|
|
|
|
| September Birthstone Jewelry Guide |
|
| HomeSeptember Birthstone Jewelry Guide |
|
|
Sapphire - September Birthstone
|
|
|
|
|
Emerald Cut Sapphire Gemstone
|
Oval Sapphire Gemstone
|
Round Brillant Sapphire Gemstone
|
Pronunciation:Sapphire = SAFF-FIRE
This precious gem - one of the four, alongside Rubies, Emeralds, and Diamonds - is typically thought of in its blue hue; however, the Sapphire comes in a myriad of colors: White Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Black Sapphire, and then there are the Star Sapphires... that carry their own look, lore and style. There are dozens of Sapphires around the world, including Ceylonese Sapphires, Madagascan Sapphires, Australian Sapphires, and Nigerian Sapphires. All of these jewels make great gemstones in gold and platinum jewelry, as well as sterling silver. Sapphire is the anniversary gemstone for the 5th & 45th years of marriage. Commonly known as the September birthstone, Sapphire is linked to four zodiac signs: Pisces (birthstone), Taurus (lucky charm gemstone) and Libra (planetary stone) and Sagittarius (birthstone).
|
|
|
|
|
Pink Sapphire Gemstone
|
Yellow Sapphire Gemstone
|
Star Sapphire Gemstone
|
|
|
|
|
|
Black Sapphire Gemstone
|
Ova Purple Sapphire Gemstone
|
Heart Shape Green Sapphire
|
History/Lore of Sapphire
In Greek mythology, Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods, was the first person to wear Sapphire. He took the gemstone from Cacaus, where he stole the fire. Sapphires are one of the 12 holy gemstones set in the breastplate of the high priest Aaron, as mentioned in the book of Exodus, from the holy bible. Sapphire is said to help those who wear it find the correct solution when faced with challenges. In India, if one wears a Sapphire pendant as a talisman, it was believed to protect them from evil spirits. So get yourself a nice Sapphire pendant, or Sapphire necklace, and keep it around your neck!
Sapphire Gemstone Variations
Science/Chemical
The technical name for Sapphire is corundum (which is the exact same mineral that Rubies are made of!). On the Mohs scale, Sapphires are rated at a 9 for hardness, second only to the Diamond. (The Mohs scale of mineral hardness was devised by German mineralogist Frederich Mohs in 1812. He selected ten minerals because they were common or readily available and rated them. The scale is not linear, but arbitrary.)
Sapphire Gemstone Care and Cleaning
The best way to clean any jewel is warm, soapy water. Steam cleaners will work great with these gemstones, as will ultrasonic cleaners.
Sapphire Gemstone Fame
In 1981, Prince Charles gave Diana Spencer a Sapphire Engagement ring. Later that year, they were married and she became Lady Diana, Princess of Wales. Her engagement ring was reported to hold a Sapphire between nine and 12 carats in weight!
|
|
|
|
August Birthstone 