September Birthstone: Sapphire

Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet,, Clarion Fine Jewelry, Fairfax, VA

Sapphires, also known as “gemstones of the sky” are found in many shades of blue. Some stones may be a light blue as in a “clear blue sky” while other as dark as the night. Although sapphires are known for their rich blue hues, they are also found in other shades, such as yellow, pink, orange and purple. Colors and intensities vary stone to stone, so which sapphires are the most valued?

Sapphires in lighter shades of blue interact well with the light and are radiant in lower light, whereas the darkest blue sapphires lose their sparkle in lesser light. The rich, intense blue hues are treasured– sapphires of this color that still look good in low or artificial light are the most valued. The magnificent gemstones from Kashmir in an intense blue with subtle violet undertones, with a fine silky shine are considered by connoisseurs to be some of the most beautiful. The Kashmir sapphires were discovered in 1880 at an altitude of 16,000 feet after a landslide which exposed the stones. The Kashmir sapphire is said to have a hue that does not change in the lower light. Burmese sapphires are also valued for their color which ranges from a rich, full royal blue to a deep cornflower blue.

Sapphires are also found in India, Burma, Ceylon, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Brazil and Africa. The hardness of the stone, as well as internal color variations require master gem cutters to showcase each sapphire’s inherent beauty. The gem and angles must be masterfully placed to illuminate the richest aspects of each gem.

View some of the many sapphires in Clarion Fine Jewelry’s collection.

Search for “sapphire” to choose from the full selection of sapphire jewelry.