Iconic, royal, luxurious, exotic... all words that have been used to describe sapphires. The birthstone of September, sapphire has been celebrated for millennia for its vibrant color and its rarity.
Most people immediately associate "sapphire" with "blue", and it's certainly best known for that royal color, but in truth sapphire (what gemologists call corundum) comes in a rainbow of colors. From classic blue to romantic pink to vibrant oranges and yellows and majestic purple, all these shades of corundum are part of the same family of gems. (A noteworthy exception: red corundum has the distinction of its own name: ruby, July's birthstone and another rockstar of the world of gems.) Microscopic particles of minerals within the gem determine its color, and some sapphires even form without any extra minerals, rendering them colorless.
Sapphires are a joy to wear for special occasions, but are well-suited to everyday enjoyment, too. Their hardness - second only to diamonds in the realm of fine gems - makes them suitable for earrings, necklaces, and even engagement or wedding bands. Colorless examples are an option for shoppers looking for a less costly alternative to diamond, though they cannot match diamond's famous fire.
In addition to being September's traditional birthstone, typically in its famous blue hues, sapphire is a popular gift for fifth or forty-fifth wedding anniversaries - perfect for celebrating young love and long-time commitment!
Most people immediately associate "sapphire" with "blue", and it's certainly best known for that royal color, but in truth sapphire (what gemologists call corundum) comes in a rainbow of colors. From classic blue to romantic pink to vibrant oranges and yellows and majestic purple, all these shades of corundum are part of the same family of gems. (A noteworthy exception: red corundum has the distinction of its own name: ruby, July's birthstone and another rockstar of the world of gems.) Microscopic particles of minerals within the gem determine its color, and some sapphires even form without any extra minerals, rendering them colorless.
Sapphires are a joy to wear for special occasions, but are well-suited to everyday enjoyment, too. Their hardness - second only to diamonds in the realm of fine gems - makes them suitable for earrings, necklaces, and even engagement or wedding bands. Colorless examples are an option for shoppers looking for a less costly alternative to diamond, though they cannot match diamond's famous fire.
In addition to being September's traditional birthstone, typically in its famous blue hues, sapphire is a popular gift for fifth or forty-fifth wedding anniversaries - perfect for celebrating young love and long-time commitment!
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