The Sapphire, a beautiful gemstone from the Corundum family of minerals, is the birthstone for the month of September. While sapphires are most commonly known to have blue coloration, this precious gem can be found in every color except red. A sapphire that is not blue is said to have “fancy color.”
Sapphires are mined from the deepest layers of the earth’s crust. The highest quality stones are found in Sri Lanka, although other occurrences have been unearthed in Thailand, Myanmar, Madagascar, India, Brazil, Burma, and Australia. Rated at a 9 on the Mohs’ scale, which measures the hardness of precious gemstones, sapphires are nearly as strong as diamonds.
The sapphire is derived from the Persian word “Safir” meaning “beloved of Saturn,” and has been a cherished gemstone for centuries. Sapphires are generally linked to happiness, serenity, and romance, making them a great choice for a Valentine’s Day gift. It is also the designated gemstone for the 5th, 23rd, and 45th wedding anniversaries.
At Brilliance, we use sapphires of all shapes and colors to enhance the beauty of our fine jewelry. Many choose sapphires as a complement to their certified diamonds or as the main gemstone for a piece of jewelry.
