Description
ROMANCE, HISTORY & LORE
Sapphire has been regarded for centuries as the ultimate blue gemstone. Ancient Persian rulers believed that the earth rested on a giant Sapphire and that its reflection colored the heavens blue. Even the jewels original Latin name, Sapphiru, means blue.
Sapphire is also found in nearly every shade, from the gold of sunrise, to the fleeting violet of twilight. Sapphire may even resemble the pale white gloom of an overcast day. These diverse colors are referred to as fancy color Sapphires. The gift of a Sapphire symbolizes a pledge of trust, loyalty, and sincerity. It is from this tradition that Sapphire has long been a popular choice for engagement rings.
ORIGINS
Lending to Sapphires enduring popularity is its presence in nearly every corner of the earth. In Asia, well-known sources of Sapphire include Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Kashmir. African deposits in Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Madagascar, and Ethiopia provide brilliant Sapphires of every color. Additionally, Australia has been a steady source of Sapphires for years. The United States, particularly Montana, also boasts sizable deposits.
SPECIAL PROPERTIES
Sapphire, like its sister ruby, is a member of the Corundum species. In their natural form, Sapphire crystals take a hexagonal, double-pyramid shape reminiscent of a barrel. They are the second-hardest of all gemstones, second to the diamond.
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