Gemstone of the Month of September - Blue Sapphire

Blue Sapphire is the Birthstone for September

Blue Sapphire is also used as gifts to celebrate the 45^th and 65^th Anniversaries.  The 65^th Anniversary is also known as the sapphire jubilee.

A blue sapphire corundum crystal. Photo credit Géry Parent flickr.com

Sapphire is a gemstone variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminium oxide (α-Al2O3).

It comes in other colours depending on the amounts of other trace elements such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper or magnesium. This can give corundum blue, yellow, pink, purple, orange or greenish colour. Chromium impurities in corundum yield a red tint, and the resultant gemstone is called a Ruby, Sapphire’s sister stone.

 

To help celebrate this gem is the Logan Sapphire, pictured It is a flawless specimen from Sri Lanka, a cushion-cut stone which possesses a rich deep blue color and is the second largest (blue) sapphire known, weighing 422.99 carats.  This stone is HUGE!  See it on the video.

 How durable is a Sapphire?

Sapphires are among the most durable naturally occurring elements in the world. Gemstones are rated on their ability to withstand scratching based on a system called the Mohs Scale of Hardness, and sapphires score a 9 out of 10. The only natural item that can scratch a sapphire is a diamond, which has a 10 on the Mohs Scale. The durability of sapphires makes them an excellent choice for engagement rings and other jewelry you plan to wear every day.

Where do Sapphires come from?

Sapphires are mined in many places throughout the world, including Australia, Tanzania, Thailand, Cambodia, Malawi, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, the United States, and more.

 Famous people with Sapphires

The most famous royal sapphire today is the engagement ring given by England’s Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, and now worn by Princess Catherine. It features an 18-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds.

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Going back in time to 1796 - French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte gave to his beloved wife Josephine a two stone sapphire and diamond engagement ring. This same ring sold at auction for close to a million dollars in 2013.

 

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Chris and I believe in creating jewellery that tells a story.

Every piece of jewellery is personalized into something completely unique, making it a great gift for holidays and special occasions. For commemorating milestones, or simply celebrating the people you love.

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Carol Palko,

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