| Sapphires, gemstones of the skies, are hidden in | | | | is also one of the birthstones for the Zodiac signs |
| the hard soil of our so-called blue planet. An | | | | of Pisces, Taurus, and Virgo & Sagittarius. |
| ancient belief says that the sky has got its color | | | | Sapphire is given as a gem for the 5th, 23rd & |
| from reflection of the blue sapphire stone onto | | | | 45th wedding anniversaries. |
| which the earth rested. Sapphire belongs to the | | | | Intangible powers |
| non-red variety of corundum group (red is ruby) | | | | Sapphire is believed to have powers of spiritual |
| & is the second hardest natural mineral, after | | | | enlightenment. It was believed that a sapphire |
| diamond. It is given a 9.0 on the Mohs scale of | | | | would protect the wearer from envy & attract |
| hardness. | | | | divine favors. This was the reason for which kings |
| More about the gem
| | | | used to wear sapphires. It also symbolizes loyalty |
| Although sapphires come in many colors including | | | | and faithfulness, while at the same time |
| white, purple, colorless, green & sunset hues like | | | | expressing love & yearning. When exchanged with |
| orange, yellow & pink, but blue remains the main | | | | a loved one, sapphires enhance feelings for one |
| color. Many women go for sapphire for their | | | | another and attune the two psyches. |
| engagement rings as this color signifies endurance | | | | The world of fine sapphires |
| & fidelity. Which is best is highly subjective | | | | The value of a sapphire depends on size, color & |
| & depends upon individual preference also. | | | | transparency. For very fine qualities these criteria |
| Generally the most desirable sapphires are those | | | | are supplemented by information on the origin of |
| with an intense blue color, & plenty of sparkle and | | | | the gemstone. Another pricing factor is a possible |
| life. | | | | treatment. A stone which has not been treated |
| Their beauty, magnificent colors, their | | | | becomes more valuable. The most valuable |
| transparency, hardness & permanence are those | | | | sapphires are real Kashmir stones. Almost as |
| qualities which make sapphires favorite for | | | | highly cherished are stones from Burma, followed |
| gemstone jewelry. Sapphires are used in all | | | | by Ceylon-Sapphires. Sapphires are also found in |
| categories such as rings, earrings, pendants & | | | | India, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Brazil and Africa. |
| necklaces, as solitaire stones etc. Sapphire is the | | | | Top quality sapphires, however, remains a rarity |
| official birthstone for the month of September. It | | | | in the gemstone mines all over the world. |