| Sapphire: Although sapphire means blue in Latin, sapphires can be found in an entire rainbow of colors. Kings once believed these
stones offered protection form harm and envy. Sapphires are calm and relaxing. Until the discovery of extraordinary stones in Kashmir in 1880, Sri
Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) was the standard bearer of sapphire. The Kashmir supply was essentially exhausted by 1930, leaving Sri Lanka as the location
of the world's most beautiful sapphires. Sapphires are also mined in Madagascar, Australia and Thailand. Sapphires come other colors such as red, orange,
yellow, green, blue, purple and pink. Colors other than blue and pink are referred to as "rainbow sapphires" or "fancy sapphires". Sapphire
jewelry is the traditional gift for the fifth and forty-fifth wedding anniversaries and sapphire is the birthstone for September.
Enhancements: Although cutting is the most basic enhancement method necessary to display the beauty of a gemstone, there are many fascinating
methods by which man has demonstrated his ability to draw maximum color, luster, clarity and brilliance from nature's earthbound treasures. A basic
understanding of these enhancement techniques will add to your appreciation of the beauty, durability and value of the
sapphire jewelry you already own, or plan to purchase in the future. Sapphires are commonly treated with heat
to enhance the color and clarity and the treatment is permanent.
Buying a Sapphire: All in all, sapphire can be considered the ideal colored gemstone. Besides excelling in color selection, sapphire excels in
durability with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Sapphires in sizes of 1 carat and over are considered to be important. Some inclusions are
accepted although certainly not as many as with ruby or emerald, which are in the same gemstone family. Nearly all
of the sapphires at MySapphireSource.com are eye clean and most important, all are pleasing to the eye. We offer a wide range of colors from a traditional
Ceylon blue, to rich lustrous royal blue, to many styles with yellow, orange and
pink sapphire.
Care of Sapphires: Since sapphires are tough and durable, they can withstand most cleaning methods. Steaming or ultrasonic cleaners are acceptable.
Your sapphire jewelry may be cleaned with a soft-bristled brush or a cloth with plain or soapy water. Sapphires must not be put in boiling hot water.
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