| Sapphire is a semi-precious gemstone frequently | | | | enhance the luster of blue eyes. |
| incorporated into some of the most modern, | | | | The word Sapphire comes from the Hebrew |
| beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is | | | | Sapir. Centuries ago, the Persians believed that |
| most often found in shades of deep blues, and is | | | | the sky was one big, sparkling Sapphire, and called |
| widely recognized as the September Birthstone as | | | | the stone "the gem of the heavens." People |
| well as zodiac signs of Taurus and Virgo, the 5th, | | | | believed that the power of wisdom was held |
| 45th, 30th, 15th, and 50th anniversaries, the time | | | | within the Sapphire, promoting mental clarity, |
| of 10 am and Thursday and Tuesday. But beyond | | | | enabling the wearer to find the answer to their |
| its modern-day uses and associations, sapphire | | | | problems, and let go of grudges, increasing |
| holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and | | | | tranquility in everyday life that is sent from the |
| etymological history that adds nostalgic value to | | | | heavens. |
| its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for | | | | A Sapphire's value is determined by the richness |
| more information that will help you fall in love with | | | | and purity color of its color. Most Sapphires are |
| your sapphire jewelry - or inspire you to buy | | | | heat-treated to eliminate impurities and improve |
| some today! | | | | color and clarity. Throughout history, the majority |
| Sapphire is the mineral variety of the species | | | | of the world's sapphires were mined in Sri Lanka, |
| corundum. Although many people associate | | | | Madagascar and Myanmar. Today, some of the |
| Sapphire with the color blue, this precious colored | | | | finest Sapphires come from mines in Montana. |
| gem comes in a vast array of hues and | | | | Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale |
| saturations, in just about ever color of the | | | | where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, |
| rainbow and clear as well, except for red (red | | | | and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Sapphire |
| ones are Rubies!). These other colors are called | | | | gets a score of 9, meaning that it is very scratch |
| "Fancy Sapphires." | | | | resistant and therefore suitable as a component |
| The beautiful blue Sapphire is immaculate, pure | | | | of everyday jewelry. Sapphire gemstones should |
| and heavenly. Throughout history, the Sapphire | | | | be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a |
| has been associated with qualities like sympathy, | | | | soft rag and mild soap and water, or an |
| harmony, friendship and loyalty, permanency and | | | | ultra-sonic cleaner or steamer. Other methods, |
| reliability. Not surprisingly, in some cultures | | | | including solvents and harsh chemicals should be |
| sapphires as more popular than diamonds as the | | | | avoided when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry |
| center stone for engagement rings. | | | | as exposure to these elements can damage |
| Sapphire gemstones look best as parts of formal | | | | semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls. |
| evening jewelry when paired with diamonds, | | | | Learn more about all semi-precious gemstones, |
| quartz or pearls. More casual combinations include | | | | including amethyst, apatite, black onyx, blue topaz, |
| softer contrasts with green peridot, light | | | | carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white |
| aquamarine, citrine or ruby. To see a selection of | | | | topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, |
| handmade artisan jewelry featuring sapphire, click | | | | Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, |
| here. Sapphire is typically considered a | | | | rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, |
| sophisticated gemstone that works well with any | | | | tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you |
| outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to | | | | check out this gemstone chart. |