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Overview

Sapphire, renowned for its stunning array of colors and timeless beauty, is a gemstone that has captivated gem enthusiasts for centuries. Traditionally known for its deep blue hues, sapphire can also be found in an array of colors, including pink, yellow, green, and more. Its name, derived from the Greek word "sappheiros," meaning blue stone, reflects its historical association with the color blue.

The Crown's Supreme

According to ancient Persian beliefs, the Earth was once a giant blue sapphire, with the sky simply reflecting its celestial light. This myth might explain why clergy in the Middle Ages adorned themselves with sapphire rings, symbolizing the divine heavens. The ancient Greeks and Romans also regarded blue sapphires as protective talismans, further adding to their mystique.

In India, the blue sapphire, known as the Neelam stone, is a revered part of the navaratna stones. On the Mohs scale, sapphires are rated 9, making them the hardest gemstone after diamonds. They are celebrated as symbols of wisdom, good fortune, and serenity. Notable sapphires in history include the Logan Sapphire, the Star of Bombay, and the Rockefeller Sapphire.

The allure of sapphires has long captivated both royalty and celebrities alike. Historically, sapphires were reserved for royalty and high priests, a testament to their exquisite charm and enduring value. Today, famous personalities like Kate Middleton, Aishwarya Rai, Amitabh Bachchan, and A.R. Rahman each possess a sapphire ring, reflecting the gemstone's continued appeal. Middleton’s iconic ring, once owned by Princess Diana, stands as a significant piece in jewelry history, showcasing the timeless beauty and prestige of sapphires.

Family

Sapphires belong to the corundum family, the same family where ruby comes from. Corundum is the second hardest natural substance (mineral) after diamond with hardness of 9 on Mohs’s relative scale. Corundum occurs with trigonal crystal structure. 

Physical Properties

 

Hardness: Sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones, ideal for a variety of jewelry applications.

Color: While commonly associated with blue, sapphires are available in a range of colors, including pink, yellow, green, and even colorless. The most prized sapphires exhibit vivid, deep blue hues.

 

Chemical Composition

Sapphire is a variety of corundum, an aluminum oxide mineral, with the chemical formula Al₂O₃. Its color is primarily due to trace elements such as iron, titanium, and chromium. Different trace elements contribute to the wide range of colors seen in sapphires.

Types

Sapphires are categorized based on their color and origin. Each type has distinct characteristics and can affect the gem’s value:

1.Blue Sapphire: The most famous type, known for its rich blue hues. Highly prized for its vivid color and clarity.

2.Pink Sapphire: Ranges from soft pastel pinks to vibrant magentas. Valued for its beauty and rarity.

3.Yellow Sapphire: Exhibits colors from pale yellow to intense golden hues. Often associated with prosperity and good fortune.

4.Green Sapphire: Less common than blue or pink, these sapphires range from light green to deep forest green.

5. Padparadscha Sapphire: A rare type known for its unique pink-orange hue, reminiscent of a tropical sunset. Highly sought after due to its rarity and distinctive color.

6. Star Sapphires Inclusions in most gemstones are undesirable, but when it comes to sapphires, they can further enhance the stone’s beauty. When viewed from above, star sapphires will exhibit a six-rayed star floating across the surface. This is the result of small needle-like rutile inclusions. This phenomenon can be seen in almost all types. Star sapphires are rare and most of these gemstones are sold untreated.

As a Birthstone

Sapphire is the birthstone for September and is also celebrated as the gemstone for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries. Its deep, captivating blue hues are said to symbolize sincerity, loyalty, and wisdom. For those born in September, sapphire represents a meaningful and enduring choice, reflecting both elegance and strength.

Choosing Your Sapphire

Colour: ones are those with minimal inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye, ensuring maximum brilliance.

Cut: Sapphires can be cut into various shapes, including round, oval, cushion, and emerald cuts. The cut should enhance the stone’s natural brilliance and color, affecting its overall appearance and value.

Carat Weight: Larger sapphires are rarer and often more valuable, though color and clarity are more crucial to determining a sapphire’s worth. The overall quality of the gemstone plays a significant role in its valuation.

Care: To maintain the beauty of your sapphire jewelry:

• Clean: Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Sapphires are durable, but gentle cleaning helps preserve their luster.
• Avoid: Ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as they may damage other gemstones or settings.
• Store: Keep sapphire jewelry separately to prevent scratches and damage, especially from harder gemstones like diamonds.