Sapphire has long been the gem of the heavens and sky. The Persians believed the world sat on a giant sapphire and its reflection colored the sky blue. Originating from the Greek word “sappheiros” which means blue, Sapphire has long been treasured as the ultimate in blue gems. The blue of sapphire can be the light fresh shade of the sky to a deep, vibrant, rich blue of indescribable beauty. Sapphire was thought to be the “true blue” gem and when given as a gift would bestow trust, honesty, loyalty and purity to the recipient. These qualities make sapphire a great choice for engagement rings. Sapphire was also thought to protect the owner from envy and would attract divine favor. Kings and Queens wore sapphire to protect them from harm.
The most sought after color for sapphire is a medium cornflower blue that has a soft almost velvety look to it. Any sapphire, however, with a vibrant shade of blue and a medium tone is very desirable. But sapphire is not just about blue. Sapphire is a member of the mineral species corundum. Corundum occurs in a stunningly wide range of colors and each color has an infinite number of shades. From the blues everyone thinks of, to greens, oranges, purples, violets, yellows, browns, black, grays, colorless and even shades of pink to deep rich reds known as ruby. Sapphire and ruby are like fraternal twins. The red variety of corundum is called ruby, the blue variety is sapphire and all other colors of corundum are known as fancy sapphires. Although sapphire occurs in almost any color you can think of some are very rare and not always available in the marketplace. The most coveted of all the fancy sapphires is the reddish orange to pinkish orange shade called “padparadscha”. These extremely rare and extremely valuable sapphires are among the worlds most sought after gems.
The Kashmir region of India is the traditional source for the highest quality sapphires. The medium cornflower blue of the very finest sapphires is often referred to as “Kashmir” in reference to this source; however the Kashmir region is not currently being mined due to its inaccessibility. Today sapphire is mined in Sir Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Montana, Australia and Africa.
Sapphires are most always heat treated to improve their color. This treatment is very stable. Sapphires are exceptionally hard. Only diamonds hardness exceeds that of sapphire. Although it is not yet very common it also important to mention a newer enhancement process that artificially improves the surface color of paler sapphires by diffusion of beryllium. This process helps make a rich blue colored sapphire more affordable. Because it is a surface treatment however, should the sapphire ever need recutting or polishing the color could change.
What ever shade you choose Sapphires are very durable gems and with a little care their beauty will last for years. Sapphires are safe for steam and ultrasonic cleaners. They can also be cleaned with commercial jewelry cleaner or a mild soap and water along with an old toothbrush to clean the setting as well. Always rinse and dry your jewelry after cleaning.
David West Nytch CGA www.westandcompany.com
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