White Sapphire Jewelry

White and pink sapphire jewelry are among some of the most common color choices for the gem. White sapphires are commonly used as a substitute for diamonds as they are almost equaled in hardness and posses a clarity and brilliance that can prove to be simply stunning. The precious stone when harvested from nature is not only valuable but is a gem that has been heralded through the centuries by royalty and shrouded in myths and legends. By giving a gift of white sapphire jewelry, one gives the gift of timeless brilliance.

Sapphires come in many different colors, from a lovely white that is very similar to diamonds, blue, pink, green purple, and even colorless. The gems are so unique, that like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike. This adds to the gemstones value as uniqueness is a quality many desire, that one of a kind piece that is not available to the masses. The color is determined by the mineral content. The gems are very hard, in fact that only gem that is harder than sapphires are diamonds. The stones come in a variety of sizes, and due to the fact that they are so unique, if lost they can be irreplaceable. Many sapphires commonly found in jewelry stores have been treated by heat to bring out more of a uniform color, but those which are untreated are the most valuable.

Until the 1990's, pink sapphire jewelry was quite rare. In fact, the rosy colored gems were only found in places such as Sri Lanka, and it was not until they were discovered in Madagascar that they become more readily available, and Madagascar has since become the main source for the lovely shades of pink sapphires found on the current market. It can be easy for people to mistake pink sapphires for rubies. This is because in the Orient, shades of pink are simply considered lighter shades of red, in fact there is no word for 'pink'. This has led to people to consider pink sapphires as rubies. According to American standards however, rubies are considered only to be those stones which are truly ruby red in color.

Madagascar is the leading provider of a variety of shades of pink sapphires. Many of the stones that come from Sri Lanka have shades of purple interspersed amid rosy pink tones. Burma is where many rubies have come from and is also the location for a few varieties of sapphires in rosy tones. Pink sapphire jewelry comes in a vast array of gorgeous pieces. Stunning pendants gleam brightly from delicate chains and make ideal gifts for holidays, birthdays or anniversaries. There are not too many who would say no to receiving a delicately set rosy colored gem set amongst sparkling diamonds to wear on the hand or as a pair of unique earrings.

Oftentimes sapphires are treated with intense heat in order to promote a more uniform color throughout the gem. The precious stones that have not been subject to heat treatment are more rare and valuable, easily being worth eight thousand dollars or more. Both white and pink sapphire jewelry can be quite stunning especially when set with glittering diamonds and gleaming gold or platinum. The gems are truly a delight to the eye. White sapphires alone or inset in a pendant or ring can be found in beautiful varieties for as little as three hundred dollars. Stones created in labs look genuine to the casual observer but are worth less than those which are naturally occurring.

Every month has a special gem that is known as the particular month's birthstone, and September's just so happens to be the sapphire. The gems are also common gifts for fifth and sixty fifth wedding anniversaries. White sapphire jewelry sets are not as common as pink and blue, in fact, blue is the most common and it is the blue color that is associated with the month of September. However, almost every color is possible. Often sapphires of all colors will feature what are known as inclusions. Inclusions are lines that show up within the stone, and occasionally appear as stars. Star sapphires are very valuable and only show up when the gem is cut in a specific manner. Another reason for the heating of sapphires is to rid them of inclusions in addition to enhancing the overall color and clarity. Synthetically grown stones found in the majority of white sapphire jewelry are less expensive, therefore they are used more in mass production of jewelry. However, gems that have been unnaturally grown are only distinguishable from those which are naturally occurring by those that study gemstones.

Sapphires are referred to in myths and folklore. For example, the stones are believed to posses the ability to heal ailments such as colic and some mental diseases. Many believe the stones also aid as antidepressants, and even as a means of channeling clairvoyance and telepathy. The glittering colored gemstones have been steeped in symbolism throughout the centuries. They are believed to represent qualities such as sincerity, faith, and truthfulness. There are those who believe that the stones even represent the divine, believing that Moses received the Ten Commandments on tablets fashioned out of the precious gem.

More commonly, the stone has been sought as a useful tool of guidance, leading those who are traveling. The stones have been used throughout history, finding their way onto the British Crown Jewels. The Bible refers to all manner of precious stones within the instructions for the adornments of the priests, "And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond" (Exodus 28:17-18). Pink and white sapphire jewelry is a timeless classic that is sure to catch attention for years to come.

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