The beautiful blue gemstone, sapphire, is one of the most popular and highly prized stone in the world. The deep blue color of twilight makes this elegant stone so desirable. Although, sapphire comes in variety of colors, blue is the most famous and sought after. Sapphires, with any other color than blue, are referred as fancy sapphires. The word sapphire comes from the Greek word ‘sappheiros’ which means ‘blue stone’.
Ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a huge sapphire, the reflection of which makes the sky blue. The beautiful gem is the birthstone of the month September and the gemstone of the Zodiac sign, Virgo.
Sapphires come in every color, except red, because a red color sapphire would be a ruby, as both the stones are mineral corundum. Fancy sapphires have also gained considerable popularity with jewelry designers today. The most sought-after fancy sapphire is the very precious padasparsha sapphire. It is a pink-orange colored sapphire with a unique salmon color, a tropical sunset reminiscent. These highly expensive and rare sapphires are mostly found in Sri Lanka, and are among the world’s most coveted gemstones. The very famous sapphires, Star of India and Logam Sapphire were also mined in Sri Lanka.
Sapphires are naturally found in alluvial deposit mines or from the underground workings. Rubies and sapphires are usually found together in the same deposits. Sapphires are widely mined in Myanmar, Madagascar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Australia, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Kenya and Tanzania.
Sapphire jewelry is considered to be one of the most valuable and beautiful jewelry. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, studs, pendants; sapphire looks beautiful in all jewelry. Sapphire jewelry has been associated with royalty since ancient times. It is said that King Solomon wore a sapphire ring. In recent times, sapphire engagement rings became very popular, since Prince Charles presented a sapphire engagement ring to Princess Diana. This alluring and captivating stone can make any person look more beautiful.
