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Sapphires are mainly found in Sri Lanka, India and Burma. Indian sapphires come
from Kashmir. They are cornflower blue in color and are regarded as the finest
blue sapphires. Sri Lankan sapphires are the most common and are typically light
to medium blue in color.The majority of fancy-colored sapphires available in the jewelry industry are
from Sri Lanka. The most common of these fancy sapphires are yellow, or golden,
and pink in color. The pinkish orange ones are the rarest and most expensive.
Sapphires are also found in
Thailand and Australia, and they are dark blue in color. The gems obtained from
these two countries generally belong to the category of the inexpensive to
average priced range of sapphire gems in the jewelry market. Montana is the only
important source of sapphires in the United States. The sapphire produced is of
an attractive metallic blue in color. China, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria have
recently also become sources of sapphires.
Most of the sapphire gems being
sold today have had their color enhanced, most commonly by heating. The purpose
of heat treatment is to enrich the color and improve the stone's clarity. With
this method of treatment, colorless or paled-colored stones can be turned into
brilliant blue or yellow ones. Depending on the original material and the type
of heating process, heat treatments of gemstones can produce a variety of
results. For example, sapphires that have rutile (titanium dioxide) crystals can
be treated by heating and then being cooled rapidly. This would result in the
rutile crystals dissolving into the corundum and the gemstone becomes clearer.
Colorless or pale-colored stones after undergoing heating without the presence
of oxygen would turn to rich blue color. However, if these stones are being
heated in the presence of oxygen, they would turn into intense yellow color.
Most yellow sapphires have been treated in this manner.
Sapphires have been of great
significance to past societies. For example, the Mystical Jews considered the
blue gemstones as a secret message from the beyond. The Persians believed that
the world is resting on a giant sapphire and the sky is a reflection of the
color of the stone. In Europe, during the Middle Ages, sapphires were believed
to be an antidote against poisons. Although sapphires occur in a wide variety of
colors, traditionally blue has been the most popular and valuable. The blue
sapphire gem was widely used in jewelry of royalty and was considered the most
appropriate stone for ecclesiastical rings. It is known to be the bestower of
truth and good health.
Gemstones are considered
beautiful, rare and durable. The beauty of a gemstone is undiminished with time.
A gemstone could sparkle as brightly many years from now. It has lasting value
and is well liked by many. Hence, beautiful pieces of gemstone jewelry are
created and widely used for personal adornment as well as gifts for friends and
loved ones. Presenting these beautiful items as gifts is always well loved and
cherished.
Sapphire is the birthstone for
the month of September. As such, a piece of jewelry with this gemstone makes a
perfect elegant birthday present for those who were born in that month. Sapphire
is also the anniversary stone for the 5th and 45th year. A piece of jewelry with
this gemstone can also be a great anniversary present in these years. You will
be amazed how this beautiful gemstone can be made into different jewelry items
such as rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, brooches and pendants. With such
a wide variety of items, you will never experience any shortage of gift ideas.
Some people buy gems for the
purpose of collecting them. They find these gems fascinating and enjoy having a
collection of the pieces that they like.
More information on gemstone
jewelry can be found in:- Sapphire Gemstone
About the Author: Freelance Writer on various
topics. Please visit the URL for more information on Sapphire, Gemstones and fine
Jewelry
http://www.internetbizcenter.com/gemstone/Sapphire.htm
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