Monday, September 14, 2015

September’s Birthstone: Sapphire Jewelry

Every month has a birthstone, based on early astrological associations. For those of you born in September, your birthstone is the sapphire, a blue stone that is mineralogically related to the ruby. Sapphire jewelry is the most common usage of this gemstone, as it appears in everything from necklaces to earrings, based on the size and composition of the stone.

About Sapphires
The sapphire is a primarily blue-colored stone that is found in many different countries, including Australia, Myanmar, Columbia, India, Kenya, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the United States. The gemstone is categorized much like the ruby, and is therefore ranked according to its hue, tone and color saturation. Although sapphires are mostly blue in color, they can be also be green, purple, yellow, black and violet. There is also a type of sapphires called “star sapphires.” These stones are indeed sapphires, with one important difference – at their centers are a thin type of inclusion made up of a white-colored mineral that is related to titanium dioxide. This mineral forms a star-like shape that is visible through the sapphire’s exterior, hence its name.

Sapphire Necklaces and Bracelets
Sapphire necklaces can be designed in one of three ways: they can consist of a single sapphire suspended from a chain, or they can be set into a larger pendant alongside other stones, such as diamonds. (This pairing of clear diamonds and deep blue sapphires is a popular one.) The third idea, called a “tennis necklace” after the popular style of bracelet, consists of many smaller sapphires inset into a series of links that are connected into a chain. Bracelets are also designed in this manner, although some can feature the sapphires merely as large accent stones, meant to overpower the smaller diamonds inset into the links.
Sapphire Earrings and Rings
Sapphire earrings are designed as either simple studs (appropriate for smaller stones, as well as larger ones) or in elaborate chandelier styles. These earrings, like the pendants mentioned above, tend to have diamond accents. They dangle from your ears, go great with evening and formal wear, and tend to leave a large impact on anyone who sees you. Some sapphire rings also have diamonds inset alongside the larger, blue stone. They make excellent non-traditional engagement rings, in the style of the one given to Duchess Kate by her now-husband, Prince William. However, a sapphire ring can be worn on any finger, and used for any purpose: an anniversary or birthday gift, or a ‘just because I’m successful’ present.

You can wear the sapphire gemstone jewelry of your choice with just about anything. A necklace, bracelet, ring or smaller set of earrings (such as studs) can go with a dress, a work-related suit, or even a nice pair of jeans worn with boots while out on the town. It’s hard to go wrong with pieces that feature this classic gemstone.

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