Sapphires are the stone of September and a beautiful one at that! Known mostly for their mesmerizing blue hue, they are one of four precious gemstones and have long been admired in the luxury jewelry market. These stones make an elegant and stunning alternative to their pricey diamond counterpart. Most people remember the sapphire as the jewel Prince William used to propose to Kate Middleton a few years ago, but there is a lot about sapphires most people aren’t aware of.
Sapphires are one of the Four Precious Gemstones
A stone becomes a gem when it is transformed from its original form into a polished jewel. Not every stone is a gemstone; this is because some are considered more precious than others. Because of this, only four stones fall under the title of precious gemstone, sapphires being one of them, along with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. Any other gemstones are referred to as semi-precious.
Sapphires Come in Many Colors
The most common, blue sapphire, gets its coloring from the presence of iron and titanium, but many people don’t realize that sapphires can appear in an array of colors including pink, orange, yellow, green, and purple. Sapphires that aren’t blue are referred to as fancy sapphires. While there are other colors to choose from, the deep blue is definitely the most sought after version. Even among the blue sapphires, those with a deeper purple coloring are valued higher than those with a green tint. Like any other jewel, the cut and clarity is also an important factor.
The Cut of a Sapphire
Although a sapphire’s color is its most unique feature, its cut is a close second. The reason for this is because the way these gemstones are cut directly affects its color. When cut correctly in the middle, a sapphire reflects light and color making it a stunning sight. If the center is dull and does not reflect these then it is considered a window and a sapphire with a large window typically calls for a cheaper price.
Before you pick your sapphire jewelry, be sure to check the way it was cut. Professional jewelers like ourselves will be able to give you a good idea of the value of a sapphire.
Sapphires are Durable to Wear
Aside from their brilliant beauty, sapphires are also one of the most unique and durable gemstones. Corundum makes up both sapphires and rubies and is one of the hardest crystal structures making the gemstone one of the best options for durable everyday wear! Ranked 1-10 sapphires are ranked just below diamonds at a 9. With this stone, you can be confident that it won’t scratch, chip, or break easily and will shine for years to come!
At Isbell Jewelers, we carry a large selection of sapphires and are happy to help you with a precious gemstone purchase today!