The yellow sapphire it is said is perhaps the most popular gemstone after diamonds and rubies and is generally found in the Himalayas, Russia and Sri Lanka. Being rather heavy, translucent and smooth to the touch it comes in many shades such as deep yellow, light yellow, greenish yellow, orange and white. The pure golden yellow however is considered to be the best color for a yellow sapphire. It is also said to be beneficial to writers, authors, businessmen and traders, strengthen friendships, and prevents the wearer from accidental death. Better still, anyone having problems in finding a mate, will have his or her problem instantly solved by wearing a yellow sapphire ring. The ring however should only be worn on the index finger of the right hand for all these prophecies to come true with added benefits of wealth, fame honor and success.

A colorless material that results from aluminum oxide which is known as corundum is the basis on which the yellow sapphire is formed. The addition of iron and titanium during the formation of the crystals is what produces the beautiful yellow of the sapphire. Although this gemstone is cut and faceted into almost all the usual shapes such as round, octagonal, cushion cut and square, the oval cut is supposed to be the best to get the most out of the gem. Commonly found in all sizes from 8 to 10 carets, the pure and large sized gems of the golden color are said to be very rare and therefore highly priced.

When buying yellow sapphires, what is important is its color and clarity. The better the clarity and color of the stone, the higher the price will be. Those that have been treated with heat or color enhanced as are most that is available in today’s market will fetch a low price while the stones that are untreated or unheated such as the “Ceylon Sapphire” (now Sri Lankan) can be as little as $100 per carat or as much as $400 per carat depending on the quality of the stone although this price can even be much higher.

Most dealers treat the yellow sapphire to improve its transparency and clarity hoping it will fetch a better price by selling it to an unsuspecting buyer. If such treatment has indeed been carried out, it’s only ethical for the seller to inform the buyer which in actual fact brings down the value of the gem. A layman however will not be able to distinguish the difference between the treated and untreated stones unless the seller has the decency to inform him about it. If you want to know how to buy a yellow sapphire either as a loose stone or in a ring, it is always better to get it checked by a reputed gemological lab that will be able to let you know whether the stone has been treated or not.

Many modern brides choose the yellow sapphire for their engagement rings which can be made from a single stunning stone to one adorned with many tiny stones in an intricate design. Antique yellow sapphire rings are also very popular and some of the more spectacular ones can be seen lavishly set in gold or platinum cut in old European styles that are truly magnificent and timelessly elegant.

Sapphires in General
Sapphires are only next to diamond in hardness which makes it a very valuable piece of stone. The more popular sapphires come in blue while there are other colors in the family of sapphires with its single crystal formation of aluminum oxide that can be found in colors such as yellow, pink green and purple. Mined in Sri Lanka, Australia and in African nations the durability and beauty of the stone makes them prized possession on their own or embedded in necklaces, bracelets and other items of jewelry.

What are Star Sapphires?
Star sapphires happen to be one of the most fascinating stones in the family of gemstones, in view of the bright six point star that can be seen in the dome of the gem. The star is actually an optical illusion which is caused by light reflecting off very tiny inclusions inside the stone. Although the stars are normally six pronged, 12 ray stars are also known to be found in some sapphires. What is unique about star sapphire is that the stars can only be seen in bright sunlight or under a halogen light whereas a fake or synthetic stone will have the star flashing at all times which makes it easy to detect it.

Carats, Clarity, Color and Cost of Star Sapphires
Star sapphires are normally found in carats of 1 to 15 with the higher range being extremely rare and therefore very costly. The cost of the stone will also depend on the clarity of the star and the intensity of the color of the stone. Another simple way of distinguishing a star sapphire is that it is a stone that will never be transparent because of the inclusion in the stone that creates the star effect. Although star sapphire comes in various hues, such as green, black and yellow, a really valuable star sapphire with a six ray star in bright blue would be a rare find indeed.

Tips on Buying Star Sapphire Jewelry

Star sapphires are usually cut in round or oval shapes and the round shape is more expensive than the oval. An ideal stone would be a bright blue sapphire which displays a star with six clearly defined rays which would be visible when held up against the light.

Sapphires are normally graded by their carat weight and more the number of carats the more expensive they are.

A pair of star sapphire earrings would be a good buy while sapphire pendants are also very popular. Always buy them in settings of white gold, platinum or silver since any cheap metal would bring down the value of your jewelry.

Don’t expect to see a large really beautiful star sapphire at a jewelry store even if you have the means to buy it. These are found only in museums or as collectors pieces and will cost you an arm and a leg.

You cannot buy star sapphires without inclusions that make up the star. However make sure the inclusions don’t reach the surface of the stone which might result in it cracking.

Star sapphire jewelry sometimes comes with stones that are cultured or made in a lab. These are generally labeled as such and are not natural sapphires. Always asks the jeweler concerned if the stone is natural or not. Don’t be taken in by shiny glass that is sold as sapphire by unscrupulous traders.

Always buy expensive gems and jewelry only from reputable stores and always ask for an authentication certificate if you are not able to get it tested independently.

Where to Buy
If you buy your star sapphire jewelry online, make sure the jeweler is one of good repute and has been in business for a long time. When buying gems, online, you are not able to see the beauty of the stone or gauge for yourself the inclusions, clarity and color of the star. However, you can always inform the trader if you are not satisfied with your purchase, so that you can return it. Therefore, find out about the store’s return policy before buying star sapphires.

Star Sapphire jewelry will always be a great investment and therefore, always make sure that the star sapphires you buy are genuine and according to your liking. Once you have them in your possession, take care of them by keeping them away from extreme temperatures and guarding them from sudden impacts so that your star sapphires can bring you many long years of pleasure.

Introduction to Sapphires
Most of us remember the beautiful sapphire rings both Princess Diana and Princess Anne received for their engagements. Being the birthstone for September, it symbolizes faithfulness and sincerity and is also the gift for a 5th and 45th wedding anniversary.

Sapphires are found in countries such as Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, India, Brazil, Australia and many others even though most of the sapphires available for sale today are not the natural sapphires. The synthetic sapphires however can be breathtakingly lovely although they have been artificially enhanced through chemical treatments and high temperature heating to bring out the color and sparkle.

Buying Natural Sapphires

Natural sapphires are very rare and it’s very hard to distinguish between the natural and the synthetic stone unless you know exactly what to look for. Properly cut and polished sapphire can catch the light and sparkle just like a diamond. For the novice however, it is not easy to tell the difference between the two since the synthetic sapphires today are also enhanced to a very high degree that they look almost like the real thing.

Even natural Sapphires sometimes, have some inclusions in the stone. If the stone you hope to buy is flawless, you must think twice because only a lab created sapphire or a very rare and highly priced stone can be flawless these days. Furthermore, an artificial sapphire will have a blue that is very pure, just like blue glass.

By using a jeweler’s magnifying glass you should be able to check if the sapphire is natural or not. If you see any inclusion in the shape of bubbles, direct a beam of light on to the gem and if it does not go through the bubble, the sapphire is not genuine because in a natural stone the light should pass through the facets of the gem without interruption.

Fiber optic lighting is also a good method of testing sapphires. When the light shines through the gem, if it’s a synthetic stone, the color will glow with an artificial reddish hue whereas a natural sapphire will not have this abnormal shine inside the stone.

When you rub a natural sapphire between your palms, it will give a smooth, hard feel whereas a synthetic sapphire will feel rather waxy.

Even after conducting all these tests, you might not be able to distinguish the difference between the natural and artificial and your best course of action will be to ask the jeweler to examine the sapphire for you. By using special tools he will be able to tell you the difference.

Keep in mind that sapphires are not always blue. They are found in all the colors of the rainbow; and the very popular star sapphire which has six needles like rays that form a star inside the stone when held to the light.

When buying natural sapphires, the cut and clarity are the most important factors. A well cut sapphire will bring out the color and sparkle and can be cut according to the individual’s taste which can be oval, rounded, rectangular or even cushion shaped.

If you are planning to buy a quality natural sapphire, be ready to pay a large amount of money depending on the carats, color, clarity and cut. While absolutely flawless gems are exorbitantly high in price, a small inclusion or flaw can mean that your sapphire is indeed natural and not gone through any heat treatment. Always buy your natural sapphires from a trusted dealer and if buying online, make sure it’s an accredited site and check for its refund policy before you pay any money.

Buying a blue sapphire ring is a big decision, especially if you’re looking for the highest quality stone. It is a large investment. Prices range from low to high, depending on their depth of color, cut and gemstone quality. Whether it’s for daily wear, special occasions or business casual, adding blue sapphire rings to your wardrobe is a great idea. When paired with a business suit, sapphire rings help give your outfit a more sophisticated touch, conveying a well put together style and business flair. Sapphire rings also go well with a dress or your favorite pair of jeans.

However, these are not the only uses for sapphire jewelery. Many people put sapphires in wedding rings, because of their high status and beauty. When set with diamonds, a blue sapphire adds a beautiful touch to a casual ring setting. A blue sapphire ring can also stand alone as a wedding band. They also look good with diamonds that are set into a band ring.

Many online retailers sell blue sapphire rings at steep discounts, taking as much as 80 percent off the retail value. Of course, finding these retailers can be a challenge. Such retailers include Overstock.com Bidz.com, among others. You can find sapphires of all shapes and sizes on these sites, along with reviews from multiple buyers.

The nice thing about sapphires is that they come in many colors. According to experts, there are several types of sapphires, including pink, padparadscha, and yellow sapphire. According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, sapphire is a member of the corundum family of gems. It can also come in shades of brilliant green.

There are other color variations of sapphires. There is something called a color change sapphire. A color change sapphire is a blue sapphire, whose color changes when it’s in different kinds of light. It is a deep blue color, when it’s in outdoor light. However, it changes to a purple, when exposed to indoor light.

When made into a blue sapphire ring, a color change sapphire is quite versatile. It can turn green under fluorescent light, and may change to pink when it’s exposed to daylight, Wikipedia said. Whatever the environment, sapphires are quite changeable, varying in color from dark blue to brilliant green.
Deep blue sapphires vary in color tone and faceting, depending on the environment. If a ring contains a midnight sapphire, it may be harder for the light to catch sparkles in the stone. If the sapphire is a lighter blue, it is likely to sparkle.

If you find yourself at a loss as to where to find the right blue sapphire ring, browse jewelery websites online. If you can’t find exactly what you want at one retailer, some online stores will custom-make them for you. You should be aware that not all sapphire rings are created equal. Stones that are not symmetrical and contain scratches or flaws are not nearly as valuable and may cost less.

Don’t buy the first blue sapphire ring you see. Browse different styles and color tones. A paparadscha sapphire is a deep orange and is really quite beautiful. Once you browse shelves, you will have a good idea of what you’re looking for.

One does not need to know all about sapphires but it is a good idea to know as much as possible about them so you can adequately chose a sapphire for ones own.

The word Sapphire apparently comes from the Hebrew ‘Sapir’ but may also have origins from the Greek/Sanskrit ’sanipriya’, meaning “dear to the planet Saturn”. A sapphire is a single-crystal form of aluminum oxide, a mineral known also as corundum. It can be found naturally as gemstones or manufactured artificially.

It is the small trace elements of iron, chromium and other minerals that give sapphires their blue, red, yellow, pink, purple, orange or greenish color. Sapphire includes any gemstone quality varieties of the mineral corundum including the red variety, also known as ruby. Both Sapphire and Ruby have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs Mineral Hardness scale, just below diamond which is classed as 10 on the scale.
According to Wikipedia:

“Blue sapphires come in a wide range of shades of blue. Titanium and iron inclusions within the aluminum oxide result in various shades of blue. Some stones are not well saturated and show tones of gray. About 99 percent of all sapphires are heated to a temperature of 3000 degrees C to give the stone a better color of blue. On magnification the silk due to included rutile needles are visible. If the needles are unbroken, then the stone was not heated. If the silk is not visible then the stone was heated adequately. If the silk is partially broken then a process known as low tube heat was used. Low tube heat is the process where the rough stone is heated to 1000 degrees C for 10 to 20 minutes. This takes out any gray in the stone and improves color saturation.”

“Fancy sapphires are any sapphire other than blue or red. Purple sapphires are lower in price than blue ones. These stones contain the trace element vanadium and come in a wide variety of shades. Yellow and green sapphires have traces of iron which gives them their color. Pink sapphires are have trace element of chromium and the deeper the color pink the higher the value as long as the color is going toward red of rubies. Color shift sapphires are blue in outdoor light and purple in indoor light. Some stones shift color well and others only partially, in that some stones go from blue to blue purple. White sapphires usually come out of the ground as light gray or brown and are then heated to make them clear. However in very rare circumstances they will be found in a clear state.”

Sapphires are mined mainly from alluvial deposits or from primary underground workings. Historically, most sapphires have been mined in Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Myanmar. Australia, however, now leads the world in sapphire production producing sapphires from basalt derived deposits in the north east of the country, Queensland and New South Wales. Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Kenya also produce sapphires although not in any great quantity.

Studying up so one knows all about sapphires is an excellent way to be knowledgeable before you start to go off and buy a sapphire.

Cleaning your sapphire jewelery is a very important activity if you want to ensure it stays in a pristine condition

Sapphires are usually set in rings, broaches, pendants and sometimes necklaces and they get subject to dust, grime and the results of oils and perfumes, chemicals, hairsprays and body sweat.

It is important to know how to regularly maintain and keep them clean therefore.

One needs to be careful of using chemicals to clean gemstones. While diamonds are generally unaffected by chemicals, Sapphires may be, so knowing what one can and cannot use is vital to ensure you keep your sapphires in pristine condition and keep them sparkling.

Use a warm soapy solution in a large bowl (not over the sink as you don’t want to slip and lose your precious gemstone down the plug hole) and rub with a old toothbrush to get out any residue between the stone and the jewelery. Brushing underneath as well as the top and in between the crevasses is important. Ensure you brush gently as, although the gemstone may be quite hard, the precious metal it is set in may be soft and the claws that hold the gemstone may be easily snapped off. 24 karat gold is particularly soft so great care should be taken with that metal.

Make sure the piece is rinsed really well so that the is no soap caught between the gemstone and the jewelery.

Pat dry with a soft cloth. And allow to dry completely before storing or wearing again. A hair dryer can also be used with the setting on low so you don’t blow the jewelery piece away off and onto the floor and have to spend hours frantically searching for it.

If your jewelery is pure gold an ammonia solution could be used. It is not advisable with other metals, such as silver or a lower carat gold of 14 or 10 karat, as they also contain other metals which can react with the ammonia and cause it to go black.

The same principles of clean as described above apply. Brushed well to get rid of grime, rinsed really well and completely dried.

Some people let their gems soak in the solution for a half hour or so. To loosen any grime wedged in.

Using the above tips for cleaning your sapphire jewelery will help to keep them sparkling clean.

There are a number of factors to consider when buying sapphire jewelry.

Firstly always ensure you buy sapphires from a trustworthy dealer or jeweler. Preferably one who specializes in precious gemstones and sapphires in particular if possible.

Many gemstones are heat treated, including sapphires. This is done to bring out the colors more and sometimes to even change the color of a stone. Find out if the stone has been heat treated in anyway. Also if it has been irradiated, coated or dyed. Sometimes these treatments will devalue the stone but other times may even increase the value.

Check the color of the stone. Generally speaking the deeper the color or hue the more valuable the stone will be. The gemstone should be near perfect with no visible flaws visible to the naked eye. The surface should reflect light and the stone have perfect clarity. There should be no visible flaws or scratches on the surface of the stone.

Make sure you can examine the stone from all sides and angles. Turn it over in your hand. Also try and get the opportunity to examine the stone in natural light. Many gemstones will change tone or even color in artificial light.

Pure genuine sapphires are not cheap. If you are offered a cheap sapphires it is most likely not genuine but a fake.

If possible get a certificate stating the type, quality and details of the stone from the dealer. Make sure it is very specific. If at anytime you discover the stone is not as described you want to be able to return it and get a refund so ensure the dealer has a returns policy that allows for this.

If the stone has been set in a ring or other metal ensure that you can see the back of the stone. This is important as if the back is blocked off then there will be limited light able to shine through and the stone will not look as good. A stone should have a claw setting and not be glued in place. Glue can deteriorate over time and the stone be lost.

Taking the above factors into consideration will assist to finding and keeping your sapphire jewelry for many years to come.

You can buy sapphires at sapphire auctions as well as general antique and estate auctions. It is easy to locate auctions using google.com and then typing in sapphire auctions. Probably eBay and www.bidz,com would be the most popular. Also look out for local auctions in your town or city. Scouring the newspapers can sometimes net you an auction at which sapphires are up for sale.

Jewelery and gem auctions are usually the best.

Some important points to remember when buying sapphires at auctions.

If you are buying from an auction where you can attend, you will likely need to register if you intend bidding. See if you can inspect the sapphires that will be auctioned. There should be a certificate to accompany the sapphire or sapphires or at least some information about them. Quite often these are antique sapphires and if so will be a good buy if the price is right. You do need to establish that they are true sapphires and not some other lesser quality stone or not even a gem at all.

Firstly it is a good idea to have some understanding of the value and worth of sapphires and also what your bid is going to be. This will depend on your budget and how much you want the sapphires of course.

When bidding it is better not to bid at all until the very last minute when all the bidding appears to be done. Provided the price is still within your budget you can then jump in with a bid and not start a bidding war (which only benefits the seller and the auction house).

Online auctions are different. You cannot see the sapphires but only a picture of them. It is difficult to asses the quality of a sapphire in this case and you would be more interest in seeing a certificate of authenticity which you could compare the sapphire with if you did bid and win the bid.

Ensure the auction house has provision for misrepresentation of product and a protection system for the buyer. You don’t want to bid and win an expensive sapphire to find when it arrives that you have just got at best a poor quality sapphire and at worse a worthless piece of glass.

Buying sapphires at sapphire auctions can be fun but remember, there is no substitute for doing your due diligence.

Here will be added information and news about that wonderful and versatile gemstone, the sapphire.

The sapphire is one of nature’s splendid stones. full of color and vibrancy it is ideal for jewelery as well as simply collecting for investment purposes.

All about sapphires, how to buy and sell them, how to collect them and other fascinating information will be added over time.

I hope this information will be interesting and valuable for