Luxury and attractiveness of jewelry with sapphires

Place of Birth

The most famous sapphire deposits are confined to pegmatites or placers and are located in the USA, Australia, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Burma, Thailand and China.
In Russia there are no large deposits in which sapphire can be mined on an industrial scale: its finds are confined to manifestations of blue corundum, in which transparent stones suitable for cutting are also found.

Blue sapphire is found in the Urals and on the Kola Peninsula (Khibiny). Ural sapphires, as a rule, have a grayish tint, while Kola sapphires have a peculiar greenish tint with a deep cornflower blue color.

Interesting Facts

• The largest blue corundum was found by radiologist Mayer from the USA and considered it to be ordinary crystal. It was discovered by chance that it was a sapphire weighing 3,500 carats.
• The most famous crystal is the Millennium Sapphire, which is the size of a football and is carved with portraits of famous people.
• Many large blue sapphire stones are found on the island of Sri Lanka.

Sources and literature

1. Anderson B. Definition of precious stones - M.: Mir, 1983.
2. Kievlenko E. Ya., Senkevich N. N., Gavrilov A. P. Geology of precious stone deposits - M.: Nedra, 1974.
3. Perelomova N.V. Sapphire // Physical encyclopedic dictionary / Ch. ed. A. M. Prokhorov. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia, 1983. - P. 654. - 928 p. — 100,000 copies.
4. S. Akhmetov. Conversations about gemology. - M.: Young Guard, 1989. - 237 p.
5. Fersman A. Stories about gems - M.: Nauka, 1974.
6. Sapphire / A. S. Marfunin // Great Soviet Encyclopedia: [in 30 volumes] / ch. ed. A. M. Prokhorov. — 3rd ed. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia, 1969-1978.
7. Ruby and sapphire. M.: Nauka, 1974.
8. Description of sapphire on Wikipedia.

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Color varieties

Blue sapphire

Blue sapphire
Thanks to its amazing shades, it is the most valuable variety. Its color and color saturation depend on the presence of titanium and iron impurities.

The shade of blue sapphire can be light, almost colorless, or it can be so deep that the stone appears almost opaque.

Such dark sapphires are less valuable. Due to the presence of various impurities, pure and uniform color is quite rare.

But when cut correctly, blue sapphire becomes a real treasure. Sapphires of a special cornflower blue color were found in Kashmir. They can cost more than emerald.

Yellow sapphire

Yellow sapphire
The stone can be of different shades from light yellow to deep amber. Its popularity is slightly less high than that of blue, and the pure color is also quite rare.

Yellows are generally cheaper than blues, but are also widely used in jewelry due to their pleasant warm hue.

Green sapphire

Green Sapphire
The stone does not have such a pure green hue as emerald. Its color is formed by the fusion of yellow and blue areas.

It is valued lower than other types of sapphire. Stones of a greenish hue can be found in the mountains of the Kola Peninsula.

Pink sapphire

Pink sapphire
Rarely found, mainly in deposits of Madagascar and Sri Lanka. It has an amazing delicate shade and successfully replaces a more expensive pink diamond.

White sapphire

White sapphire
The second name is leucosapphire. An absolutely transparent stone, very similar to a diamond. Due to its lower cost, it is sometimes used as a replacement. Interesting effects are achieved in jewelry by combining these stones with each other.

Black sapphire

Black sapphire
An opaque or translucent stone with a noble shine, reminiscent of agate.

The stone is not valued very highly; it is suitable for creating jewelry in a simple style, in jewelry for men. Mainly mined in Australia. Black star sapphires are of particular value.

Star sapphire

Star Sapphire
Star sapphires, sometimes called star stones, have needle-like rutile inclusions in their structure that refract light in a special way.

When properly polished, the light on their surface is refracted in the form of a star-shaped figure. To achieve this effect, the surface of the stone is not cut, but polished, giving it the shape of a sphere or hemisphere.

The price of such crystals depends on their shade and quality of light reflection.

History and origin

Yellow sapphires are created from sedimentary rocks rich in aluminum. They are influenced by hot thermal waters and air, magma and high pressure. The main places of occurrence are placers in rivers and hillsides.

Yellow sapphire

The mineral is regally beautiful. Its color is created by impurities. The classic shade is blue, but evenly colored yellow specimens are extremely rare. Their cost is comparable to a diamond or ruby.

Yellow sapphire is revered in Hinduism.

Indian astrology has assigned a special mission to him. The name of the stone in Hindi is pukhraj. Sometimes Indians also call yellow topaz or citrine this way.

Synthetic sapphires

Synthetic sapphires
Today, sapphire is in demand in technology and jewelry. First of all, this concerns optically transparent sapphire - leucosapphire. Due to its outstanding hardness and heat resistance, it is widely used as wear-resistant and heat-resistant windows, such as in a variety of mobile gadgets: wristwatches, cell phones.

Sapphire substrates are also used in the semiconductor industry in the manufacture of semiconductor chips and LEDs using silicon-on-insulator technology.

Artificial sapphires were first synthesized in 1904 by French chemist Auguste Verneuil. The synthesis method he used - droplet deposition in an oxygen-hydrogen flame - is now called the Verneuil method. Today this method is also used for the industrial synthesis of sapphires.

Later, the Czochralski method and its variations (Kyropoulos method, Stepanov method) were invented - pulling a crystal from the melt using a seed crystal. Today, this method produces sapphires weighing up to 300 kilograms.

The world produces hundreds of tons of synthetic sapphires per year, mainly in China, Japan, the USA and Russia. One of the world's largest enterprises for the synthesis of sapphires operates in Russia.

The resulting sapphires are cut and polished with diamond tools to the customer's size.

Main uses of artificial sapphires:

• Jewelry making.
• Optics resistant to impact, abrasion, temperature, ionizing and ultraviolet radiation. Including glass for gadgets, armored glass for military equipment.
• Substrates for semiconductor chips using silicon on sapphire technology.
• Substrates for optoelectronic devices based on gallium nitride (GaN). This process is also used to produce blue LEDs, which are used to make white LED lighting.
• Additive-activated working fluid for solid-state lasers.

The magical properties of sapphire

Ring with black sapphire
Sapphire has the ability to accumulate cosmic energy.

It helps to find harmony and integrity in life. It is of particular importance for those who want to find their way, find inner comfort, and get rid of depression.

For a person who is too prone to unnecessary rushing, sapphire will be an excellent assistant in establishing internal balance.

It fuels creativity and brings inspiration. The protective properties of sapphire are widely known.

It cleanses space from any negative energy, so its wearer is not subject to the evil eye and damage. The pure color of sapphire symbolizes the honesty, fidelity, and chastity of a woman.

The stone is used to make amulets against the evil eye and talismans, symbolizing the radiance of the mind, spiritual purity and wisdom.

The magic of sapphire depends on its color:

• Yellow is a particularly strong protection against damage, the evil eye, slander, as well as internal uncertainty and anxiety. Gives determination, attracts creative ideas, relieves depression. Anxious people are not recommended to wear this stone constantly, because... it can lead to inner restlessness.
• Blue is the best talisman for those who have problems with the cardiovascular system. Relieves inflammation and headaches. Allows you to collect your thoughts and tune in to a positive wave. Designed for those who want to always achieve their goals.
• Light blue helps you feel the energy of higher powers and reveal magical abilities.
• Black is the best talisman that prevents depression, can restore taste and interest in life, and restores self-confidence. It is a good talisman against dark forces.
• White sapphire allows you to regain faith in yourself, show your inner potential and achieve success. This is a symbol of fidelity and purity, which can be a good gift as a sign of your feelings for your loved one.
• Green helps with sleep problems, develops kindness, compassion, and empathy in people. Helps with eye diseases.
• Pink sapphire – you need to be careful with this stone, because... it helps to materialize thoughts. If you keep a thirst for profit in your soul, anger, envy, dark thoughts can materialize and hit the bearer of this stone. But if your thoughts are bright and your goal is noble, pink sapphire will definitely help you realize it.

Star sapphire has special magical powers, which accumulate energy at the intersection of light rays.

It must be remembered that any sapphire with color defects can lead to the opposite effect, bringing suffering and trouble to a person.

Modern accessories

The physical and aesthetic qualities of sapphire allow designers not to restrain their imagination. Jewelry with stones is made in different styles so that everyone can choose the right option.

Range

Sapphire is suitable for making all types of jewelry, including children's and men's.

The most popular are rings, earrings and pendants.

Earrings and ring with sapphire

The stone setting is gold (585°) or silver of the highest standard.

The cut, like other precious stones, is determined by the quality of the gem. Clean specimens are processed geometrically or fancy, contaminated specimens are treated with cabochons.

Depending on the frame material, sapphires are complemented with small diamonds or cubic zirconia.

Origin

Almost all jewelry inserts, especially silver ones, are hydrothermal, declassified or synthetic stone. This is usually specified on the tag or in the product description.

When buying antiques or receiving an inheritance, you should remember that factory products produced in the USSR in the 1960-80s have artificial inserts. The tag doesn't say this.

Compatibility with other products

Multicolor sapphire does not need much help. It itself successfully imitates other minerals, including diamonds.

Earrings, brooch or ring with sapphires of different shades always look sophisticated and elegant. They are not combined with malachite or beryl or pearl accessories.

Brooch with sapphire

A duet of a stone with diamonds, rubies, cubic zirconia, amethysts, and garnets is recognized as good.

Healing properties

Raw sapphire Madagascar
People wearing a pendant inlaid with sapphire on their chest do not have to worry about the condition of the heart and blood vessels. The stone also has a positive effect on the endocrine system.

But not only does the blue crystal affect the heart and metabolism, it helps in the treatment of insomnia and mental disorders. In order for the gem to relieve sleep disturbances and nightmares, it should be placed under the pillow before bed.

But mainly the mineral affects the mental state of a person. It increases his intellectual abilities. Gives the owner a thirst for life, teaches him to cope with neuroses and depression.

And sapphire is the stone of those people who live long. It protects the owner from brain diseases, helps maintain clarity of mind until old age and live a long and happy life.

Modern medicine casts doubt on the ability of minerals to treat certain diseases, but the experience of our ancestors proves the opposite.

Jewelry inlaid with sapphires is chosen to last forever. They become a family heirloom and are passed on from generation to generation. Products such as good wine become more and more expensive every year.

Talismans and amulets

Blue sapphire is the most powerful talisman stone of its family. There is one very beautiful ancient legend associated with it.

Once upon a time, people asked the gods to grant them a long life, complaining that they did not have time to taste all its fruits within the allotted time. The gods, hearing their pleas, took pity on the people and shed magical rain on them, which is half the elixir of immortality. In those places where raindrops hit the ground, beautiful gems appeared. Where there was more of the elixir of eternal life, the pebbles were bright blue, where there was less - pale blue.

Blue sapphire pendant

And today, many peoples believe that a cornflower blue sapphire given as an amulet helps to prolong life, and the one who finds the perfect stone will gain immortality.

Shamans personified the stone as an instrument of communication with spiritual forces. They believed that through it they could talk to the dead. Modern magicians agree with them, including blue sapphires in their paraphernalia.

Blue sapphire is considered the guardian of true feelings. If lovers, newlyweds and married couples give each other such a gift, then the power of their love will only grow with each passing day and not a single separation or evil person can extinguish the flame.

The most magically effective is a sapphire that is given as a gift, inherited, or found with one’s own hand. Purchased copies take a long time to get used to the new owner.

People of any profession can acquire a talisman with a blue sapphire, especially those that require a clear mind, accuracy, emotionlessness and cold calculation. The stone is vital for all those who:

• I was catastrophically tired of problems and had already given up. Blue sapphire will make a person stronger, invigorate him and help him overcome difficulties.
• Cannot cope with emotions, takes everything to heart, flares up with or without cause, destroying the fragile balance in relationships with loved ones and simply suffering from an excess of feelings. Blue sapphire will extinguish emotions, make a person less vulnerable, more resistant to stress and irritants, and give him patience and endurance.
• Wants to achieve certain heights in life, but does not know how to do it. The gem will advise, guide and help.

Areas of application

Ring with star sapphire
The main use of sapphire is jewelry. In addition, there are other areas of application of the mineral. It depends on the appearance and purity of the gem. Sapphire purity is a characteristic that reflects the transparency of the mineral on a scale from 1 to 4:

• 1 – transparent, tiny inclusions do not deteriorate the appearance;
• 2 – transparent, the color is saturated, the defects are larger, but not visible under a magnifying glass;
• 3 – opaque, inclusions visible to the naked eye;
• 4 – slightly transparent, cloudy, indefinite color, many defects.

Transparent and translucent minerals go to jewelers. Lower quality and lab grown stones, especially clear ones, are used in the technical industry. They are made from:

• parts in ophthalmic instruments;
• substrates for microcircuits;
• glass for airplanes, helicopters, rockets;
• glass slides;
• inserts in cameras;
• glasses for gadgets, watches.

Jewelry with sapphire

Products with precious sapphire inserts have been highly valued at all times. Today, leading jewelry houses use corundum both in individual products and in entire collections. Sapphires with step or diamond cuts, as well as “star” stones with cabochon cuts, look especially elegant. When combined with topazes, amethysts and emeralds, blue sapphires acquire new colors.

The classic combination of sapphires and diamonds, which has become a symbol of luxury, is still relevant. Blue sapphires always look spectacular when set in white or yellow gold. At the same time, complemented by a combination frame, the classic duo of precious stones sounds fashionable and modern.

The trend is for models with “fantasy” sapphires in delicate shades, which give the products a special sophistication. The combination of many bright “fantasy” stones in one piece allows you to bring to life the most daring design ideas.

A piece with sapphires is not only a stylish addition to any look, but also an indicator of impeccable taste. Kate Middleton, Penelope Cruz, Carrie Underwood, Heidi Klum, Jessica Simpson, Katie Holmes and others shine in jewelry with these precious stones.

Description and types of blue stone

Blue sapphire looks like frozen ocean waves. The greater the depth of the water, the darker the crystal. The stone is very beautiful and impressive even without processing and cutting. The gem is very hard, but this does not prevent jewelers from creating works of art from it.

Types of shades:

• blue – the more saturated, the more expensive;
• light blue – the cheapest;
• azure (azure) – the most valuable, sometimes with a milky tint;
• cornflower blue sapphire – has a uniform velvety color;
• dark blue, almost black – opaque or translucent, the color is due to a large number of impurities.

Another division of blue sapphires is based on transparency - they can be from completely transparent to cloudy, not transmitting light.
To watch a video review of the stone:

How much does sapphire cost?

Earrings with sapphire and diamonds
The cost of sapphire is influenced by color. Next, the location of extraction, purity/transparency, and weight are taken into account. It is being clarified whether it has been ennobled.

The most expensive is the blue stone. It is assessed by location and weight.

Prices for “Burmese” sapphires:

• 1-3 carats - 3.8-9.4 thousand dollars per carat;
• 4–10 carats – 9.7–17 thousand dollars per carat;
• from 11 carats - 18–27 thousand dollars per carat.

The cost of other stones is determined by weight (thousand dollars per 1 carat):

• padparadscha - from 2.4, a large specimen (larger than 5 carats) is considered a collectible, costs from 31 thousand dollars per carat;
• pink - 0.9–6.5;
• yellow - 0.7–3.6;
• star blue - 0.7–3.4;
• orange, purple, alexandrite - 1100–2200;
• colorless - 0.2–0.4;
• green - from 0.06;
• black - 0.003–0.01;
• star black - 0.05.

Substandard stones are valued not by carats, but per stone - $10–20.

Physico-chemical properties of stone

How to recognize a fake

Glass imitations are usually sold under the guise of sapphire. Artificial gems are not fake; they meet all the chemical, physical and external characteristics of natural stones. A sign of a laboratory mineral is that there is a growth zone (a stripe of a more saturated color inside the gem).

Here's how you can tell a real sapphire from an imitation one at home:

1. Natural stones contain inclusions in the form of dots and dashes, this can be seen through a magnifying glass. Artificial specimens do not have them, but they are much more expensive than glass fakes.
2. The gem is very hard and resistant to external influences. If you run it across the glass, it will leave a scratch on the glass.
3. Sapphire is cool. Glass heats up faster in the palms.

What to look for when choosing a stone

Since yellow sapphire is a rare gemstone, it has a high value. Therefore, it is important to know how to distinguish an artificial mineral from a natural one. The first thing you need to do is ask for a quality certificate for the stone. If it is not there or the jeweler refuses to provide the relevant documents, you can safely leave the salon - most likely the stone sold there is a fake.

To verify the authenticity of the gem, you can carry out the following manipulations:

1. Compare the mineral with a piece of yellow glass - the sapphire will be lighter.
2. If you examine the stone under sunlight, there should be no air bubbles in it - the natural mineral will be homogeneous.
3. Consider the cut - natural sapphire has only clear and sharp edges. Rounded, smooth, soft edges indicate a fake.
4. Natural gems, regardless of their color, differ in weight - they are heavier than artificial ones. The fake has low hardness, so it is easy to scratch. There will be no scratches on natural sapphire, its surface is smooth.

5. Light does not pass through real sapphire evenly.
6. Specialists can easily give small natural corundums the desired shape during the cutting process. Artificial stones are processed using popular methods, giving them a round, emerald shape.
7. Artificial gems can often be recognized by seeing a characteristic edge, shaped like the letter “X”. Real jewelry does not have such a cut!
8. Only natural sapphire can have an asterism effect.

To be sure that the money was spent on real jewelry, it is better to go to the store with a specialist in his field and make a purchase only after his expert opinion on the authenticity of the product.

How to care for stone

Many jewelry owners have experienced the frustration of having their favorite pieces damaged. Some stones have very low strength and split from a slight blow, others do not tolerate contact with chemicals.

As for sapphire, it is more durable. Its hardness is 9 out of 10 on the mineralogical scale, so sapphire jewelry does not need to be stored in a separate padded box. Wash them with soap every few months and then leave them to dry naturally. In summer, it is recommended to repeat this procedure somewhat more often.

Cleaning jewelry with soap is different from regular hand washing. Jewelry should not be rubbed against soap, otherwise its particles will become clogged with uneven surfaces and will then be difficult to wash. Use soapy water for cleaning. To make it, lather the soap in a plate or cup.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

Yellow sapphire can be used by almost all zodiac signs. This is a stone of self-sufficient, strong-willed people.

The only one for whom the gem is contraindicated is Capricorn.

Astrologers warn that the mineral is capable of pumping strength out of the owner or making him a submissive quiet person, which is unacceptable for this sign. According to Jyotish, yellow corundum has a special meaning for the signs Sagittarius and Pisces.

(“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated)

How to wear it correctly

Products with small sapphires can be worn in everyday life, but large stones are best left for special occasions. Owners of jewelry with such a gem need to consider several factors:

• deep blue stones are better suited for brunettes and older women;
• blondes and young girls harmonize well with light jewelry;
• for the office or everyday activities, it is better to choose modest jewelry; the frame can be silver or white gold;
• dark stones in massive rings and cufflinks are well suited for business men.

It is better to buy sapphires on the 8th lunar day. After purchasing, the jewelry should not be worn immediately. It is better to wait until 22 lunar days.

What stones does it go with?

Ring with sapphire
Sapphire loves to be the soloist in jewelry on her own, without the need for neighbors. This precious mineral absolutely does not tolerate the proximity of Earth stones (opaque minerals), since they are often too cheap.

Sapphire does not combine with beryl or malachite. This applies to proximity not only in the product, but in the image as a whole.

It is not recommended to wear sapphires with pearls - these minerals conflict both stylistically and energetically.

The best combination is considered to be a tandem with ruby, diamond, garnet, cubic zirconia and amethyst.

Sky Stone

The ancients loved to endow living and inanimate nature with magical powers. Sapphire was credited with the properties of protecting against the evil eye and slander, improving memory, and calming. It was believed that the mineral helps make the right decisions.

In ancient times, this sapphire emitting powerful energy was considered a frozen drop of a drink that bestows immortality and is available only to the gods. Apparently, this is why royalty and high clergy preferred to wear jewelry with this stone:

1. King Solomon, who was considered one of the wisest rulers, had a sapphire seal. His throne was decorated with star-shaped stones.
2. Mary Stuart wore a ring with a “blue yacht,” as the stone was called in the old days.
3. Alexander the Great also had a ring with such an insert.
4. Tsar Boris Godunov wore sapphire as a powerful talisman.

Considered a symbol of holiness, power and authority, the mineral adorns the symbols of power of the British and Russian empires.

In the British crown, the cross is decorated with a sapphire of St. Edward the Confessor, who ruled Britain in the 11th century. Several centuries after Edward's death, his grave was opened, in which he was found along with a sapphire ring. Having discovered the incorruptible body, the British attributed healing properties to the stone.

The second major mineral in the British crown is the 104-carat Stuart sapphire, an inheritance from a noble family that has been passed down from generation to generation for many centuries.

A sapphire weighing 200 carats adorns the state of the Russian Empire. Under Emperor Paul I, it was placed surrounded by diamonds under the cross that adorned the state.

The most famous in the modern world is Princess Diana's engagement ring - a 16-carat stone surrounded by diamonds.