The magic of sapphires
“I have always been fascinated with the rare and unique qualities of colored gemstones. I find them so special, and particularly love the versatility of a blue sapphire.”
- Susie Saltzman
Sapphire, the birthstone of September, makes a stunning gift for anyone celebrating a birthday or anniversary this month. The most valuable and precious of all blue gemstones, sapphires are most desired in their natural, pure blue hue. But did you know sapphires also come in a variety of colors including pink, green, and yellow? For centuries sapphires of all shades have been treasured and highly sought after for jewelry. Keep reading to discover more intriguing facts about September’s exquisite birthstone.
1. For thousands of years sapphires have been treasured among the most valued gemstones in Persia and Ancient Rome. In the Middle Ages, the sapphire was said to protect loved ones from harm and also symbolized trust and loyalty. Because of its blue color, various cultures all over the world have associated sapphires with the heavens and attributed magical and spiritual powers to these stones.
2. Rubies are actually red sapphires! Both red and blue sapphires are made up of the mineral corundum. Sapphires of all colors get their hues from trace elements in this mineral. The more chromium a sapphire has the redder it becomes. Traditional blue sapphires contain titanium and iron, which give them their gorgeous rich blue hue.
3. The rarest Sapphire in the world is called “padparadscha” and is a beautiful shade of pinkish orange. Named after the Sinhalese word for lotus flower, this rare gemstone is naturally sifted from Sri Lankan rivers.
4. Among the most naturally durable elements in the world, sapphires can withstand considerable scratching. Based on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, sapphires rate a score of 9 out of 10. To put it in perspective, the only natural item that scores a 10 on the Mohs Scale is a diamond. For that reason, sapphires are an excellent choice for engagement rings and other everyday wear jewelry.
5. Perhaps the most famous and most recognizable sapphire engagement ring of today is the one given to Lady Diana Spencer by England’s Prince Charles in 1981. When Prince William proposed to Catherine Middleton in the autumn of 2010 in Kenya, he gave her that same ring, which features a 12-carat oval blue Sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
In recent years, colored sapphires have become a popular and affordable alternative to diamonds. While I work primarily with diamonds, I have always been fascinated with the rare and unique qualities of colored gemstones. I find them so special, and I particularly love the versatility of a blue sapphire – perfect for those with a celebration in September - a birthday, a baby or an anniversary. They are also a really special day-of wedding gift, as an extra special “something blue.”
Every piece of jewelry I fabricate is custom designed and meticulously crafted. Substituting a diamond with a sapphire is just one of so many ways to further personalize your experience and memory.