Sapphires: Every Color of the Rainbow

Sapphires have long since been part of the big "Three" when it comes to the most beloved gemstones, ruby, emerald and sapphire. No wonder the most royal of sapphires, blue has made it's way into crown jewels, museum artifacts and even royal engagement rings.

Sapphires come from the corundum mineral family which is a very hard, tough and stable mineral. It's the hardest mineral after diamonds, so therefore is used in many watch crystals. One commonly thinks of blue when thinking of sapphires, but did you know that sapphires can come in many colors known as "fancy" sapphires. Sapphires come in every color of the rainbow except red, because red corundum is called ruby. The other color varieties of sapphire are commonly confused with many gemstones, but their great hardness distinguishes them. Sapphires are mined in many places, but the finest specimens are mined in the territory of Kashmir.

Clean your sapphires with warm soapy water and a soft brush.