By Chelsea Reed
Sapphire is the birthstone for September. Its rich intense color has captivated civilizations since ancient times. From kings to fine jewelry stores, this heavenly gemstone is a timeless treasure that many of us are familiar with. But how much do you really know about sapphires? Test your knowledge with your friends and find out with these fun unusual facts!
Sapphires are obviously known for their deep blue color, but they also come in many other colors. White sapphires are a more affordable alternative to traditional diamond jewelry. The rarest color of all is the padparadscha, an elusive sapphire with a brilliant pink-orange hue. For many years the sparkling stone was only found in Sri Lanka, but recent deposits in Madagascar and Tanzania were also discovered.
Believe it or not, rubies and sapphires are technically the same gemstone. They have the same chemical composition except for trace elements that determine their colors. So rubies are essentially red sapphires!
If you’re worried about damaging your precious sapphire jewelry, fear not. The only gemstone harder than a sapphire on the Moz scale is the diamond, the hardest stone of all! As long as they are not cracked, sapphires can handle ultrasonic and steam cleaners. They are certainly tough enough to handle everyday life.
Yes, you read that right. Because sapphires are so tough, they are used in many useful applications besides jewelry. They are crystals for Swiss and Apple Watch timepieces. Many scientific instruments are made from sapphires. They are even transformed into high durability windows for houses! Who knew?
Do you recognize these famous celebrity sapphires? Some names to drop include the Logan Blue Sapphire, the Star of India, and the Rockefeller Sapphire. But the most famous of all might be Princess Diana’s engagement ring. This royal ring design was one of the first to become commercially available to the public in Gerrard’s catalog. Her son Prince William would later propose to Duchess Catherine with his mother’s ring.
You too can have sapphires of your own that are fit for royalty. Seaside Art Gallery’s Estate Jewelry collection has genuine sapphire jewelry in beautiful settings and styles. They’re perfect for September birthdays, engagements, and special occasions for your friends and loved ones. See them now before they’re gone!
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