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Gemstone:
Genuine Ceylon Sapphire
(pink, purple, peach, green, blue and yellow) |
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Sapphire: Although
sapphire means
blue in Latin, sapphires can
be found in a
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 are referred to as
"fancy
sapphires".
Sapphire is the traditional gift for the fifth and forty-fifth wedding
anniversaries and 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
gemstone 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. 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
pink, orange, and
yellow sapphires.
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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