September Birthstone

 About Sapphire:   Sapphire, otherwise known as the “Gem of Heavens” for its velvety blue color. Its name originated from the Latin word”Sapphirus” meaning dear to the planet Saturn” and from the Greek word for Blue. Heavenly Sapphire has traditionally been associated with the sacred and divine, as a guardian of innocence and a keeper of truth. Kings and High priests wore Sapphire as a symbol of divine favor. The British Crown Jewels are full of large blue Sapphires, the mark of prudent and wise rulers.
  Legend tells us that Moses was given the Ten Commandments on the tablets made out of Sapphire, making it a divine gemstone. Sapphire was believed to keep one's thoughts pure and heavenly and help the accused find justice in legal matters. It was identified with chastity, piousness, and penitence, probably because the Catholic Church Bishops were known to wear Sapphire rings. The ancient Persians believed that the Earth was imbedded into a gigantic blue Sapphire stone. For the Buddhists, a Sapphire represented friendship and loyalty. For others, Sapphire is the stone of prosperity, preventing terror and poverty in men. During the 18th century, Sapphire was used to test female loyalty, changing its color if its wearer was unfaithful.
  Sapphires come in all colors of the gem species corundum except red which are called ruby.  Sapphire alone generally refers to the blue color, while different hues including yellow, orange, pink, purple, and green are referred to as “fancy sapphires”.  Some Sapphire's exhibit a light effect called Asterism when highly polished and exhibit a beautiful six ray star on their surface. Fine star sapphires are rare and valuable.

Healing qualities of Sapphire

  Sapphire’s blue is associated with such emotions as kindness, harmony, and fidelity. Its powers include spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. Sapphires are believed to offer healing properties for rheumatism, colic, and mental illness. It is also an antidepressant, an aid to psycho kinesis, telepathy, clairvoyance, astral projection.  Some have used Sapphires as talismans for protection, to ward of diseases, and to bring peace, happiness, and intelligence. Known as the stone of serenity, Sapphire helps one to meditate by providing mental calming.

Sources of Sapphire

   Origin plays a large influence in the value of a Sapphire. The most valuable Sapphires are from the Cashmere region followed by those from Myanmar (Burma) and Sri Lanka (Ceylon). Sapphires are often heat treated to bring out their color. Jewelry Sapphires that have not been heat treated, and instead exhibit natural vibrant color are more valuable. Sapphires that are lighter and more brilliant are mined in Sri Lanka. The majority of sapphires are mined in Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Africa, and US. Kashmir once produced the finest quality sapphires.

Care of Sapphire

  Sapphire is a relatively hard stone and is 9 on the Moh’s scale, second only to a diamond. To clean this gem use warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush.  You may use ultrasonic or steam cleaning, just be sure there are no internal fissures.