Professional Documents
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Appearance:
Sapphires can be a very dark blue to the point of
seeming dense and blackish from a distance. Some times
accompanied by a blue to dull green pleochroism, which
is only visible from the side in cut stones. They may also
be a strong but not too bright blue, easily recognizable
from a distance, this being the idle color. Other
possibilities are light, usually bright blue with color,
unevenly distributed, pail blue or finely blue, with a
violet tinge, atleast in bright light. Like all corundum,
sapphire always, has good luster, some sapphires
display clearly defined streaks of paler color, in
contrast to a dark ground. Other has areas with a
slightly silky sheen, which are not clearly delineated.
Still other, uncommon variety assumes a distinct, milky
appearance in strong light, with a marked in increase in
color intensity. Inclusions are, as a role, less obvious in
very dark stones, due to their general lack of their
transparency, whereas, medium to large pale stone
often show distinct ‘veils’ or ‘feathers’ caused by very
fine inclusions and foreign crystals, which are some
times transparent, sometimes dark sub metallic and
opaque, and very occasionally bright red.
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is used as well, although less frequently than in the
past. Nowadays, it is generally preserved for stones full
of inclusions, are those in which the color is
concentrated in a few streaks on a light ground. In the
later case, in fact, the cabochon cut gives the color a
more uniform appearance. Stones weighing several
carats or even 10 to 20 carats in the case of light
colored specimens are not uncommon.
Distinct features:
Like other types of corundum, sapphires have strings
luster. The color is also quite distinctive, whether or not
clear blue green pleochroism is visible. The overall
appearance is very important. For example, in deep blue
color with distinct blue green pleochroism, and internal
streaks, straight across or at and angle of 120 degrees,
combined with the powerful luster of corundum indicates a
sapphire of Australian origin. A slightly patchy blue color
with imperceptible pleochroism and strong transparency,
showing very veil like inclusion and a slight silk effect, still
with excellent luster, denotes a sapphire from Sri Lanka.
Cornflower to deep blue in a stone without obvious
inclusions but of slightly milky appearance, acquiring a
distinct fullness of color in bright light, is characteristic of
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the rare sapphire from Kashmir. Of the other blue stones,
tanzanite always has shown a hint of violet, fairly obvious
pleochroism, and fewer lusters than sapphire. Cordierite,
apart from being less lustrous and violet or gray blue, has
striking pleochroism from blue to an unmistakable drab
yellow. Strongly colored specimens of indicolite tourmaline
are often and attractive greenish blue with a pleochroism
ranging from blue to green, but the green is very different
from that of sapphires which, when it is present, is always
dull or yellowish. Still on the subject of pleochroism
tourmaline, the direction corresponding to the blue color
shows a characteristic lack of transparency. While blue
zircon has luster similar to that of sapphire, it is an
electric blue or blue green, unlike that of any other gem
stone. Furthermore, its strong birefringence seen in a clear
duplication of the facet edges, when viewed through the
stone with a lance, would remove all trace of doubt,
sapphire is doubly refractive as well, but to a much lesser
degree. In the rare cases, when blue spinel is not cloudy
blue or violet grey, but a vivid mid-blue it can look very
much like sapphire partly on account of its strong luster.
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BLUE SAPPHIRE HISTORY AND LORE
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Earth itself was imbedded into a gigantic blue sapphire and
that the color of the sky was a result of blue sapphires
being reflected upward. The early Catholic Church also held
the 'sky theory' and felt that blue sapphires were holy
stones. Over time many other religions revered these blue
sapphire gemstones because they represent the heavens.
During Medieval times royalty often wore them as a means
of protection from their foes or to keep them out of harms
way. History of the Blue Sapphire - A Cultural Connection
The history of the blue sapphire continued over the
centuries. What's rather interesting is that even though
many different cultures with belief systems that varied
greatly felt blue sapphire gemstones had similar meanings.
For example, Buddhists felt that blue sapphires represent
loyalty while 18th century European cultures used the
gemstones to test female loyalty. If a woman was unfaithful
it was said the color of the stone would change, making the
sapphire one of the first 'mood rings' in history. But the
history of the blue sapphire doesn't end centuries ago.
When Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana he did it with a
sapphire engagement ring. What few people realize is that
it was also a sapphire engagement ring that his father,
Prince Phillip, gave to his mother, Queen Elizabeth. So as
you can see the history of the blue sapphire, and sapphires
in general, is a rather colorful one, not to mention one that
continues in modern times. Sapphire history in very
interesting. The word sapphire is derived from the Latin
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word ” sapphirus”, meaning blue. The history of sapphire
dates back to the seventh century B.C. The oldest sapphire
mines are in Sri Lanka. Indeed Marco Polo described
sapphires in his thirteenth century book detailing his visit to
the island of Serendib (Sri Lanka). In medieval times, blue
sapphire was much sought after by European royalty. In
ancient times it was believed to ward off harm and envy as
well as to make stupid men wise and ill tempered men good
tempered! One of the most famous sapphire deposits in
located in Kashmir. This deposit dates from the 1800’s and
produced magnificent sapphires of a very intense pure blue
color that is intensified by the presence of very fine silky
inclusions.
Sapphires are mined all over the world, but the largest sapphire
source in the world is Australia. In 1987 about 75% of the world’s
supply came from there. Thailand is the next largest producer of
gem quality sapphires. In the 1990’s a huge deposit of fine quality
blue sapphire and fancy sapphires was discovered on the island
nation of Madagascar. This deposit is still being mined and
numerous other deposits have been discovered all over the island.
The most valuable gems come from Sri Lanka, Burma and Kashmir,
although the Kashmir production is almost non existent. Sri Lanka
has been mining for sapphires since before the time of Buddha.
Another major source of sapphires is the Yogo Gulch deposit in
Montana. Other important high quality sources recently discovered
are Burma and Tanzania.
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In evaluating a sapphire, the most important considerations for the
evaluation and valuation of a sapphire, both blue and fancy color is
color, size, quality of the cutting and clarity. Sapphire gemstones,
along with Ruby gemstones also are valued by the source of origin.
A Burma or Kashmir sapphire gemstone will have a higher value than
a Sri Lankan sapphire of equal quality. Source can be determined by
gemological tests so this has become an important criterion in
valuation of very fine, larger gem sapphires. The treatment of
sapphires also plays an important factor. Natural, untreated
sapphire gemstones will have a higher valuation than a similar
quality heat treated sapphire as they are much rarer. Color is of
course the most important consideration when buying a loose
sapphire. If the sapphire appears dark in low light conditions or
appears lifeless and dull, its value will be greatly diminished.
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have been discovered all over the island. The most valuable gems
come from Sri Lanka, Burma and Kashmir, although the Kashmir
production is almost non existent. Sri Lanka has been mining for
sapphires since before the time of Buddha. Another major source of
sapphires is the Yogo Gulch deposit in Montana. Other important
high quality sources recently discovered are Burma and Tanzania.
Mining
Sapphire from Madagascar
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Varieties of blue sapphire:-
STAR SAPPHIRES
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COLOR-CHANGING SAPPHIRE
Tanzania is the main source for sapphires that change colors, but
they can also be produced synthetically
Synthetic
Although sapphires come in almost every color except red (which is
designated ruby), the traditional color one thinks of is a deep blue.
grown or created synthetic blue sapphire gems are synthesized from
the melt at temperatures over 2000 oC or 3600 oF. They have the
same composition and physical properties, but have higher
perfection than is usually seen in natural sapphires. Sapphire is
aluminum oxide, or corundum, with the chemical composition
Al2O3. Various dopant atoms present in small amounts provide the
different colors. Chromium (Cr) gives the ruby red color. Blue is
trickier because both titanium (Ti) and iron (Fe) must be present as
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dopants and on neighboring sites in the crystal lattice, and they
must be in the proper valence state which chemists designate as Ti4+
and Fe2+. Charge transfer between the two species gives rise to the
light absorption causing the sapphire blue color. Neither Ti4+ or Fe2+
is easily incorporated in Al2O3 and most natural sapphire is not
blue. Even when both elements are present, they are usually not in
the proper valence state. Consequently almost all "natural" blue
sapphire on the market has been heat-treated before sale to
enhance the blue color. An exception is the blue sapphire from
Yogo Gulch, Montana. We are able to offer lab-grown blue sapphire
gemstones at a small fraction of the cost of comparable natural
sapphire stones
Simulants
SPINEL, AQUAMARINE,cobalt glass, TOURMALINE, ZIRCON, KYANITE, zoisite,
synthetic SAPPHIRE, benitoite and IOLITE are gemstones
that closely resemble the blue sapphire
SYNTHETIC VS. SIMULANT
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also means is that a Synthetic gemstone will test out on
equipment as its natural counterpart in most cases. The only real
difference is that Synthetic gemstones are man-made/grown in a
Laboratory whereas natural ones are formed in nature.
BLUE SAPPHIRE
•KYANITE IS A COMMON SIMULANT FOR SAPPHIRE
•SYNTHETIC BLUE SPINEL IS ANOTHER COMMON SIMULANT FOR SAPPHIRE
•GLASS
•IOLITE
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sapphire are commonly confused with many gemstones, but
their great hardness distinguishes them
HERE IS A LIST OF SYNTHETIC STONES THAT ARE CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET:
•RUBY
•SAPPHIRE
•SPINEL
•ALEXANDRITE
•AMETHYST
•AMETRINE
•DIAMONDS (STILL VERY RARE, MOST BEING SOLD ARE SIMULANTS AND NOT SYNTHETICS)
•OPALS
•QUARTZ (CITRINE, CLEAR, AND SMOKY)
TREATMENTS
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Diffusion treatments are somewhat more controversial as they are
used to add elements to the sapphire for the purpose of
improving colors. Typically BERYLLIUM is diffused into a
sapphire with very high heat, just below the melting point
of the sapphire. orange sapphires were created with this
process, although now the process has been advanced and
many colors of sapphire are often treated with beryllium.
It is unethical to sell beryllium-treated sapphires without
disclosure, and the price should be much lower than a
natural gem or one that has been enhanced by heat alone.
STYLES OF CUTS
OCTAGON
ROUND PEAR
OVAL ACHTECK / BAGUETTE
RUND / REDONDO TROPFEN / PERO
OCTOGONAL
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SQUARE
HEART MARQUISE TRIANGLE
QUADRADO /
HERZ / CORACAO NAVETTE TRIANGULO
CARRE
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because everything has its breaking point. Due to its durability, you
don’t have to worry about its cleaning over and over. You can give
it to the jewellery store for cleaning. If you are interested in
cleaning your own sapphire jewellery at your home, clean the
material with soft jewellery cloth and soak your sapphire into the
soapy water. Water should be warm too. You can also soak your
whole necklace into that warm soapy water. But ultrasonic cleaning
and steamer can be better for your jewellery
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Astrology purpose
The weight of the gemstone should not be less than 3 Ratti (360
mg).
Blue sapphire should be embedded in silver or iron ring.
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Its ring should be kept in a copper bowl full of water on Saturday.
It should be worn after pouring the water of the bowl on the roots
of a peepal tree, two hours before the sun set in the left middle
finger reciting the
Mantra: "Om Aim Hreem Shanecharaya Namah".
One should pray to Saturn for bestowing the best results and
providing help in overcoming difficulties.
One should donate black urad, salt, mustard oil, soap, tea leaves,
money (Dakshina) according to one's capacity at the feet of peepal
tree and pray for well being. Male buffalo should be fed with green
leaves and cotton seed and Shivalinga should be bathed with milk.
Day for wearing: Saturday
Time for wearing: Sunset
Those who choose to wear blue sapphires should choose stones that
are at least two carats-and ideally at least five carats. Such stones
should be set in rings made of steel (iron), and if necessary, ashta
dhatu, an alloy of eight metals, which are gold, silver, copper, tin,
zinc, mercury, lead and iron. They can also be set in rings of gold
and silver. The proper rituals should be performed to install the
gem. The ring should be worn on the middle of the right hand on a
Saturday.
Buying guide
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Like diamonds, sapphires are graded on color, cut, clarity and
carat weight. The ideal color for sapphire is a rich,
medium tone of its primary shade - for example, blue with
no hint of green or red. Pale blue sapphires that have no
overtones of other colors also rate high on the grading
scale for gems. Because of the wide variety of sapphires
available, describing the grading process would take nearly
a book. The most important factor in choosing a quality
sapphire is in finding one that is attractive to your eye
Category notes
Categories represent broad, integrated quality grades, based on a
combination of color, clarity and cutting quality.
Exceptional
These stones are seen only in the finest jewelry, and are rarely
encountered. High-end prices for category A represent the
highest prices paid at auction. Stones fetching the highest
prices are generally those certified as being untreated and
of preferred origin (Burma for ruby; Kashmir and Burma for
sapphire). All stones in this category will feature
exceptional color, with good clarity and cutting.
Very good
These gems are found in high-quality jewelry, but are also rarely
seen. Such stones feature fine color, with good clarity and
cutting.
Good
This category includes stones found in most jewelry. They
represent the vast majority of stones traded. Such stones
may feature good color, with slight clarity or cutting
problems, or be clean and well cut, but have slight color
problems (generally lower saturation or overly dark color).
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Fair
The upper end of this category represents stones traded in
inexpensive jewelry. Such stones often have serious clarity
problems, or feature color that is overly dark or light.
Poor
High-end prices for this category represent the lowest quality of
stones found in the cheapest jewelry. Low-end prices for
this category represent material of little or no gem use.
Typically, stones in this category are far too heavily
included, or possess the lowest in color saturations
Price notes
Prices quoted should be considered average world prices. They
represent average cost to retailers from dealers for net
cash single-stone or small lot purchases. Net cash means
payment by bank wire immediately after receipt, or a
check within 15 days of receipt. In general, large lot
purchases are less expensive, while memo and term
transactions are more expensive. Matched pairs or suites of
any size or shape will almost always cost more than single
stones of the same quality.
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SUPPLIERS OF BLUESAPPHIRE
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Deals in supplying and exporting of blue sapphire like precious cut
blue sapphire, semi precious blue sapphire, faceted blue
sapphire, precious blue sapphire and natural blue sapphire.
VEDIC PREDICTION
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