Sapphire

The September birthstone and accepted anniversary gemstone for the 5th & 45th years of marriage is named for the Latin word sapphire which means "blue" although sapphires occur in a wide range of colors and many hues. The colors of sapphire include midnight blue to bright blue, from golden to fiery reddish orange, and a wide range of violets.

Choosing A Sapphire -The most valuable sapphires have medium intense, vivid blue color. The best sapphires hold the brightness of the color under all different types of lighting. As with all gemstones, sapphires which are "clean" and have few visible inclusions or tiny flaws are the most valuable. Sapphire is perhaps the toughest and most durable gemstone. That durability ensures that sapphire will be treasured for generations.

Origin & Mining - Most of the best sapphires of the world today come from Sri Lanka. Yellow sapphires the size of several hundred carats have been found in Sri Lanka, as well as pink and violet, which are much rarer than blue sapphires. Other sources of Sapphire are Thailand, Australia, and Cambodia. Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China, Vietnam, Madagascar, and the US also produce some sapphire. The deposits in Montana in the US produce a range of fancy colors.

Folklore - Sapphire is the celestial gemstone. Ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflection colored the sky. Sapphire is the symbol of truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. The Gemstone was also thought to be a powerful amulet to protect against poisons and cure ulcers. The Sapphire warded off poisonous creatures, and killed snakes hiding nearby. It would also cool fevers, sharpen eyesight, and protect against mental illness. The most important attribute of Sapphire was said to be that of protection against sorcery. It was thought to banish evil spirits and frighten devils.

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Ruby

Ruby is the accepted birthstone for July. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th year.

The ruby is known as the "Lord of the Gems" because of its rarity and beauty. It is a corundum and only exists as a true red color. The finest color is a vivid, almost pure spectral red with a very faint undertone of blue, as seen in Burmese rubies, which are considered the finest. Rubies are more valuable and rare than even the top quality colorless diamonds.

Choosing A Ruby - The most important factor in the value of a ruby is color. The top qualities are as red as you can imagine. The intensity of color of a fine ruby is like a glowing coal.. After color, the other factors are clarity, cut and size. Cut can make a big difference in how attractive and lively a ruby appears to the eye. A well cut stone should reflect back light evenly across the surface without a dark or washed out area in the center than can result from a stone that is too deep or shallow. The shape should also be symmetrical and there shouldn't be any nicks or scratches in the polish.

Origin & Mining - Ruby's name comes from the Latin root word "Ruber: meaning red. Ruby is second in hardness only to diamond. The most famous source of fine rubies is Burma, which is now called Myanmar. The ruby mines of Myanmar are older than history; stone age and bronze age mining tools have been found in the mining area of Mogok. Thailand is the most important ruby trading center. Perhaps 80% of the world's rubies go through Thailand. Bangkok is generally where the world's buyers come to purchase ruby. Fine rubies are also found in Thailand Thai rubies tend to be darker red in tone. Ski Lanka rubies can also be very beautiful. Rubies from Kenya and Tanzania were discovered in the sixties because their color rivals the world's best. As part of the customary fashioning process, virtually all rubies are heated to permanently improve their color and appearance.

Folklore -The highest quality rubies were rubies were said to protect their owners from all kinds of misfortune. There are many properties tied to this renowned gemstone. Because of Ruby's blood red color, its magical significance is often tied to curing diseases of the blood and stopping bleeding. Tales are told of warriors who had rubies implanted under the skin to bring valor in battle. It was rumored to light darkened rooms with its glow and boil liquids when placed within them. Ruby was supposed to ensure harmonious physical and mental health, bring peace, and guard homes and fields against storm and catastrophe. The fiery red gemstone was said to attract and maintain love, and ward off sorrow, inspire boldness and bring success in business. It was supposed to keep away plague, and relieve pain. Ruby would warn its owner against disaster by turning black when danger was near. As an interesting parallel to physical reality, Ruby will turn black when heated with a torch, returning to red as it cools. Eastern legends said that Ruby adorned the heads of dragons, and could not be damaged by fire. It was believed to be a charm against evil land ward off dire thoughts.

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