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Your Guide to Sapphires in Jewellery

Sapphires and fine jewellery are synonymous. They are one of the most precious and valuable gemstones used in jewellery. They are a variety of the mineral corundum, which also includes rubies. Sapphires are known for their beautiful blue colour, but they can also be found in other colours such as pink, yellow, green, and purple.

The value of a sapphire is determined by several factors, including its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The most valuable sapphires have strong to vivid color saturation and are uniform in color . The most highly valued blue sapphires are velvety blue to violetish blue, in medium to medium-dark tones 1.

Sapphires are often used in engagement rings and other types of jewellery. They are durable and can withstand everyday wear and tear. Sapphires are also the birthstone for September and the gemstone used to celebrate the 45th Wedding anniversary.

When buying sapphire jewellery, it’s important to consider the quality of the stone. The Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) has established a grading system for sapphires that takes into account their colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight.  The most valuable sapphires have strong to vivid colour saturation and are uniform in colour.

Sapphires can be found all over the world, however the most famous sites they are found and mined is in Kashmir, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Myanmar. Different sites can offer some slight variety in the sapphires, for example Sapphires from Kashmir are known for their intense velvety blue colour

In addition to their use in jewellery, sapphires have had their own legends and mythological stories surrounding them. For instance the ancient Persians believed the world rested on a giant sapphire, which caused the skies to be blue.

In conclusion, sapphires are a beautiful and valuable gemstone that have been used in jewellery for centuries. When buying sapphire jewellery, it’s important to consider the quality of the stone to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality piece that will last for years to come.

How do I care for my sapphire jewellery?

To keep your sapphire jewellery looking its best, it’s important to take proper care of it. Here are some tips on how to care for your sapphire jewellery:

  1. Cleaning: Warm soapy water is the safest way to clean sapphire jewellery. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub any stubborn or hard-to-reach spots such as underneath the stone or around the setting. Rinse with warm water and rub dry with a soft cotton cloth .

  2. Storage: Store your sapphire jewellery in a soft pouch or a separate compartment in your jewellery box to prevent scratches and other damage.

  3. Avoid harsh chemicals: Avoid exposing your sapphire jewellery to harsh chemicals such as bleaching agents, chlorine, and other cleaning products which can damage both stone and the metal in your jewellery.

  4. Regular maintenance: Have your sapphire jewellery checked by a professional jeweller every few years to ensure that the setting is secure and that the stone is not damaged.

By following these tips, you can keep your sapphire jewellery looking beautiful for years to come.

What are the Colours of Sapphire?

Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum and are known for their beautiful blue color. However, they can also be found in other colors such as pink, yellow, green, and purple . The color of a sapphire is determined by the presence of certain trace elements such as iron, titanium, and chromium .

Here are some common colors of sapphires:

  • Blue: The most well-known color of sapphire is blue. Blue sapphires can range from light blue to dark blue and can have different undertones such as violet or green .

  • Pink: Pink sapphires are a popular choice for engagement rings. They can range from pale pink to deep magenta .

  • Yellow: Yellow sapphires are often used as an alternative to yellow diamonds. They can range from pale yellow to deep golden yellow .

  • Green: Green sapphires are rare and highly valued. They can range from light green to dark green .

  • Purple: Purple sapphires are often referred to as “fancy” sapphires. They can range from light lavender to deep purple .