Facts, Legends & Lore

Sapphire the September Birthstone
September 2009
Greetings!
Since man first discovered gems, they have been universally valued as symbols of love, commitment, appreciation and respect.  Today, we know much about the science and formation of  gems that we have grown to recognize and appreciate what valuable gifts of nature they are.  This month we are featuring the gem-Sapphire.
MOST SAPPHIRES ARE BLUE
heart shape_sapphireBlue is the most common color of sapphire and  has long been the most popular color of this gemstone.  Blue is associated with feelings of harmony, friendship and loyalty.  This may explain why women in many countries choose sapphires for their engagement ring.  Second in hardness only to diamond, sapphires are perfect for jewelry such as rings and bracelets because of the need to endure everyday wear.

September's birthstone, sapphire is also the preferred gift for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, historically symbolizing truth and promise keeping. In fact, sapphire is a popular gem choice for brides who want to express their unique personality. Fans of sapphire engagement rings include Queen Elizabeth, Princess Anne, Princess Diana, Joan Crawford, Jean Harlow, Ivana Trump, Kirstie Alley and Debra Messing.

Don't like blue?   Read on...
SAPPHIRE OCCURS IN ALL COLORS... EXCEPT RED
sapphire/grouping Sapphire is essentially the colorless mineral corundum (aluminum oxide.)  Many years ago this mineral was exposed to intense heat and pressure at great depths inside the earth's crust. When it finally cooled, a gem was formed. During this event there were often present, small amounts of other elements, especially iron and chrome.  It is these elements that are responsible for many colors of corundum;  such as blue, red, yellow, pink or greenish sapphire. For centuries there were differences of opinion among gem dealers and gemologists as to which stones deserved to be called sapphires and which should be called rubies. Finally, it was agreed that the ruby-red ones, colored by chrome, should be called 'rubies' and all those which were not ruby-red 'sapphires'. 
TOP QUALITY SAPPHIRES ARE RARE
sapphire/oval/kashmire Specialists and connoisseurs regard the Kashmir color with its velvety shine as the most beautiful and most valuable blue.  Typical of the Kashmir color is a pure, intense blue with a very subtle violet undertone, which is intensified yet more by a fine, silky shine. It is said that this hue does not change in artificial light. But the Burmese color is also regarded as particularly valuable. It ranges from a rich, full royal blue to a deep cornflower blue.
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Sincerely,
John Carlstrom, Accredited Gemologist
Jewelry Specialties
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In This Issue
Loyalty and Harmony
Colors of Sapphire
Kashmir is Rarest
Sapphire at a Glance
sapphire/partial view
  • September Birthstone
  • Value depends on size, color and transparency
  • All colors except red (which is called ruby)
  • Designated gem of 5th and 45th wedding anniversary
  • Commonly heat treated to stabilize color
  • Mineral Family-Corundum: (aluminum oxide)
 Pink Sapphire & Diamond Pendant Slide-Wear 5 Ways
pinksapphireslide
pinksapphireslide_componentsTwo-tone 14k white & yellow gold 1/5ctw diamond pendant slide.  3 separate components can be worn 5 ways.
Regular Price$689.00
Sale Price $459.00
Chain sold separately.
1/3 Carat Round Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring
sapphire_ring61546
14k white gold ring with .35ct genuine blue sapphire & .06ctw.
Regular Price$540.00
Sale Price $358.00
Matching pendant & earrings available