Clarity Major Sources sapphires normally have inclusions, so the lack of Australia, Cambodia, China, Ethiopia, visible inclusions can have a positive impact on value. Kashmir, Kenya, Madagascar, Myanmar, However, in some cases inclusions can increase the value Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Sapphire of a sapphire when extremely fine particulate clouds United States, Vietnam scatter the light, giving the stone a velvety appearance Mineral A symbol of sincerity and faithfulness. without affecting the transparency. Corundum

Sapphire comes from the word “sapheiros,” which Sources Mohs Hardness means “bright blue stone” in Greek and has been Kashmir has a long history of mining spectacular blue 9 cherished for thousands of years for its color, sapphires that have set records at prestigious auction Toughness durability, hardness and luster. Ancient Mediterranean houses. The velvety “” and minute Excellent culture honored sapphire above all other gems, and inclusions observed in Kashmir sapphire make them the early Buddhists believed in its power for spiritual most sought after. Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) Color awareness. One of the world’s most famous blue is also a highly sought after source of blue sapphire. Every color except sapphire engagement rings is the one worn by In the United States, the state of Montana has been a Birthstone Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, which previously leading producer of both blue and fancy color sapphire. September belonged to the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Treatment Care and Cleaning Color High temperature treatments are used to improve color Sapphire comes in many colors, including the rare Schneider Thomas M. Inc.; B&B Fine Gems; Kris Gem International, Images courtesy: Anil Gupta, Warm, soapy water is always safe. Sapphire and ruby are both members of the mineral pinkish orange sapphire called Padparadscha, or to enhance the clarity of blue sapphire. Diffusing Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are species corundum. Corundum is a naturally colorless meaning “lotus blossom” in Sinhalese. titanium or beryllium into sapphires at high temperatures usually safe for untreated, heat-treated material, but may have different colors when impurities can achieve a desirable color. Treated sapphire may and lattice diffusion treated stones. are present. The rich of blue sapphire are employ temporary treatments like oiling and dying to Fracture-filled, cavity-filled or dyed universally known but fancy sapphires come in many hide fractures along with using lead glass to fill pits and material should only be cleaned with a colors including pink, yellow, , colorless, black, cracks for more transparency. damp cloth. and the rare pinkish orange sapphire referred to Long mineral inclusions that in the trade as Padparadscha. Nevertheless, the most intersect can create the star preferred and most valuable sapphires are deep color effect when stones are cut saturations known in the trade as “” and the as cabochons. soft velvety blue called “Cornflower Blue.” Courtesy of

The Passion of Colored Gemstones