Introduction
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. In the 1990's
Southern Madagascar became one of the top sources of good to fine
quality sapphires. Sapphires are also mined in the US (Montana),
Australia, Thailand, Cambodia and Northern Madagascar, however these
locations don’t produce as fine a sapphire and are mainly used to supply
“commercial grade” sapphires to the industry. Sapphires come other
colors such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and pink. Colors
other than blue are referred to as “rainbow sapphires” or “fancy
sapphires”. Sapphire is the traditional gift for the fifth and
forty-fifth wedding anniversaries and the birthstone for September.
Buying a Sapphire:
A Beautiful Blue Sapphire Ring
Overall, sapphires can be considered the ideal colored gemstone.
Besides the amazing selection of colors, sapphires are highly durable
with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Sapphires in sizes of
more than 1 carat are considered to be important. Minor inclusions are
generally acceptable although certainly not as many as with ruby or
emerald. Nearly all of the sapphires sold by MySapphireSource are eye clean and most important, all are very 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 bubble gum and baby pink,
orange, and yellow sapphires.
Care of Sapphires:
Since sapphires are tough and durable, they can withstand most
cleaning methods. While steaming and ultrasonic cleaning will not damage
the gemstone, these methods are not recommended by us as they may
loosen the setting, and subsequently, stones may fall out. Your jewelry
may be cleaned with a soft-bristled brush or a cloth with plain or soapy
water. Sapphires should not be put in hot or boiling hot water since a
stress fracture due to thermal shock my result. Avoid exposure to
hairspray, perfume and chlorine, which can dull gemstones.