Sapphires were referred to as hyacinths – specifically the blue variety – in ancient times. Later, their color was likened to yet another flower: the cornflower, an evocative term that is still used today and signifies a very desirable hue of blue sapphire. The word “safir,” from both Hebrew and Arabic roots, means “blue,” yet sapphires come in almost every color, such as yellow, pink, green and purple.

Sapphire is the birthstone for September, but those born in other months also take pleasure from its classic charm and beauty.

Sapphire Facts:

• Sapphire belongs to the corundum gemstone species as does ruby. They share virtually the same chemical composition.
• Sapphires in colors other than blue are referred to as “fancy colored sapphires” and are best described by their color, such as “yellow sapphire.”
• Sri Lanka and Burma (Myanmar) are historic sources for sapphire, yet a more recent source, Kashmir, India, is said to produce some of the finest blue sapphires. Other sources include Australia, Cambodia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania, Thailand and the United States.
• Sapphire is a very durable gemstone, second only to diamond, with a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
• Sapphires are faceted in all shapes. Star and cat’s eye sapphires, two of the varieties sporting unique optical characteristics, are fashioned as cabochons. Other sapphires change color in different types of light; these sapphires with optical phenomena are considered collector’s gems.

Sapphire Treatment:

• Sapphire is sometimes heated at high temperatures to improve both clarity and color. Information about any stone known to be treated should be disclosed to the buyer.

Synthetic Sapphire:

• Sapphire can also be man-made, meaning it is manufactured in a lab rather than mined, and this fact should be understood by the seller and clearly disclosed to the buyer.

Sapphire Care and Cleaning:

• To minimize scratching and wear, store each piece of fine jewelry separately in a soft cloth or padded container.
• Sapphire jewelry is best cleaned with warm, sudsy water and a tightly woven microfiber or other soft cloth.
• Take all your fine jewelry to a professional jeweler at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning and inspection.