Sapphire

Lustrous azure. Liquid cerulean. Twilight's tranquil indigo. Cornflower's gentle embrace. Sapphire, cherished for centuries as the quintessential blue gemstone. In the annals of ancient Persia, it was believed that the earth found repose upon a colossal sapphire, and its reflection painted the heavens in shades of blue.

Yet, akin to the myriad hues gracing the sky, sapphires unveil a spectrum of colors beyond blue's embrace. They span the realm of shades, from the golden aura of sunrise to the fiery reddish-orange of sunset, even mirroring the delicate violet of twilight. Occasionally, sapphires take on the soft, pale pallor of an overcast day. These diverse hues are known as "fancy" color sapphires.

The bestowment of a sapphire signifies a covenant of trust and fidelity. This tradition has solidified sapphire's status as a beloved choice for engagement rings. As one of nature's most enduring gemstones, sapphire shares this durability with its sibling, the ruby. Sapphires are unearthed across the globe, yet the most coveted specimens hail from Myanmar (Burma), Kashmir, and Sri Lanka. The sapphire's worth escalates with the purity of its blue, though many find the deeper, darker shades equally enchanting.

5.20ct Greenish Blue Heated Sapphire

Throughout the ages, techniques have evolved to enhance the inherent brilliance of sapphires. Controlled heating is the contemporary method that heightens not only color but also clarity. It's important to note that heating can only enhance color if the gemstone already possesses the requisite chemical composition. The effects of heating are enduring, mirroring the gemstones themselves.

Boasting a Mohs hardness rating of 9, sapphire, in any hue, stands as one of the most resilient gemstones, second only to the diamond. Owing to their crystal growth, larger sapphires are most frequently fashioned into fancy brilliant cuts, such as ovals or cushions, while large rounds and emerald cuts remain a rarity.

Sapphire claims the title of September's birthstone and represents the gem of choice for celebrating the 5th and 45th anniversaries.

Specifications

Origin: Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Burma and various other localities

Color: Very light to Very Dark Violetish Blue to Greenish Blue

Species: Corundum

Hardness: 9.0 on Mohs Scale

Birthstone Month: September

Anniversary Year: 5th and 45th

Refractive Index:1.762 to 1.770

Birefringence: 0.008 to 0.010

Specific Gravity: 4.00 (+0.10/-0.05)