Sparkling, starry depths in all shades of blue are what best characterize the beauty of sapphire jewelry.

Although it can be found in shades of gray, purple, yellow, pink, orange, and white, the traditional vibrant blue is the most desired of all colors for sapphire gemstones. Sapphires have been recognized for their beauty for centuries. It was the ancient Persians who came up with the belief that the sky around us was actually the reflection from a huge sapphire which contained our planet suspended in its middle.

Although we know better today, of course, some members of our modern society believe that the sapphire is a symbol for truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. Sapphire is also the September birthstone.

This gemstone is part of the corundum group and very hard, with a Mohs scale rating of nine. This quality, along with its beautiful transparence and durability, make sapphires an ideal gem for a variety of jewelry settings.

Although it comes in a wide variety of colors, there are no red sapphires because this would mean it was actually a ruby. The only difference between these two gemstones is the presence of iron in alluvial deposits, which lends its color to a sapphire. One of the more unique varieties of sapphires is the Padparadscha, which is a combination of orange and pink colors, considered a “fancy” stone.

Other fancy sapphires include those with colors of yellow, green, white, purple, or pink. The star sapphire is somewhat rare and prized for its silver-toned, cross-shaped impurity which resembles a star when properly cut into a half-dome shape.

Kashmir sapphires are very different in that they have what looks like a velvety, misted texture overlay which enhances their unique, rich blue shade.

Any of these varieties makes for a very beautiful and high quality piece of sapphire jewelry which can be set in either white or yellow gold. The quality of sapphires is determined first by color. It is not the darkest shade of blue which is most desirable, but rather a medium shade which is both quite vivid and intense. The stone should be clear and not cloudy as well as not having any green, black, or gray tones.

Clear and without flaws is what makes a sapphire the most valuable, with the exception of a Kashmir gem. Sapphire jewelry makes an exceptional gift of style and quality and is appropriate in any setting of white or yellow gold. It pairs very well with diamonds and can create a distinctive piece of wedding jewelry, in addition to pendants, rings, earrings, and bracelets.

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