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GIA Celebrates Birthstones – Sapphire, Token of Loyalty
September’s birthstone, the sapphire, is known for its various shades of blue, however, these gemstones come in every color of the rainbow. A red sapphire is actually a ruby, the September gem’s sibling. Both of these gems are made from the durable mineral corundum. The rare pink orange variety known as padparadscha is especially prized, named after the color of a lotus flower.
Sapphire comes in every color of the rainbow, except red. A red sapphire is actually a ruby, sapphire’s gem sibling.
These gemstones are faceted in all shapes. Star and cat’s eye, two of the varieties sporting unique optical characteristics, are fashioned as cabochons, a domed or elliptical shape meant to showcase its rare optical phenomena. Other sapphires change color in different types of light, but these special stones are considered to be collector’s gems.
The Vagabonde Bleue Ring is set in silver and features 618 diamonds and a 12.46-carat cushion cut blue sapphire center stone. Copyright Fabergé Ltd.
The ancient Persians believed the earth actually rested on a giant sapphire, which made the sky blue. This beautiful gemstone is associated with fidelity and the soul, believed in ancient times to be a pledge of loyalty.
Give her your heart, the moon and the stars with these pavé diamond heart, hammered and satin finished half moon earrings with 26 multi-colored hand-cut sapphire stars.
Check out sapphire in the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at the GIA Carlsbad campus. Schedule a free tour 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.