SapphireA symbol of sincerity and faithfulness. Sapphire comes from the word “sapheiros,” which
means “bright blue stone” in Greek and has been cherished for thousands of years for its color, durability, hardness and luster. Ancient Mediterranean culture honored sapphire above all other gems, and early Buddhists believed in its power for spiritual awareness. One of the world’s most famous blue sapphire engagement rings is the one worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, which previously belonged to the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Color Sapphire and ruby are both members of the mineral
species corundum. Corundum is a naturally colorless material, but may have different colors when impurities are present. The rich hues of blue sapphire are universally known but fancy sapphires come in many colors including pink, yellow, purple, colorless, black, green and the rare pinkish orange sapphire referred to in the trade as Padparadscha. Nevertheless, the most preferred and most valuable sapphires are deep color saturations known in the trade as “Royal Blue” and the soft velvety blue called “Cornflower Blue.” Clarity Blue sapphires normally have inclusions, so the lack of
visible inclusions can have a positive impact on value. However, in some cases inclusions can increase the value of a sapphire when extremely fine particulate clouds scatter the light, giving the stone a velvety appearance without affecting the transparency. Source Kashmir has a long history of mining spectacular blue
sapphires that have set records at prestigious auction houses. The velvety “Cornflower Blue” hue and minute inclusions observed in Kashmir sapphire make them the most sought after. Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) is also a highly sought after source of blue sapphire. In the United States, the state of Montana has been a leading producer of both blue and fancy color sapphire. Treatments High temperature treatments are used to improve color
or to enhance the clarity of blue sapphire. Diffusing titanium or beryllium into sapphires at high temperatures can achieve a desirable color. Treated sapphire may employ temporary treatments like oiling and dying to hide fractures along with using lead glass to fill pits and cracks for more transparency. 
|
Sapphire comes in many colors, including the rare
pinkish orange sapphire called Padparadscha, meaning “lotus blossom” in Sinhalese.
|
All information are courtesy of Gemological Institute of America (GIA). OR DIAMOND are not affiliated with, connected to, or associated with GIA other than selling diamonds and gemstones graded by GIA and have GIA trained staff gemologist and accredited jewelry professional on site.
Images courtesy: Anil Gupta, Kris Gem International, Inc.; B&B Fine Gems; Thomas M. Schneider
