Sapphire Guide - The History of Sapphire Gemstones

The History of Sapphire Gemstones

This sapphire guide will give information on how to select a sapphire as well as a history of sapphire gemstones. SAPPHIRES were called sapphirus, meaning blue (in Latin.)
"The azure light of sapphire's stone resembles that of a celestial throne, a symbol of each simple heart that grasps in hope the better part.” - Marbodus

"Of colored gems, the Sapphire has been the most venerated amongst all nations, and particularly in the East it is the stone most frequently consecrated to the various deities.

Amongst Buddhists it is believed to produce a desire for prayer,..." The Book of Talismans by William Thomas and Kate Pavitt

Sapphire is said to be; 'the brow chakra, an anti- depressant. A stone of creative expression, intuition, spiritual enlightenment, mental clarity, good for lowering fevers and inflammation, hearing problems, cancer burns and pain. Various colors of sapphire have properties in addition to the general sapphire properties.

Sapphires are one of the world's four most popular gemstones and this sapphire guide has information on how to choose the best sapphire.

Since Kashmir ceased mining of sapphires in 1930 the most desirable sapphire origin in the world is Mogok, Sapphires available here originate from Mogok.

Sapphire guide to gemstone treatment:

Approximately 98% of sapphires are treated; a fine untreated sapphire is worth more than a similar treated sapphire. Available here are untreated sapphires which are not harmful to a person’s health as explained in the sapphire guide that some treated sapphires are harmful to a person’s health. (Click here to find out more about treatments.) SAPPHIRES were called sapphirus, meaning blue (in Latin.) "The azure light of sapphire's stone resembles that of a celestial throne, a symbol of each simple heart that grasps in hope the better part.” - Marbodus"Of colored gems, the Sapphire has been the most venerated amongst all nations, and particularly in the East it is the stone most frequently consecrated to the various deities. Amongst Buddhists it is believed to produce a desire for prayer,..." The Book of Talismans by William Thomas and Kate Pavitt Sapphire is said to be; 'the brow chakra, an anti- depressant. A stone of creative expression, intuition, spiritual enlightenment, mental clarity, good for lowering fevers and inflammation, hearing problems, cancer burns and pain. Various colors of sapphire have properties in addition to the general sapphire properties.

Sapphire Guide to Gemstone Terminology

Tones are a matter how light or dark a stone is. It could go from colorless to extremely light to to extremely dark to black.

Saturation is an indication of how "strong" or "vivid" a color is. Saturation is listed as dull (the least valuable) to vivid which is the most valuable.

Hues are described as the color itself.

Clarity is a subjective term, however the following is how we describe clarity:

Opaque, meaning the stone will not transmit light through it.

Translucent, or cloudy, meaning that the stone transmits light on the edges, but you cannot see clearly through it.

Heavily Included, meaning that the stone is transparent, but the stone is littered with inclusions, which are very visible without magnification.

Moderately Included, meaning that the stone is transparent, but there are several inclusions, which are visible without magnification.

Slightly Included, meaning that the stone has some very minor inclusions which may be visible without magnification.

Very Slightly Included, or eye-clean, meaning that the stone has some very minor inclusions that are not readily visible without magnification. Some inclusions may be visible without magnification once you see them under magnification and know exactly where to look.

Very Very Slightly Included, meaning that the stone has some very very minor inclusions which are difficult to see under 10 power magnification.

Flawless, meaning that there are no inclusions visible under 10 power magnification.
Hand carved Burmese untreated sapphire pendant.Great workmanship in this dual sided hand crafted sapphire carving. A small hole is strategically drilled in the carving so the pendant can hang as it is pictured. This can be ordered with your choice of chain or leather.

Approximate dimensions as follows; 34mm long x 21mm wide x 10mm deep and weighs 62.11ct.

This sapphire comes with an independent lab identification / origin report. If you are interested in the hand carvings, please feel free to contact me in the form below. I will have them available in an e-store very shortly. They are $37.

Sapphire Guide

Sapphires come in so many colors. You can choose stones for a yellow sapphire earring set to an emerald ring in sapphire. There is also a yellow sapphire stone and pink sapphire stones. What about a pink sapphire gem stone ring? The natural pink sapphires are some of my favorites gemstones because I love pink. Blue star sapphires are the opaque ones and they look like they have a star on the top. Those come in pink as well. A sapphire necklace in white gold is beautiful because the blue looks pretty against the white gold. People are starting to get a sapphire wedding ring set instead of diamonds as they gain their popularity. A white sapphire earring set would be stunning as well in white gold. Any sapphire gem stone ring would make a great gift. Sapphires simply are an excellent choice when choosing a gemstone.

Below is a nice selection of books if you would like more information other magic gemstones. If you are more of a distinctive jewelry-maker who doesn't want a lot of scientific explanation, the first two books are excellent: The Jeweler's Directory of Gemstones and Jewelry Appraising
The History of Sapphire Gemstones