GLITTERING ELEGANCE – gem of many colours

In ancient times kings wore sapphires around their necks as a defence against evil and jealousy and in order to attract the attention of the gods. The influence of the sapphire is believed to be so powerful that even in the hands of another person it would still work in favour of the former owner. Many virtues are associated with this stone, amongst them truth and seriousness.

Different colour sapphires:

The sapphires physical and chemical properties are virtually identical to those of the ruby. In a natural state the gem crystallizes in the hexagonal system with two pyramidal faces. All corundums that are not rubies are classed as sapphires, which means that this particular gem exists in many colours, from blue to green, pink to mauve violet and others. The blue colour of the sapphire is due to small amounts of titanium oxides and iron. The finest colour is found in the Kashmir specimens. Multi-coloured sapphires are also known to exist. Transparent sapphire too, cut en cabochon, reflects the light to produce star-like bands. These starstones range in colour from from black to blue.

Choosing a sapphire:

As with the ruby and emerald, the primary standard for judging a sapphire is colour. But the most favoured colour is Kashmir blue and yellow-orange. The blue variety should be free of any trace of green, the most exquisite sapphires being of either a deep, velvety ultramarine or cornflower blue.

Sapphires may be the most common of the four precious stones, but a flawless, finely coloured, perfectly cut specimen is a very sound investment. Unfortunately in artificial light the sapphire tends to become a rather lifeless gem and may assume a purple hue but there are always a few exceptions that become even brighter in artificial light. When buying a sapphire, one should make sure that the gem is perfect from all points of view and weighs between 2 and 15 carats for the blue sapphire and not less than 7 carats for the yellow sapphire.

For more information on selecting this colourful gem, contact us at: http://www.barnesjewellers.co.za/contact.html