investing in them.
Cleaning
Sapphire jewellery can be cleaned using hot soapy water, or detergent, rinse thoroughly afterwards as detergents can cause dermatitis and allergic reactions. Enzyme cleaners should be avoided for the same reasons. Brushing with an old tooth brush to remove dirt and grease will also help. Cleaning agents containing chlorine may have a detrimental effect on low carat gold alloys, so are best avoided.
Personal Preference
Whatever the colour that becomes most popular or more expensive, it does not change my general advice to choose the jewellery that appeal to you personally. If you like the sapphire that is only half the price of another, trust your own judgments and choose the stone you prefer.
Love or Money
Of course, most of the time you will find that you like the most expensive stones best, in which case you may need to balance your budget against your emotions, but because jewellery is an infrequent purchase, we believe it is better to err on the generous side. Out of two stones competing for your attention, you will almost always feel happier in the long term when you buy the one you like best, even if initially there is a little anxiety or pain about parting with the cash!
My Last Word..
I strongly suggest you buy your sapphires carefully. Expect to pay more for larger size gems and remember that the ideal sapphire should be relatively clear from fractures and inclusions. At the end of the day, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder'". So choose the colour you want, not what you are led to believe you want!
Whichever colour, size or shape of sapphire you choose, be sure to wear it and ENJOY!
Thank you for reading my article - I sincerely hope it helps in some way..
Giving a piece of jewellery containing a birthstone gem will offer the wearer good luck and protection. Monthly birthstones symbolize the month of birth according to the Gregorian Calendar.
Introduction
All Sapphires and Sapphire items of jewellery should only be purchased from suppliers under the provision that they were sourced under conflict free and ethical conditions.
Sapphires remain the worlds number 1 selling coloured gem. While not as expensive as rubies, the price for a fine quality sapphire can be higher than that of a diamond.
SAPPHIRE HISTORY, LEGEND and LORE
The September birthstone poem reflects some of the properties with which the Sapphire is associated - truth, sincerity and constancy.
A Sapphire Poem
"A maiden born with Autumen Leaves, Are rustling in September's breeze, A sapphire on her brow should bind; To bring her joy and peace of mind."
The traditional metaphysical properties for the September Birthstone Sapphire are clairvoyance, insight and interpretation. The healing properties of the September birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to lowering fevers and inflammation, hearing problems, cancer and burns. The Sapphire is also used to enhance the influences of Venus and and banish evil thoughts.
During their history Sapphires have been the most venerated amongst all nations, and particularly in the East it is the stone most frequently consecrated to the various gods and deities. Amongst Buddhists it is believed to produce a desire for prayer, and is regarded as the Stone of Stones to give Spiritual Light, and to bring Peace and Happiness as long as the wearer of a sapphire leads a moral life.
Christian Church: In the early days of the Christian Church, the stones and metal used in making the ring of a Bishop was left very much to the taste of the individual, but in the twelfth century Pope Innocent III decreed that these rings should be made of pure gold and then set with an un-engraved stone. The Sapphire was the gem which was selected, as possessing the virtues and qualities essential to its dignified position as the badge of the Pope.
The Jews: The Jews also held sapphires in high veneration, the seal-stone in the ring of King Solomon was said to have been a Sapphire. In Exodus xxiv. 10, the description of a manifestation of Jehovah is as follows: Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages the qualities attributed to Sapphires were that they preserved Chastity, discovered Fraud and Treachery, protected from Poison, Plague, Fever, and Skin Diseases and had great power in resisting black magic. In smallpox sapphires were thought to preserve the eyes from injury if rubbed on them. It is recorded that in the Church of Old St. Paul's, London, there was a famous Sapphire given by "Richard de Preston, Citizen and Grocer of that city, for the cure of infirmities in the eyes of those thus afflicted who might resort to it.
"Love Charm": Cloudy Sapphires are sometimes found which owing to a peculiarity in their composition show six rays of light running from the top of the stone. These are known as Asteria, or Star Stones. Star sapphires were believed to be powerful for the procuring of favours, for bringing good fortune and as protection against witchcraft. Star Sapphires were also valued in Ancient History as a love charm. The wife of the Emperor Charlemagne is reputed to have possessed a very powerful charm consisting of two rough Sapphires and a portion of the Holy Cross, made by the Magi in the train of the Emperor of the East. This Talisman, or love charm, was made for the purpose of keeping the Emperor's affections constant to his wife. The sapphire charm worked so well that his love endured after her death.
BUYING SAPPHIRES and SAPPHIRE JEWELLERY
If you're not an expert, buying Sapphire Jewellery can be a very daunting task. To help you out, I have put together this little guide, which will hopefully help you make the right choice for your needs. When buying your Sapphire or Sapphire Jewellery you should first consider the combination of the Sapphire colour, clarity, weight and cut. As with any gems, there are trade-offs that have to be made, and once you choose the type and quality of Sapphire, it usually comes down to simply choosing a colour of Sapphire that you find attractive and that meets your budget.
MAKE UP OF A SAPPHIRE
Properties
Composition - aluminum oxide AL2O3 Hardness (Mohs) - 9 Crystal Habit - massive and granular Fracture - conchoidal, splintery Cleavage - none Specific Gravity - 3.95-4.03 Refractive Index - 1.768-1.772 Birefringence - 0.008 Crystal System - trigonal Colours - All except red (ruby) and pink-orange (padparadscha) Pleochroism - strong Melting Point - 2030-2050 Fusibility - infusible Solubility - insoluble
Sapphire is the usual name for transparent corundum. The word corundum (aluminium oxide) often includes sapphire and ruby, because of their shared characteristics.
The overall grade of a sapphire gemstone is determined by looking at Hue, Tone, Color-Purity, Clarity, Transparency and Cut. Taking all this into account and following gemmological industry standards supplied by such as EGL (European Gemological Society) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) sapphires are graded as follows: Overall grade scores: Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, Exceptional (Best).
Colour of a Sapphire
Pure corundum is colourless, often called white, and although quite rare, tends not to be valuable because it does not have much brilliance. Colours, as in many gemstones, are caused by small amounts of impurity, usually metallic oxides. This is a case where impurity is desirable. Sapphires are identical in every way to a ruby, except for colour. Chromic oxide causes brilliant red colouring in corundum, thereby producing rubies. Ferric oxide causes yellow colouration, titanium oxide produces vivid blue.
Found in a wide variety of colours - the main true colour that we are all familiar with is the Blue sapphire. Sapphire can also be colourless. However, sapphires are also available in pink, yellow, green and purple. These sapphires are aptly named "Fancy Sapphires". In addition there are other sapphires, which are extremely rare and collectible termed as Padparadscha Sapphires. Red corundum and most pink corundum is called ruby, blue corundum is called sapphire, and other colours are also called sapphire, usually with the colour specified as a prefix to the word sapphire, for example, yellow sapphire. Brilliant orange sapphires are sometimes called padparascha. Colours of blue sapphires can range from a light blue to the darkest of blue (we call it black/blue). The colloidal nature may be responsible for other optical effects such as "silk", asterism, and colour banding.
Pink Sapphires - are highly prized gems with many collectors and consumers. Pink sapphires can resemble ruby ??(so be careful, because you can not go for the colour - just a description). Again, pink sapphires can go to very dark rose and called "hot pink". Those who can not afford a pink sapphire? then search around for pink topaz! They are reasonably priced and will vary from light pink to "Hot Pink".
Yellow Sapphires - can be had for a very reasonable price, because they are found in large crystal formations. They range in colour from very pale yellow (canary yellow) to dark yellow. In search of a canary yellow diamond, but can not afford the price? Why not buy a canary yellow sapphire, set in white gold frame (I have a platinum and white gold setting!) And many will wonder if it is a canary diamond! Keep the size of the gem at the bottom of the scale (under 2 carats), as the canary yellow diamond is of high quality and they are extremely expensive, and those more than 2 carats may not be credible!
Green Sapphires - Green Sapphire offer great deals because they are the least desirable of all sapphires, and range in colour from very light green (like peridot) to the darkest of greens.
Purple Sapphires - Of all the sapphires purple sapphires stand out as what we term a "middle of the road gem" with a great price and a nice colour range.
Star Sapphires - This is a gem you either like so much you buy every one you can find or this gem is just not your cup of tea. They come in various shades of blue. The outstanding feature of this gem is the six or twelve ray star effect, which seems to dazzle it buyers. This gem is not that expensive and can be had for less then many of the sapphires in the group mentioned above.
Colour Change Sapphires - For those who love the colour change effect of Alexandrite or Tanzanite but don't like the price. A colour change sapphire is your best buy! The gem will change colour in various lighting, known as 'pleochroism'.
Cornflower Blue - Although sapphire can be almost any colour, blue is the colour normally associated with it. Cornflower blue is frequently quoted as the best and most desirable colour for sapphire. We would not argue with this. Colour is, in our opinion, the most important property for any gemstone.
Blue Ceylon - Ceylon sapphire is a term often used to describe pale to the medium coloured variations. Unless the stone is known to be from Sri Lanka, as it is now called, such as sapphire would be called "Ceylon-type".
Australian Blue - Currently most dark sapphires come from Australia, and the term "Australian sapphire" is often used to denote dark coloured sapphires, in a similar way to the term "Ceylon sapphire" for lighter stones.
Padparadscha Sapphires - This sapphire combines three colour - purple, pink and orange! A sapphire viewing these colour is known as Padparadscha Sapphire and the cost can be thousands of pounds per carat!
The Colour that is Best and Most Valuable?
I am frequently informed, by partially educated customers that the darker the sapphire the better. I am equally frequently and erroneously told the opposite. If you think, even briefly, about this it becomes obvious why. A very dark sapphire would appear black, and would not be very attractive or desirable. The darkness often being caused by inclusions. An extremely pale sapphire would be colourless, and although rarer than black sapphire, is not particularly attractive or valuable.
As usual, the truth lies between the two extremes. The most desirable sapphires are generally those with an intense blue colour, and plenty of sparkle and life. These latter two factors are usually helped by high optical clarity and skillful cutting. The middle of the road in the sapphire gem group appears to be the most expensive (and the most sought after gem).
Good rule of thumb is that light and dark sapphire colour will cost less and mid-range colour sapphires will cost more. Also, never buy on price, but by the colour and clarity of sapphire, which appeals most to you. Many buyers love a light sapphire stone, and many others prefer the night (almost black/blue) sapphire.
Ultimately which is "best" is really a subjective matter, and personal preference is important. My usual advice is to buy whichever colour of sapphire they personally find the most attractive. I also think it's slightly sad that we need to give this advice. Buy what you like, using your own judgment, rather than allowing yourself to be a slave to fashion and buying what you think will impress other people.
Clarity of a Sapphire
Blue sapphires tend to have more inclusions than most other colour sapphires. Gemologists use the term "inclusion" to describe the features found on a stone. The inclusions are often used as an indicator that the stone is of natural origin. A "blemish" is a feature that affects the surface of the stone.
Sapphire degrees of purity.
VVS - Very, very slightly included - minor inclusions that can be seen under 10x magnification, but invisible to the naked eye. No effect on appearance.
VS - Very slightly included - noticeable inclusions unlikely to be visible to the unaided eye, but easy to see under 10x magnification. Little to no effect on brilliance.
SI1 - Slightly included - large or numerous inclusions that can be easily seen under 10x magnification. These inclusions are apparent/somewhat apparent with the naked eye. Slight effect on appearance, little to no effect on brilliance.
SI2 - Slightly included - obvious inclusions that can be easily seen under 10x magnification. Slight effect on appearance and brilliance.
I1 - Obvious inclusions - significant effect on appearance, brilliance and transparency.
I2 - Prominent inclusions - significant effect on appearance, brilliance and transparency.
I3 - Numerous and prominent inclusions - severe effect on appearance, brilliance and transparency.
Crystals - solid inclusions of various shapes and sizes. Extremely small crystals are referred to as pinpoints or grains.
Silk - fine fibers of titanium dioxide (rutile) or other minerals that resemble the look of silk. silk indicates that the sapphire undergone no heat-treatment and is of natural origin. Silk is a preferred inclusion in sapphires.
Needles - long, thin inclusions of either crystals, or tubes filled with gas or liquid (growth tubes).
Cracks - feather-like inclusions also known as fractures or fissures.
Parting - breakage along a plane of weakness.
Twinning - two crystals grown out of one another or next to each other.
Halos - circular fractures surrounding a crystal.
Fingerprints - common in sapphire, these inclusions look like human fingerprint outlines.
Colour zoning - uneven colour distribution in the sapphire.
Cavities - holes extending into the sapphire from the surface.
Chips - broken off pieces along the girdle or on the culet of the sapphire Sapphire Surface Blemishes.
Scratches - lines scraped on a gemstone.
Pits - tiny holes on the stone's surface..
Nicks - broken parts of a stone's girdle or facet.
Abrasions - rough scrapings along the stone's facet edges Transparency of a Sapphire.
The degree of visibility through the sapphire crystal is known for its transparency. It is often overlooked when it comes to features of sapphires. Transparency has been designated as follows:
Transparent - objects look clear and distinct through the stone. These sapphires usually have excellent brilliance despite any inclusions they may have.
Semitransparent - objects look slightly hazy or blurry through the stone.
Translucent - objects are difficult to see through the sapphire. Light can pass through, but it is somewhat diffused.
Semi-translucent or semi-opaque - a small fraction of light passes through the stone.
Opaque - almost no light passes through the stone.
Cut of a Sapphire
The best cuts of sapphire provide depth/width ratio greater than comparable cuts of diamonds. I hope to share a depth of 65% to 80% of the sapphires of good quality. If the cuts are too deep then stones are smaller than expected, but show more colour than they would if they Ire cut to normal proportions. Deeper cut stones are Ill for preserving light, increasing the cost of stone without the expected increase in the size of the crown (the top of the gemstone). If cuts are too shallow, stones will look bigger than than their true light and appear lighter in colour than the deep cut stones. Sapphires of good quality also show good symmetry when viewed in profile - they reflect light evenly.
Brilliance
The brilliance of a stone can be almost as important as its actually hue. A stone which is relatively free of inclusions will transmit more light, and therefore appear more brilliant. Attention to detail when cutting the stone can help the brilliance of any gemstone. It is well known that accurate proportions are important for diamonds, but less well know that it is also important for coloured stones also.
Hardness
Corundum is very hard, having a hardness of 9 on Mohs' scale, compared with 10 for diamond, and 8 for topaz. Hardness is generally a desirable feature is gemstones. Other uses for corundum, because of its hardness, are as watch bearings, watch glasses, and as an abrasive.
Sources
Sapphires are extracts of alluvial deposits or from primary underground workings. Mining sites include Myanmar, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Australia, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Kenya and China. Logan sapphire, the Star of India, and the star of Bombay comes from mines in Sri Lanka. Madagascar is the world leader in the production of sapphire (2007) specifically deposits around the city of Ilakaka. Prior to the opening of mines in Ilakaka, Australia was the largest producer of sapphires (as in 1987).
In 1991, a new source of sapphires was discovered in Andranondambo, southern Madagascar. That area has been exploited for its sapphires started in 1993, but it was practically abandoned just a few years later - because of the difficulties in recovering sapphires in their bedrock. This kind of sapphire has been sold as the "Kashmir sapphire" in international markets.
In North America, sapphires have been mined mostly from deposits around Helena, Montana. A few gem-grade sapphires and rubies have also been found in the area of Franklin, N.C.
Prices
The price range of sapphires is very large, ranging from under 1 per carat to many thousands of pounds per carat, depending primarily on colour, but also on brilliance, which is affected by clarity and cutting.
Enhancements
Sapphires may be treated by several methods to enhance and improve their clarity and colour.[It is common practice to heat natural sapphires to improve or enhance colour. This is done by heating the sapphires in air to temperatures between 500 and 1800 C for several hours, or by heating in a nitrogen-deficient atmosphere oven for seven days or more. Upon heating, the stone becomes a more blue in colour but loses some of the rutile inclusions (silk). When high heat temperatures are used, the stone loses all of the silk and becomes clear under magnification.
Evidence of sapphire and other gemstones being subjected to heating goes back to, at least, Roman times. Un-heated stones are quite rare and will often be sold accompanied by a certificate from an independent gemological laboratory attesting to "no evidence of heat treatment".
Diffusion treatments are somewhat more controversial as they are used to add elements to the sapphire for the purpose of improving colours. Typically beryllium is diffused into a sapphire with very high heat, just below the melting point of the sapphire. Initially (c. 2000) orange sapphires were created with this process, although now the process has been advanced and many colours of sapphire are often treated with beryllium. It is unethical to sell beryllium-treated sapphires without disclosure, and the price should be much lower than a natural gem or one that has been enhanced by heat alone.
Treating stones with surface diffusion is generally frowned upon because when stones chip or are repolished/refaceted the 'padparadscha' coloured layer can be removed. (There are some diffusion treated stones in which the colour goes much deeper than the surface, however.) The problem lies in the fact that treated padparadschas are at times very difficult to detect, and they are the reason that getting a certificate from a reputable gemological lab is recommended before investing in them.
Cleaning
Sapphire jewellery can be cleaned using hot soapy water, or detergent, rinse thoroughly afterwards as detergents can cause dermatitis and allergic reactions. Enzyme cleaners should be avoided for the same reasons. Brushing with an old tooth brush to remove dirt and grease will also help. Cleaning agents containing chlorine may have a detrimental effect on low carat gold alloys, so are best avoided.
Personal Preference
Whatever the colour that becomes most popular or more expensive, it does not change my general advice to choose the jewellery that appeal to you personally. If you like the sapphire that is only half the price of another, trust your own judgments and choose the stone you prefer.
Love or Money
Of course, most of the time you will find that you like the most expensive stones best, in which case you may need to balance your budget against your emotions, but because jewellery is an infrequent purchase, we believe it is better to err on the generous side. Out of two stones competing for your attention, you will almost always feel happier in the long term when you buy the one you like best, even if initially there is a little anxiety or pain about parting with the cash!
My Last Word..
I strongly suggest you buy your sapphires carefully. Expect to pay more for larger size gems and remember that the ideal sapphire should be relatively clear from fractures and inclusions. At the end of the day, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder'". So choose the colour you want, not what you are led to believe you want!
Whichever colour, size or shape of sapphire you choose, be sure to wear it and ENJOY!
Thank you for reading my article - I sincerely hope it helps in some way..
About the Author:
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