and work around current schedule,
in as little as 90 days.
White Sapphire Rings
White sapphire rings are becoming a very popular choice for engagement rings because they cost less than diamond rings, but look very much the same.
Colorless, or white sapphires are among the most valuable gemstones in the world. They look a lot like diamonds, and since they are also nearly as hard, white sapphires are often used as diamond alternatives.
Sapphires are one of the minerals in the conundrum group, and a pure natural sapphire (conundrum) is colorless.
It is the impurities in sapphires, usually chrome or iron, that gives them their color. Blue is the most common color, but sapphires can also be various shades of pink, purple, orange or yellow.
When the chrome impurities turn the conundrum red, it is no longer considered a sapphire, but a ruby.
Fancy sapphires
Specialists and gemstone lovers associate sapphires with
beauty, brilliance, magnificent colors, and transparency, but are also
fascinated by their constancy and durability. Because of their hardness,
sapphires are very easy to care for, requiring no special treatment or extra
care.
Most gemstone aficionados immediately think of a velvety blue when they hear
sapphire. Blue is very versatile color that suits just about every person. In
fact, 50% of the population claim blue as their favorite color – not just for
sapphires, but in general.
For a long time only gemstone insiders were aware of the fact that this magnificent gemstone also comes in a large variety of other colors. In the trade, non-blue sapphires are referred to as 'fancies'. To differentiate between the various types of sapphires, they are referred to by color.
Other rare 'fancies' include the star and the padparadscha. The star sapphire
is a half dome cut which has a star-like light effect gliding over it when it
is moved. The padparadscha – roughly translated means lotus flower – is an
orange variety with delicate pink undertones.
What to look for in white sapphires
White sapphires cost slightly less than diamonds, however, large, natural white sapphires are quite rare and can be very expensive. This can make white sapphire rings stunning value.
The less flaws in the sapphire, the higher it's value. The most expensive are graded as very very slightly included (VVS) or very slightly included (VS). This means that the gem includes minor flaws or minor to noticeable flaws.
The value of a sapphire depends on the color, size and transparency, but where the sapphire comes from is also a factor. Gems originating in Kashmir, India are the most valuable and sought after sapphires in the world. Other very valuable sapphires come from Myanmar (Burma) and Sri Lanka. Sapphires from Sri Lanka are still called Ceylon sapphires and are usually light or medium blue.
When shopping for white sapphire jewelry, the most important factors to consider are the quality, color and cut of the stone. The larger the weight in carats, the higher the price per carat will be. Before their final polish, sapphires are usually heated to nearly 2,000 degrees in order to enhance the color and clarity. The heat treatment does not reduce the value of the gem, it merely enhances its beauty.
Because they are so hard and durable, white sapphire rings make beautiful, long lasting gifts that can be handed down from generation to generation.
Engagement rings
Engagement rings traditionally have diamonds as the center piece, but they don't have to.
Many people are now turning to less expensive alternatives like white topaz or white sapphire rings, instead. Topaz is the third hardest natural mineral after diamonds and sapphires, but they don't have the same fire and brilliance. But, because the stone is so hard, it can take on a dazzling polish which makes up for some of what it lacks in luster.
Engagement rings have been the ultimate symbol of love for thousands of years. Romans wore betrothal rings that were usually made of leather. And Ancient Egyptians wore rings on the third finger of the left hand to indicate the “vein of love” which supposedly came from that finger and led directly to the heart.
Diamonds may be more popular, but white sapphire rings are every bit as brilliant and last just as long. When you want a truly unique gift for the number one person in your life, a white sapphire ring is the perfect choice.
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