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Sapphire

Introduction
 

	Sapphires derived their name from the Latin word “Sapphirus”, meaning “Blue”, and are often referred to as the “Gem of the Heavens” or the “Celestial” gem as their colors mirror the sky at different the times of day.
	The word Sapphire, stated without a prefix, implies Blue Sapphires only. Sapphires of all other colors are assigned a color prefix or are collectively termed “Fancy Sapphires”.
	Sapphires are America’s #1 selling colored gemstone.
	Sapphires are September’s birthstone and the zodiac gem of Taurus.

Legend has it that the first person to wear Sapphire was Prometheus, the rival of Zeus, who took the gemstone from Cacaus, where he also stole fire from heaven for man.
 

The Ancient Greeks adorned themselves with Sapphires when consulting the oracles at the temple of the Greek god Apollo in Delphi.
 

The Ancient Persians believed Sapphires were a chip from the pedestal that supported the Earth, and that its reflections gave the sky its colors.
 

Sapphire was one of the 12 holy gemstones set into the breastplate of the high priest Aaron, documented in the Exodus book of the Bible.
 

The guardians of innocence, Sapphires symbolize truth, sincerity and faithfulness, and are thought to bring peace, joy and wisdom to their owners.
 

In ancient times it was believed that when the wearer of a Sapphire faced challenging obstacles, the gem's power enabled them to find the correct solution.
 

In India it was believed that a Sapphire immersed in water formed an elixir that could cure the bite of scorpions and snakes. Alternatively, if it were worn as a talisman pendant, it would protect the wearer against evil spirits.
 

The following legend is Burmese in origin and highlights Sapphires connection with faithfulness: “Eons ago Tsun-Kyan-Kse, a golden haired goddess with Sapphire blue eyes, presided lovingly over the temple of Lao-Tsun. Everyday, the temples chief monk Mun-Ha, meditated before the golden goddess accompanied by his devoted companion, a green-eyed cat named Sinh. One day the temple was besieged by a group of terrible outlaws. When they threw Mun-Ha to the floor, Sinh leapt fiercely at the bandits, jumping up on his master’s chest to protect him. The wrong doers fled screaming in fear, never to return and in gratitude for his courage, the golden goddess awarded Sinh with her Sapphire blue eyes. To this day, Sinh’s ancestors guard over the temple.” To this day the temple still stands, populated by Siamese cat’s with striking blue eyes (typically this breed has green eyes)
 

Blue is the favorite color of both men and women. A color psychologically linked to the emotions of sympathy, calmness and loyalty.
 

For hundreds of years Blue Sapphires were the popular choice for engagement and wedding rings. Prince Charles expressed his undying love for Princess Diana with a Sapphire engagement ring.
 

Sapphires are identical to ruby (the red variety of corundum), except for one key component, their color.
 

The most desirable and expensive of the entire sapphire family, Blue Sapphires come in a wide range of hues.
 

Sapphires that generate the highest value sit in the middle of the blue-color range. While the pale blues and darker midnight blues offer the best value.
 

Asterism or the Star Effect is a reflection effect that appears as two or more intersecting bands of light across the surface of a gem. This phenomenon is commonly found in Sapphires.
 

Noted for their cornflower blues, Ceylonese Sapphires are synonymous with top quality Sapphires and demand a premium in the gem world.
 

A classical source of quality Sapphires throughout history, mining occurs in the rich gem fields found beneath the tea-covered slopes of Elahera, Bibile and Rathnapura.
 

The Cambodian city of Pailin (the ancient Khmer word for “Blue Sapphire”) is steeped in local folklore regarding its precious treasures: “Long ago when the men folk sharpened their spears to go out hunting, the Gods feared for the local wildlife. The Gods told the townsfolk to lay down their arms, explaining that if they promised not to hunt the beasts of the forests they would find something of far greater value in the streams and rivers. Sure enough, they found Sapphires in abundance.”
 

The Sapphires of Bo Ploi are mined from alluvial deposits spread over 320 Hectares.
 

The miners of Bo Ploi must unearth over 50 tons of alluvial soil to extract just 1 Carat of Sapphire crystal.
 

Kanchanaburi Sapphires possess stunning colors and clarity, and frequently offer better value than Ceylonese, Madagascan or Pailin Sapphires.
 

Sapphires have been mined from the Bo Ploi mines in the last ten years and are approaching depletion. This increasing rarity makes these Sapphires a must for any Jewelry collection.
 

The bulk of Australia's Sapphires come from three fields, the Anakie fields in Central Queensland Lava Plains in Northern Queensland, and the New England fields around Inverell in the north east of New South Wales.
 

During the 1980's Australia produced about 70% of the world's Sapphires and although production has decreased, the demand from the international market for Australian Sapphires remains very high.
 

Sapphires found in Australia originate from similar geographic conditions to those of Thailand and Cambodia, and are similar in property.
 

The bulk of Australia's commercially mined Blue Sapphires are sent offshore for routine processing and cutting, the larger percentage of which goes to Thailand.