SEPTEMBER 2007
Community Paper
copyright ©2007 by Community Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHSTONE - SAPPHIRE!
by Phyllis Stewart-Tuell, Gemologist, Stewart Jewelry
2212 Edgewater Drive, 407-425-1496
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Sapphire is the traditional birthstone for September. The word sapphire is derived through Latin (sapphires), Greek (sappheiros), and Hebrew (sappir). Literally it means “dear to the planet Saturn”. It was believed that it protected kings and potentates against harm and envy. Tradition tells us that the Ten Commandments were engraved on tablets of sapphire. It has long been considered the symbol of truth and constancy and obtained its color from the skies blue color. Sapphire and Ruby are from the same species of mineral called Corundum. Although sapphires come in an array of colors, the blue variety is commonly used for the birthstone.

Some of the mines producing fine gems are: Kashmir or Cashmere produced violetish-blue stones; Burma has a “rich” blue distinction; Siamese or Thai are almost a blue-black color and Ceylon stones tend to be a fine light blue-violet. Sapphires are also produced in regions of Africa; Australia and North America. Gem quality crystals that are transparent occur under ideal conditions and are faceted for jewelry.

The stone has excellent toughness; polishes to a high luster and is usually infusible. The value takes into consideration the evenness of the color; cut; freedom from flaws and a fine polish. If the stone is opaque with an asteriated star, it should be even with a symmetrical appearance.
There are many imitations on the market today. Let your jeweler show you the difference between a synthetic and a genuine gem.