| Sapphire is a semi-precious gemstone frequently | | | | big, sparkling Sapphire, and called the stone "the |
| incorporated into some of the most modern, | | | | gem of the heavens." People believed that the |
| beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is | | | | power of wisdom was held within the Sapphire, |
| most often found in shades of deep blues, and is | | | | promoting mental clarity, enabling the wearer to |
| widely recognized as the September Birthstone as | | | | find the answer to their problems, and let go of |
| well as zodiac signs of Taurus and Virgo, the 5th, | | | | grudges, increasing tranquility in everyday life that |
| 45th, 30th, 15th, and 50th anniversaries, the time | | | | is sent from the heavens. A Sapphire's value is |
| of 10 am and Thursday and Tuesday. But beyond | | | | determined by the richness and purity color of its |
| its modern-day uses and associations, sapphire | | | | color. Most Sapphires are heat-treated to eliminate |
| holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and | | | | impurities and improve color and clarity. |
| etymological history that adds nostalgic value to | | | | Throughout history, the majority of the world's |
| its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for | | | | sapphires were mined in Sri Lanka, Madagascar |
| more information that will help you fall in love with | | | | and Myanmar. Today, some of the finest |
| your sapphire jewelry - or inspire you to buy | | | | Sapphires come from mines in Montana. Mohs' |
| some today! Sapphire is the mineral variety of the | | | | Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale |
| species corundum. Although many people | | | | where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, |
| associate Sapphire with the color blue, this | | | | and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Sapphire |
| precious colored gem comes in a vast array of | | | | gets a score of 9, meaning that it is very scratch |
| hues and saturations, in just about ever color of | | | | resistant and therefore suitable as a component |
| the rainbow and clear as well, except for red (red | | | | of everyday jewelry. Sapphire gemstones should |
| ones are Rubies!). These other colors are called | | | | be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a |
| "Fancy Sapphires." The beautiful blue Sapphire is | | | | soft rag and mild soap and water, or an |
| immaculate, pure and heavenly. Throughout | | | | ultra-sonic cleaner or steamer. Other methods, |
| history, the Sapphire has been associated with | | | | including solvents and harsh chemicals should be |
| qualities like sympathy, harmony, friendship and | | | | avoided when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry |
| loyalty, permanency and reliability. Not surprisingly, | | | | as exposure to these elements can damage |
| in some cultures sapphires as more popular than | | | | semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls. |
| diamonds as the center stone for engagement | | | | Learn more about all semi-precious gemstones, |
| rings. Sapphire gemstones look best as parts of | | | | including amethyst, apatite, black onyx, blue topaz, |
| formal evening jewelry when paired with | | | | carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white |
| diamonds, quartz or pearls. More casual | | | | topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, |
| combinations include softer contrasts with green | | | | Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, |
| peridot, light aquamarine, citrine or ruby. To see a | | | | rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, |
| selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring | | | | tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you |
| sapphire, visit Sapphire is typically considered a | | | | check out this gemstone chart: chart.html. |
| sophisticated gemstone that works well with any | | | | Sarah Stephens is the Fashion Director for Dasha |
| outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to | | | | Boutique. Visit our online shop today, featuring |
| enhance the luster of blue eyes. The word | | | | hundreds of handmade jewelry designs. |
| Sapphire comes from the Hebrew Sapir. Centuries | | | | Customize orders ship in 3 business days. |
| ago, the Persians believed that the sky was one | | | | |