SAPPHIRE HISTORY & HOW TO BUY THE PERFECT SAPPHIRE

Sapphire typically refers to the rich blue gemstone

Although the Sapphire typically refers to the rich blue gemstone variety of the mineral corundum, this royal gem occurs in a rainbow of hues. Sapphires come in every color except red, which earn the classification of rubies instead.

Trace elements like iron, titanium, chromium, copper, and magnesium give naturally colorless corundum a tint of blue, yellow, purple, orange or green, respectively. Sapphires in any color but blue are called “fancies.”

Pink Sapphires, in particular, to a fine line between ruby and sapphire. In the U.S., these gems must meet a minimum color saturation to be considered rubies. Pinkish orange Ssapphires called padparadscha (from the Sri Lankan word for “lotus flower”) can draw higher prices than some blue sapphires.

The name “Sapphire” comes from the Latin sapphirus and Greek sappheiros meaning “blue stone,” though those words may have originally referred to lapis lazuli. Some believe it originated from the Sanskrit word sanipriya  which meant “dear to Saturn.”

Sapphires are found in India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, China, Australia, Brazil, Africa and North America (mainly Montana). Their origin can affect their value as much as color, cut, clarity and carat size.

Due to the remarkable hardness of sapphires—which measure 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to Diamond—they aren’t just valuable in jewelry, but also in industrial applications including scientific instruments, high-durability windows, watches, and electronics.

The Sapphire symbolizes loyalty, nobility, sincerity, and integrity. They are associated with focusing the mind, maintaining self-discipline and channeling higher powers.

Ready to tap into the Power of September’s Birthstone? 

Here is your Guide on Buying the Perfect Sapphire!

Sapphires make beautiful gifts for anyone born in September for celebrating a 5th or 45th wedding anniversary. Whatever your reason for buying the perfect sapphire, you can’t go wrong with this brilliant gemstone – whether you’re seeking a classic blue or another shade of the sapphire rainbow.

Like Diamonds, Sapphires are assessed by the 4Cs – color, clarity, cut, and carat size – in addition to their country of origin. JWO Jewelers can help you select the perfect sapphire. Just visit our shop today!

The color of the Sapphire is a key indicator in price. The highest valued sapphires are vivid blue, sometimes with a violet hue. Secondary hues of green or gray detract from a sapphire’s value. 

Sapphires come in almost every color except red, which is classified as ruby. Pinkest orange varieties are known as padparadscha, and these typically have higher per-carat values than other colors of fancy sapphire. 

Some Sapphires even exhibit certain color changes, shifting from blue in daylight or fluorescent light to reddish purple under incandescent light – much like the color-changing alexandrite.

Blue Sapphires typically have better clarity  than rubies, though they often have long, thin rutile inclusions called “silk.” Inclusions generally make gems less valuable but some can actually increase the value of sapphires that exhibit asterism. 

Sapphires can range in size from a few points to hundreds of carats. Most commercial-quality blue sapphires weight less than five carats. A large blue sapphire, while rare, is more readily available than large rubies.

The 423-carat Logan Sapphire in the National Museum of Natural History is one of the largest faceted gem-quality blue sapphires ever found. The Star of Adam is the largest perfect sapphire star, weighing 1404.49 carats.

The Logan Sapphire
Photo Credit – Chip Clark
Copyright – Smithsonian Institute
Gift of Mrs. John A. Logan in 1960

The magnificent 423-carat Logan Sapphire was cut from a crystal mined in Sri Lanka and is one of the world’s largest faceted blue sapphires. It is the heaviest mounted gem in the National Gem Collection and, in its silver and gold brooch setting, is framed by 20 round, brilliant cut diamonds. This totals approximately 16 carats.

Sapphires are often treated with heat to improve color and clarity. Untreated natural gems are somewhat rare and incredibly valuable. 

JWO Jewelers specializes in custom design of precious gemstones and diamonds. We are committed to educating our customers and providing high-quality gems that are not lab created.

Contact us for more information at (770)-552-9235 or stop by our store in Roswell, GA.

We are open for business between the hours of 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday through Friday and 10 am – 4 pm on Saturday. If you would like to schedule a custom design appointment, please do so by submitting an appointment request with us.

Disclosure:

*JWO Jewelers does not claim original content rights to this article. This article was rewritten for informational and advertising purposes only.

*The information about the Sapphire History and how to purchase the best quality was gathered by multiple online sources, including the Smithsonian Institute and the American Institute of Gemology.