Sapphire, the captivating birthstone of September, holds a timeless allure and a rich tapestry of symbolism. Renowned for its exquisite blue hue, sapphire has captured the hearts and imaginations of people for centuries. Let's delve into the fascinating world of sapphire as the birthstone for September. Sapphire belongs to the corundum mineral family, sharing its classification with the resplendent ruby. While sapphires come in various colors, ranging from delicate pink to vibrant yellow, the deep, velvety blue sapphire is the most prized and well-known variety. The captivating blue shade has been associated with loyalty, truth, and wisdom throughout history.
Overview
The allure of sapphire has transcended time and continues to captivate contemporary jewelry enthusiasts. Whether adorning an engagement ring, a pendant, or a pair of earrings, sapphires add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any piece. The gemstone's deep blue color exudes a sense of tranquility and serenity, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a calm and composed presence in their lives.
When selecting sapphire jewelry, it's important to consider the various factors that contribute to the gemstone's value. The most desirable sapphires exhibit a rich, velvety blue color, often called "cornflower blue." Clarity, cut, and carat weight are also essential considerations in determining a sapphire's quality and worth. In recent years, fancy-colored sapphires, such as pink and yellow, have gained popularity, offering a unique twist on the classic blue gemstone.
For those born in September, sapphires hold a special place in their lives. As birthstones are believed to bring luck, protection, and positive energy, sapphires are cherished as meaningful gifts for birthdays and special occasions. They are a symbol of love, fidelity, and commitment, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and anniversary celebrations.
Sapphires have an undeniable allure that has stood the test of time. As September's birthstones, they embody wisdom, beauty, and protection. Whether worn as an exquisite piece of jewelry or treasured for their spiritual significance, sapphires continue to captivate and inspire awe, ensuring their enduring popularity for generations to come.
Symbolism
For centuries, sapphire has been revered as a talisman of protection, believed to shield its wearer from harm and ward off negative energies. Ancient civilizations cherished sapphire as a symbol of divine favor and blessings. In medieval times, sapphires were worn by clergy and royalty alike as a symbol of wisdom, purity, and holiness.
Beyond its captivating beauty and historical significance, sapphire holds deep meanings and associations in various cultures and traditions. In astrology, sapphire is linked to the zodiac sign of Virgo, which spans from August 23 to September 22, and Libra, which begins on September 23. It is believed that sapphire enhances the positive traits of these signs, such as intelligence, discernment, balance, and harmonious relationships.
Sapphire is also associated with significant virtues and qualities. Its deep blue color is often associated with calmness, clarity of thought, and spiritual enlightenment. It is said to promote mental focus, aid in decision-making, and stimulate self-expression. Sapphire is also believed to nurture loyalty, trust, and sincerity in relationships, making it an ideal gift for anniversaries or engagements.
Traditionally, sapphire is considered a cherished gemstone for those celebrating their September birthdays. Its beauty and symbolism make it a thoughtful and meaningful gift, representing a bond of friendship, trust, and loyalty. Whether set in an exquisite ring, a pendant, or adorning a pair of earrings, sapphire jewelry is a timeless treasure that can be cherished for a lifetime.
Properties
Hardness and strength
Sapphires are renowned for their exceptional hardness and strength, making them one of the most durable gemstones available. The hardness of a gemstone is measured on the Mohs scale, which ranks minerals based on their ability to resist scratching. On this scale, sapphires are rated 9 out of 10, second only to diamonds, which have a perfect score of 10.
Treatment
- Heat treatment can intensify the color of a sapphire, remove or reduce certain inclusions, and enhance its overall transparency. This treatment is stable and permanent, and the vast majority of sapphires on the market have undergone heat treatment.
- Diffusion treatment involves adding certain elements, such as titanium or beryllium, to the surface of sapphire and then subjecting it to high temperatures. This process causes the added elements to penetrate the gemstone, altering its color.
- Beryllium treatment is a specific type of diffusion treatment where beryllium is diffused into the sapphire to enhance its color. Beryllium-treated sapphires are generally stable, but it is essential to disclose this treatment as it can affect the value of the gemstone.
- Surface coating involves applying a thin layer of color or other materials to the surface of sapphire to enhance its appearance. This treatment is not as durable as other treatments and may wear off over time or with exposure to certain chemicals or cleaning agents.
- Fracture filling is a treatment where a glass-like material is used to fill surface-reaching fractures or cavities in a sapphire. This treatment can improve the gemstone's clarity and overall appearance.
Quality and grading
Color
Blue Sapphire: They come in a spectrum of blue shades, ranging from pale sky blue to intense, deep blue. The finest and most valuable blue sapphires exhibit a vivid, rich hue known as "cornflower blue."
Pink Sapphire: Ranging from soft pastel pink to vibrant rose, pink sapphires can possess varying levels of saturation and intensity. They are a popular choice for engagement rings and feminine jewelry pieces.
Yellow Sapphire: Yellow sapphires showcase sunny and warm tones, ranging from pale lemons to vibrant golden hues. They evoke a sense of brightness and joy, and their vibrant colors make them an eye-catching choice for jewelry.
Padparadscha Sapphire: Padparadscha sapphires are among the rarest and most highly prized varieties. Their unique color is a delicate blend of pink and orange, reminiscent of a tropical sunset or the color of a lotus flower.
Green Sapphire: Green sapphires can display a range of green shades, from light and minty to deep and forest green. Their color is attributed to the presence of iron or chromium impurities.
Purple Sapphire: Purple sapphires exhibit regal and captivating hues, from soft lavender to intense violet. They can contain secondary dyes, such as pink or blue, creating a mesmerizing play of colors.
Color-Change Sapphire: Color-change sapphires are remarkable gems that display different colors under varying lighting conditions. They may appear blue under daylight or fluorescent light and exhibit a purple or violet hue under incandescent light.
Fancy-Colored Sapphires: In addition to the traditional colors, sapphires can occur in a range of other shades, including orange, peach, gray, and even colorless (known as white sapphires).
Clarity
In the context of sapphires, the term "eye-clean" is often used to describe gemstones with inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye. Eye-clean sapphires are generally more desirable and sought after, as they offer a higher level of clarity without compromising their overall beauty. However, it is important to note that some inclusions, especially those unique to a particular sapphire, can be considered characteristic and add to its individuality and authenticity.
Cut
Round Brilliant Cut: This classic cut features a symmetrical round shape with numerous facets, carefully arranged to maximize the gemstone's brilliance and sparkle.
Princess Cut: Princess-cut sapphires often have a brilliant faceting style, which enhances their brilliance and scintillation.
Oval-Cut: This cut showcases the sapphire's color and brilliance, while the elongated form can create an illusion of lengthening and slenderizing the finger when set in a ring.
Cushion Cut: The cushion cut is characterized by its square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow. It is a timeless and elegant cut that showcases the sapphire's color and brilliance.
Emerald Cut: The emerald cut is a step-cut style with rectangular facets that create a distinctive hall-of-mirrors effect. Emerald-cut sapphires exhibit a sophisticated and elegant appearance, emphasizing their color and clarity.
Pear Cut: The pear cut, also known as teardrop cut, combines round and marquise shapes. It has a rounded end on one side and tapers to a point on the other, resembling a drop of water.
Marquise-Cut: Marquise-cut sapphires can create the illusion of elongating the finger and are often used as center stones in engagement rings or as accent stones in jewelry designs.
Asscher Cut: The Asscher cut is a square or octagonal cut with stepped facets and cropped corners. It has a vintage appeal and offers a beautiful blend of geometric precision and brilliant sparkle.
Carat
Larger sapphires are relatively rare compared to smaller ones, which can make them more valuable. However, other factors such as color, clarity, and quality of the cut also significantly impact the value of a sapphire. Two sapphires of the same carat weight can have vastly different values depending on their overall quality and characteristics.
Care instructions
- Due to its sensitivity to high conditions, Sapphire may suffer from thermal trauma and eventual destruction.
- To meticulously wash the gemstone's surface, use an absorbent, lint-free fabric or a mild detergent-water mixture. Avoid using corrosive cleansers or aggressive chemicals that can harm the gemstone or its setting.
- Sapphire is susceptible to damage from corrosive substances such as household cleaners, acidic substances, and solvents. These substances may potentially permanently harm the gemstone, dulling its luster.
- Additionally, avoid keeping your Sapphire in direct sunlight for too long, since this may eventually cause discoloration.
- Before partaking in activities like sports, landscaping, or hard labor, take off your Sapphire jewelry to protect it from any damage.
- Think about getting your Sapphire jewelry frequently examined and cleaned by a specialist.
