Many legends and traditions from antiquity surround the alluring blue gemstone called sapphire. The name sapphire comes from the words "sappheiros" in the Greek and "saphirus" in the Latin, both meaning blue. Ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire, and its reflection caused the sky to be blue. Jewish tradition holds that Moses received the Ten Commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it one of the most sacred of gemstones. Doubtless, this and the notion that sapphires represented divine favor caused them to be the gemstone of choice for kings and high priests. Subsequently, sapphires have become a universal symbol for purity and wisdom. It is, therefore, no surprise that the British Crown Jewels exhibit a substantial portion of the blue gems. Along with purity and wisdom, sapphires have signified faithfulness and romantic love. Britain's Prince Charles helped revive the popularity of the blue sapphire as an engagement ring when he proposed to Princess Diana.
Since 1912 the sapphire has been the official birthstone for the month of September as designated by the American National Association of Jewelers. Its mineralogical name corundum, along with the chemical and physical properties, are virtually the same as the ruby. The ruby, however, is the only red corundum; all other corundums are sapphires. Sapphires offer a vast array of colors beyond the notable signature blue. Included on the list are green, pink, white, violet, grey, yellow, and orange. By far the most preferred remains the exquisite blue color known as "Ceylon" blue. Few people are aware of the numerous color options, thus the lesser demand for them. Two especially interesting colors of sapphire include the violet, which is rare, and the padparadscha , which is even rarer. A natural padparadscha will always display a hint of pink along with the orange. Pinks have become popular due to the fashion industry trends and Hollywood celebrities.
Beyond the fashion trends lies another rare variety of natural sapphire. It is capable of changing color depending on available light, similar to alexandrites and tanzanites.
If one cannot resist the temptation to view the epitome of "big and blue", the 423 carat Logan Sapphire is on display at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in the nation's capital. It is likely the most grandiose example of a faceted sapphire ever available for public viewing.
From mysterious indigo hues to the sublime padparadscha, you too can enjoy owning treasures of sapphire that will endure the test of time.
Since 1912 the sapphire has been the official birthstone for the month of September as designated by the American National Association of Jewelers. Its mineralogical name corundum, along with the chemical and physical properties, are virtually the same as the ruby. The ruby, however, is the only red corundum; all other corundums are sapphires. Sapphires offer a vast array of colors beyond the notable signature blue. Included on the list are green, pink, white, violet, grey, yellow, and orange. By far the most preferred remains the exquisite blue color known as "Ceylon" blue. Few people are aware of the numerous color options, thus the lesser demand for them. Two especially interesting colors of sapphire include the violet, which is rare, and the padparadscha , which is even rarer. A natural padparadscha will always display a hint of pink along with the orange. Pinks have become popular due to the fashion industry trends and Hollywood celebrities.
Beyond the fashion trends lies another rare variety of natural sapphire. It is capable of changing color depending on available light, similar to alexandrites and tanzanites.
If one cannot resist the temptation to view the epitome of "big and blue", the 423 carat Logan Sapphire is on display at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in the nation's capital. It is likely the most grandiose example of a faceted sapphire ever available for public viewing.
From mysterious indigo hues to the sublime padparadscha, you too can enjoy owning treasures of sapphire that will endure the test of time.
Factoids
* The finest blue sapphires originate in Kashmir and Myanmar.
* U.S. sourced sapphires are found in Montana.
* Sapphire is rated 9 on the Mohs Scale and is the second hardest natural mineral, exceeding all stones but diamonds.
* Care includes cleaning in soapy water or commercial jewelry cleaner with no fear of damage.
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