5 Lesser-Known Facts About Sapphires
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We couldn’t let this month pass without featuring one of our all-time favorite gemstones— sapphire! Here are some facts you may not know about this stunning gem!
Sapphire comes in pink, green, purple, peach, orange purple, yellow, and more! This gemstone also comes in red, but then it’s called by a different name: Ruby!
For this reason, sapphires are one of the few gemstones that make great alternatives for engagement rings. Sapphires are also used for industrial purposes.
Princess Diana’s 12-carat sapphire engagement ring (which is now worn by Princess Kate) is the most famous royal sapphire of our time.
There is also a variety of sapphire that color changes, which means that it will appear to be different colors depending on the lighting.
Sapphires Come in More Than Just Blue
When you picture a sapphire, what comes to your mind? Most people imagine a rich blue gem, like the one in Princess Diana’s famous engagement ring. But did you know that sapphire can be almost any color of the rainbow? It’s true!Sapphire comes in pink, green, purple, peach, orange purple, yellow, and more! This gemstone also comes in red, but then it’s called by a different name: Ruby!
Sapphires Have a Rich History
Sapphires have been a treasured gemstone for centuries and have been extremely popular since the Middle Ages. They were cherished by the ancient Greeks and Persians. Ancient Hebrews thought that the Ten Commandments were engraved on sapphire tablets (although historians debate which gemstone the Bible is referring to).Sapphires are Second Only to Diamonds in Durability
Diamond is the most durable naturally occurring element on earth and ranks as a 10 out of 10 on Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness. Sapphires are also very durable and rank as a 9 out of 10 on Mohs Scale.For this reason, sapphires are one of the few gemstones that make great alternatives for engagement rings. Sapphires are also used for industrial purposes.
Sapphire is Often Associated with Royalty
Sapphire, particularly the deep blue variety, has been associated with and beloved by royalty for centuries. Medieval kings wore sapphires and many believed that the gems would protect them in battle.Princess Diana’s 12-carat sapphire engagement ring (which is now worn by Princess Kate) is the most famous royal sapphire of our time.
There are Special Varieties of Sapphire
Did you know that some sapphires exhibit a phenomenon knows as the “star effect?” This phenomenon is caused when inclusions within the sapphire create a star pattern of light on the top of the gemstone. Star sapphires are highly sought after and prized by collectors.There is also a variety of sapphire that color changes, which means that it will appear to be different colors depending on the lighting.
Stop into Koser Jewelers!
At Koser Jewelers, we LOVE sapphires! Whether you're a September baby or you're just looking to add a new sapphire piece to your collection, we'd love to help! Stop in today or give us a call at 717-653-4941.You can see our collection of sapphire jewelry HERE.
