Sapphire in its many colors is fashioned
into timeless pieces of many styles. It is either faceted or cut "in cabochon"
(dome-shape) to wear in rings, pendants, earrings
and pins. It may be linked between expanses of chain for
wrist or neckwear. Sapphires are set into the simplest
of designs as well as the most elegant of pieces.
The finest Sapphire color is rich, velvety cornflower
blue, but it also occurs in tones ranging from very light
to dark and colors ranging from violetish-blue, bluish-green,
yellow, slightly reddish-orange, brown, nearly opaque
black, colorless, pink, violet and pinkish-orange. Corundum
(Sapphire’s mineral name) occurs in red, but this
is what we know as ruby. A particularly lovely pinkish-orange
is referred to as "Padparadscha" which is taken
from the Sinhales for "lotus-colored." Although
Sapphire is found in many colors, these are not all commercially
available at any given time. Some are rare collectors’ items.
Fine, needle-like inclusions are what give Sapphires their
velvety quality. When these inclusions are numerous enough
to make the stone translucent or opaque and are oriented
properly, they allow light to be reflected in such a way
that a star floats across the surface of the stone with
movement. When a cutter recognizes this potential in a
piece of rough Sapphire, he will cut it in a dome carbochon
shape. Stars are not visible in faceted stones.
Methods have evolved over the centuries to enhance the
purest hues of Sapphire. This is often achieved by controlled
heating of the gemstones to improve their clarity and
color. Heating Sapphires is a permanent enhancement,
as lasting as the gems themselves.
