A Little History Of Sapphires
Sapphires are one of my favourite gemstones, they’re quite hard, they come in various different colours and each colour comes in different shades and quality. My favourite shade has to be blue, especially when it sits next to a diamond. A vibrant Ceylon Sapphire can really be a beautiful stone. I made such a ring recently, a three stone ring set with 2 lovely quality diamonds and a beautiful Ceylon Sapphire in the centre.
Ancient Persians
It was once believed by the Ancient Persians that the stone sapphire was the pedestal on which the world perched, thus giving the sky its colour blue.
Greece and Rome
Ancient Greece and Rome, kings and queens were convinced that blue sapphires protected their owners from envy and harm. During the Middle Ages, the clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolize Heaven, and ordinary folks thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings.
Sapphires are comprised of the blue variety of the mineral Corundum. They are also valued highly for their vivid hue, with violet shades being particularly sought after. This beautiful gemstone can come in other colours too such as yellow and pink, although blue is the most common of these precious gems.
Colour
An orangy pink sapphire is called padparadscha. This means “lotus flower” in Sinhalese. The language spoken in Sri Lanka. Stones from Sri Lanka were initially the only ones labeled with this marketable name. There’s no telling how many padparadschas have been sifted from the Sri Lankan river gravel throughout history. Sri Lankans have a special affection for the color that’s traditionally been linked with their country.
Caring for a Sapphire
Sapphires are actually fairy hard compared to other gemstones like Emeralds and Tanzanites. This however doesn’t mean they will withstand anything you throw at them. Typically on rings there will be more wear on a sapphire where the facets meet the table of the stone. This is caused by day to day wear if you never take the ring off.
If you own a sapphire ring then I’d highly recommend removing it when you’re at the Gym or doing the gardening because of the wear than can take. Diamonds will take this kind of punishment but sapphires are a little less forgiving.
Cleaning
Cleaning a sapphire is pretty simple really. Warm water, washing up liquid and a soft tooth brush works wonders. Never go from hot to cold water, this can cause serious damage to the stone. Keep the temperature the same throughout your time cleaning your jewellery and dry off with a clean towel.
You could also use a polishing cloth with impregnated polish to bring up a great shine. These cloths are available to purchase at Jason Keith Jewellery.
Thanks for reading!