Sapphire is September’s Popular Gemstone

Mike Levine

When we think of sapphire, we often picture a vibrant blue gemstone. But these precious gemstones, varieties of the mineral corundum, can come in a rainbow of beautiful colors, including pink, green, gray, brown, salmon-colored and more.

Origin
The name “sapphire” seems to have connotations across the board, from the Greek “sappheiros” (blue stone), to the old French “safir” and the Sanskrit word “sanipriya.”

The America Link
Sapphires, like many of the other lovely birthstones we write about, are found in various places in the world, including Sri Lanka and Myanmar. But they’re also mined right here in the good ol’ United States, in the state of Montana.

History from the International Gem Society tells us that sapphires were first discovered in the U.S. by gold rush prospectors digging around the Missouri River in 1865. It’s one of the reasons Montana is known as the “Treasure State.” The state has rich mineral resources of gold, silver, platinum and agate as well as sapphire.

Stunning Gifts
The most highly valued of these brilliant gemstones are vivid blue, an almost violet color. Less valuable sapphires may be lighter or more grayish in hue, although the stone can come in almost any color other than red, which are classified as rubies. The American Gem Society (AGS) reminds us that sapphires are usually heat-treated to improve their color and clarity, and that untreated stones, if you can find them, are even more valuable.

Care
Sapphires are relatively hard stones that are hard to scratch, ranking a sturdy “9” on the Mohs scale (diamonds are rated as 10). That’s probably one of the reasons sapphires are a popular choice for engagement rings, often enhanced by diamonds.

Healing Powers and Meanings
Medieval Europeans may have attributed the gemstones to having all sorts of metaphysical and/or healing properties. These include:

  • Curing boils from the plaque
  • Serving as an antidote to poison
  • Offering protection from harm in general
  • Facilitating self-expression
  • Regulating glands
  • Assisting in communication
  • Healing eye problems and blood disorders
  • Reducing infection and fever
  • Lots more!

Custom Design Your Own Sapphire
David Craig Jewelers can create a unique Sapphire ring for you, incorporating, if you like, other gorgeous gemstones that we stock for this very purpose. We can use your ideas or start from scratch and come up with our own creative suggestions. There’s no end to the possibilities when we put our heads together! Nearly any precious metal can be used.

Stop on in. Let’s gab about gemstones!

Be sure to check out our full line of Sapphire and Sterling Silver jewelry HERE.

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