Sapphire

Sapphire is a prized gemstone for jewelry with roots in ancient history. Sapphire is also the birthstone of September, but is a highly sought gem in jewelry settings by a large percentage of jewelry buyers, loved for its color, quality, and symbolism.

Since ancient times, sapphires have symbolized heaven and heavenly blessings. Sapphire has long been used as a symbol and protector of clergy. Sapphire is also said to protect those you love from harm and envy.

Sapphire occurs naturally in a range of colors. It exists in almost every color with the exception of red, but only because the sapphire mineral is corundum, which is the same mineral as rubies, and red sapphires are rubies. Lighter versions of rubies may be called ruby or sapphire, but in most instances, a pink corundum is considered a pink sapphire. Often times a white sapphire or sapphire colored anything but blue are considered fancy-color sapphires.

Sapphire is most highly valued when it is clear and free from inclusions, with a couple of noted exceptions. The star sapphire results from inclusions within the stone with legs that meet in the middle to form a star. It was believed in ancient times to protect travelers and seekers. The star sapphire is a common setting for a man’s sapphire ring. Unfortunately, however, star sapphires are becoming more rare.

The most favored and most valuable color of sapphire is the blue sapphire. Medium to dark shades of sapphire are the most valued and prized for their beauty. It is the blue sapphire that is seen most commonly in sapphire jewelry; it is equally exquisite regardless of the jewelry setting, be it sapphire rings, sapphire necklaces, or sapphire bracelets.

Sapphires are very popular in ring settings, either for decoration or in settings for wedding jewelry. Sapphires mix well with diamonds and cubic zirconia. A cubic zirconia sapphire ring is often bought as a ring for the right hand or just to wear and be admired by an unmarried woman. For those who seek more unique, alternative stones for wedding and engagement jewelry, the choice is very often a sapphire wedding ring set. More often than not the sapphires on a sapphire wedding band are combined with the traditional diamonds found in most bridal settings. The combination of stones on a diamond sapphire wedding band brightens the dark blues of the sapphires and sets both precious gems off richly.

Sapphires are mined in several regions of the world; the region of origin is sometimes indicated in the name of the sapphire, either modern or former. A Ceylon sapphire, for instance, is one that was mined in what is now known as Sri Lanka. The elder name may indicate an older stone. Sapphires are also found in the new world. Montana in the Unites States has one of the largest deposits of sapphires, most of which are fancy color sapphires and deep blue sapphires.

Sapphires will always be a prized gemstone. They are a stone that is as timeless as it is durable. A sapphire is an ideal choice for any jewelry piece, but especially one with meaning, and as sapphires are an extremely hardy gem, they are ideal for passing down through generations.