| This classic blue stone is one of the four original | | | | Special occasions |
| precious gems and among the most popular | | | | September is the month for the (sapphire |
| stones used in jewelry. From Greek mythology, | | | | birthstone). It also is supposed to have mystical |
| Prometheus was the first person to wear the | | | | and healing properties for people born in May and |
| stone after he stole it from the gods when he | | | | August. The 45th wedding anniversary is |
| stole their fire. | | | | commemorated with this classic gemstone as well. |
| Physical properties | | | | But, there doesn't have to be a special occasion |
| This gemstone is a member of the corundum | | | | to enjoy it. |
| mineral family. The exact chemical make-up is | | | | Care and cleaning |
| beryllium, aluminum, oxygen and silicon. Trace | | | | Because this gemstone ranks a 9 on the Mohs |
| elements like iron and chrome add different colors | | | | scale of hardness, it is easy to take care of and it |
| and shades of color to each stone. The most | | | | is ok to wear every day in any kind of setting. Of |
| desirable color, according to the experts, is the | | | | course, if someone tried really hard to break a |
| Kashmir variety which has a velvety cornflower | | | | (sapphire pendant), they could but the normal |
| blue shade. | | | | wear should be ok. To clean them, soak them in |
| Because ruby and (sapphire jewelry) have the | | | | warm water with a gentle soap. Brush them with |
| exact same physical make-up, they are technically | | | | a toothbrush to get the extra gunk out. Unlike |
| the same gemstone. However, the professionals | | | | more delicate gems, it is also ok to use the |
| determined that the ruby could keep its name | | | | aggressive ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaner. |
| and all other colors would be sapphires. Yes, there | | | | Just make sure the stones are set firmly. |
| are other colors. The fancy varieties consist of | | | | Though it is a classic gem, it was a kind of |
| yellow, pink, brown, purple, green and more. | | | | catalyst to buck tradition when it came to |
| Among the fancies, the rarest and most valuable | | | | engagement and wedding rings. After Prince |
| is an orange-pink variety called "padparadscha." | | | | Charles gifted Diana with a large (sapphire ring), |
| The suppliers | | | | more and more people are opting for gemstones |
| The stones in a (sapphire necklace) could have | | | | other than diamonds. Whatever the occasion, |
| come from many places. New deposits have been | | | | giving or wearing the classic blue or the |
| discovered in Brazil, Madagascar and Tanzania. | | | | contemporary fancies, this gemstone makes a |
| Other mines are in India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and | | | | statement. |
| Australia. | | | | |