September Birthstone Sapphire....

In folklore, sapphires are the gem of 'soul and autumn' which makes the the stone appropriate for September. Sapphire is said to preserve the wearer from envy and to attract divine favor which gave them the power to influence spirits. It is believed that "fraud was banished from its presence" and the stone enabled the ancient sages to hear and understand the most obscure of oracles. This may be the reason why the Bishop of Rennes used sapphires in ecclesiastical rings as late as the twelfth century. The star sapphire was called the 'stone of destiny' because the three crossed lines (which are small beams of light reflected from the stone) represented faith, hope and destiny. Some also refrence the star sapphire as referring to the lights from the Star of Bethlehem.
The oldest sapphire jewelry found dates back to the 7th century worn by the Etruscans. The Greeks, Egyptians and Romans later adopted the stone in jewelry. The mining of sapphires themselves in Sri Lanka is known to have been before the time of Buddha in 544 B.C. Marco Polo's travels took him to the 'Island of Serendb', or known as Sri Lanka, where he describes the beautiful stones. In the writings of DeBoot in 1609, the Germans revered the sapphire as a 'victory stone'.
The Hindus, Burmese and Sinhalese recognized that ruby and sapphire were of the same mineral long before the Europeans did. It wasn't until 1800 it was documented that ruby and sapphire are both gem varieties of the mineral corundum. This mineral is found in many different colors which are due to the traces of different metallic oxides incorporated in the stone as impurities. Sapphires can be yellow, pink, violet, green, brown and orange in addition to the classic varieties of blues. Padparadscha, a true orange sapphire, is named from the Sinhalese word for 'lotus flower' and are incredibly vibrant and rare.
Derived from the Greek word sapphirus, the word sapphire actually means blue. In the Middle Ages this term was applied to the blue stone lapis lazuli, which caused confusion between the two stones. It is said that the Ten Commandments were written on a sapphirus stone, which refers to the lapis lazuli.
The American Museum of Natural History houses one of the largest finest quality star sapphires including a 536 carat. example called the Star of India. One of the largest known rough sapphires is a 2,302 carat which Norman Maness spent 1800 hours carving the form of the head of Abraham Lincoln.
The most valuable blue sapphires have the color of an intense blue without color zoning and internal flaws. Color zoning refers to variation of intensity within the stone, exhibiting deeper blue hues while other areas in the stone may appear lighter. Many sapphires are too dark in color, especially those from Thailand and Australia. These are generally the least expensive. Sapphires which are too light in color are also inexpensive. The most valuable sapphires are well cut, intense but even color blue stones. A blue sapphire can often be confused with stones similar in color such as benitoite, iolite, kyanite, spinel, tanzanite, tourmaline, and irradiated blue topaz (originally white).
Since the early 1900's synthetic sapphires have been produced with properties identical to the natural mineral corundum and in 1947 synthetic star sapphires became all the rage and very popular especially for men's rings. Please refer to my earlier post on synthetic gems
Sapphires are formed in a syenite and pegmatite secondary deposits such as in the alluvial deposits from the weathering of the parent rocks which is called byon. Sapphire grows in the form of a hexagonal bi-pyramid of twelve triangular faces. With a hardness on the Mohs scale of a 9, the sapphire is quite durable. However, a sapphire should be handled with care because they are slightly brittle and if dropped on a hard surface they will develop internal cracks.
The most famous locality for fine sapphires is the district around Mogok in upper Myanmar. Other important sources for the stone have been Thailand and Cambodia. Gem deposits in this area are derived from basalt, an iron rich rock. Recently in 1980, gold miners found gem quality rubies and sapphires northwest of Hanoi in Vietnam. Sapphires of the magnificent fine 'cornflower blue' color come from India near the district of Kashmir. Sometimes this blue color is referred to as 'Ceylon Sapphire', but that may not be the source of the stone, rather a term used to identify the specific light violet blue color. Sapphires of many colors ranging from blue, violet, purple, yellow, orange, white, pink are found in Sir Lanka no other mine to date produces a greater variety of colorful hues. Sources of sapphires are found practically around the globe including: China, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Australia, United States, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Malawi and Zimbabwe, Brazil, Colombia, Norway, Finland, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Romania and Borneo.
Mining sapphires in Mogok, Myanmar
Sapphires may be faceted cut in many different styles. For fine stones the step cut, oval and round is mostly used. Flawed, poorer quality sapphires are often cut into beads or used for carving. An ancient practice originally from Sri Lanka, is setting the stone in a closed setting with the back of the stone covered with the blue part of a peacock's feather to make the pale blue sapphire stones look more even and intense
In 1894 sapphire deposits were discovered in Yogo Gulch Montana, USA. This soon became an important source until the end of the 1920's. The color of the Montana sapphires vary from pale blue, steel blue to a pale violet blue. Tiffany Jewelers was one of the first jewelers to use Montana Sapphires. The mixture of the blue hues is striking when used together in a monochromatic design. An example of this is the incredible butterfly pin created by JAR which was exhibited in the French Masters Jewelry exhibit.
Jean Toussaint, nicknamed 'The Panther', worked with Peter Lemarchand at Cartier in the design department and created the collection called 'Great Cat Jewels.' In 1949 the Duchess of Windsor acquired one of the most famous diamond and sapphire panther pins which she frequently wore. Envy from other famous jewelry collectors, Barbara Hutton being one of the first, prompted orders for the magnificent panthers in varying poses from Cartier. The panther is crouched in a life like pose on a large perfect round cabochon star sapphire weighing 152.35 carats. The Panther image has since become one of Cartier's most iconic designs and has been incorportated into jewelry and watches ever since.
One of the most famous art deco sapphire and diamond necklaces was owned and worn frequently by the owner of Palm Beach's Mar-A-Lago, Marjorie Merriweather Post. Called the "Blue Necklace", this Art Deco style piece was created by Cartier in 1936 and made with hundreds of square, round, and baguette cut sapphires and diamonds. The large and perfectly blue cushion shape central sapphire is set in a diamond deco motif. The necklace can be unclipped to two seperate bracelets and the center sapphire deco motif can be worn separately as a brooch. Mrs. Merriweather Post was known to have worn at least one of these pieces or the entire necklace everyday.
One of the most creative cabochon necklaces mixed with an interesting design and color combination was by Bulgari. Created to commemorate the exhibition of Tutankhamen treasures in 1972, this Egyptian style necklace is unlike any other sapphire jewelry. Using large cabochon cut blue sapphires, black onyx and salmon pink coral with sprinkles of diamonds this necklace is designed using the lotus flower motifs. I think it represents Egyptian art form both in colors and in the mantle style jewelry worn by the royalty. This is a fitting piece, with the Tutankhamen exhibit once again on display in 2009 at the de Young museum in San Francisco.
An interesting jeweled sapphire necklace was designed in 2005 by Bulgari for the movie
"My Super Ex-Girlfriend" Set with 169 natural different colored sapphires weighing a total
of 395.89 carats and small bars paved in diamonds at different angles.
Image credits:
Daisy ring: Alex Deleuse 2009
Cut sapphires: Gems and Crystals, From the American Museum of Natural History, Anna S. Sofianides and George E. Harlow. Photographs by Erica and Harold Van Pelt
Simon and Schuster, 1990 New York
Mogok mine: Mogok, Myanmar. Ein Reise durch Burma zu den schonsten Rubinen und Saphiren der Welt
Roland Schlussel. Photographs by Roland Schlussel. Germany 2002.
Sapphire Butterfly: Masterpieces of French Jewelry, Judith Price. Running Press 2006
Cartier Panther: The Jewels of The Duchess of Windsor, Johne Culme and Nicholas Rayner, Vendome Press 1987
Art Deco Necklace: Masterpieces of French Jewelry, Judith Price. Running Press 2006
Egyptian and jeweled sapphire necklaces: Bulgari, Amanda Triossi and Daniela Mascetti, Mondadori Electa 2007
Sapphire Briollet necklace: Alex Deleuse 2009
Additional Information Credit:
Gems, Their Sources, Descriptions and Identification, R. Webster 1962 Oxford
The National Gem Collection, Jeffry E. Post, Smithsonian Institution 1997
Famous Jewelry Collectors, Stefano Papi and Alexandra Rhodes, 1999 Thames & Hudson, London

The Distinct Look Of Vintage Rings.....Jason Smith

Owning a truly distinctive ring with a rich history is only possible with vintage rings. These rings were typically hand-made and have gone through a collection of styles over the decades. These styles include a selection of gem stones including emeralds, alexandrite, pearls, and aquamarine. Vintage Alexandrite Rings Vintage Alexandrite rings have been identified with blue blood or royalty. They have been indicative of higher socio-economic status during the early times, when the kings and queens reigned. The source of Vintage Alexandrite rings has been cloaked in mystery, though according to some, Alexandrite was discovered by Czar Alexander II in Russia. Since then this gem has been used in rings, crowns, and pendants for princesses, queens and czars. In fact artifacts of Vintage Alexandrite rings have been found as far back as the 19th and 20th centruires in the trinket of Empress Escretina. Astonishing examples aside, this is frequently considered as one of the more expensive gems. Vintage Aquamarine Rings A person wearing one of these vintage Aquamarine rings will get the feeling of diving in the crystalline waters of a nautical island paradise and its beaches. Aquamarine rings can be studded in platinum, white, or yellow gold base and are an ideal gift to be given to those who celebrate their birthday in March as it is their official birthstone. The word “aquamarine” is derived from Latin word meaning “sea water”. The greenish blue shading of the precious gem brings to your mind the stunning Caribbean waters, and the light azure sky making an irresistible appeal of nature's love. because of its delicate sea water color it is considered to bring good luck for voyages, weddings, and sailors. Vintage Emerald Rings Emerald is a stunning greenish mineral that has been named as the May birthstone. Vintage emerald rings started their voyage in the fashion world during the middle of the twentieth century and placed themselves in significant position over the course of time. The green stone looks lovely mounted in white or yellow gold and is often with a combination of emerald and/or diamond. In some variations, sapphire is used to make a border encasing the emerald to give it a more attractive look. For engagement rings, these vintage emerald rings are listed among the top choices. The beautiful looking stone in old style of course is very lovable among the female users. Vintage Pearl Rings It has been known to portray purity, innocence and tranquility. Vintage Mother of Pearl rings are certainly a ring that any women couldn't resist. If you want to convey your purest intention or woe your woman, then this ring would do all the wonders. It emenates elegance, sophistication and an air of assurance. Vintage Pearl rings are abundantly produced in Australia, which can be either handmade or machine made. Mother of Pearl is a blend of minerals that are cloaked by oysters and other mollusks and placed inside their shells. Various cultures have adorned their jewelries and other personal valuables with these pearls.

Different Types Of Rhinestones

Rhinestones originated in Austria, where the rock crystals were discovered centuries ago along the shorelines of the Rhine River. During the eighteenth century, as the availability of these coveted rock crystals began to dwindle, techniques were applied to glass crystals, coaxing them to mimic the same impressive sparkle. Today's rhinestones have a metallic finish on the bottom to reflect light, and they are cut and polished to provide the dazzling bling that is sought after by fashion designers and every household's craft enthusiast.
Spectacular Rhinestones by Swarovski
Swarovski, the leading name in crystal, offers a vast selection of rhinestones in an array of colors, cuts and visual effects. Swarovski's Aurora Borealis coating displays a striking rainbow-hued iridescent effect, producing a dramatic show. The elaborate network of facets in the chessboard cut provides the most valued rhinestone crystals for adding sparkle to everything from shoes to wedding dresses. While one can purchase an entire wardrobe of apparel that has already been designed and manufactured with Swarovski rhinestone trimmings, home crafters and sewing hobbyists can easily conjure up their own one-of-a-kind creations by purchasing the exquisite Swarovski rhinestones in bulk.
Color Spectrum
The advantageous quality of rhinestones is the ability to add the look of fine gemstones for a fraction of the cost. Rhinestones can resemble rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and amethysts. Rhinestones can display the shimmer of iridescent opals in a wide array of pastel hues. Rhinestones are available in every shade on the color wheel as well as the black luster of onyx and the crystal clear sparkle of diamonds. For vintage clothing fans, Swarovski has released a line of rhinestones in colors from the bygone era. There are rhinestones to accommodate every color preference, every color-themed project and every personalized birthstone creation.
Shapes
Imaginative decorating is not limited to round rhinestones. In addition to traditional jewelry stone shapes such as marquis, baguettes, rectangles and ovals, there are hearts, butterflies, waves, triangles, cubes, stars and snowflakes to add pizazz to every season's projects.
Application
There are several ways to apply rhinestones. Flat back rhinestones, as the name implies, are flat on the underside. This surface allows one to use craft glues to affix the rhinestone. Hotfix rhinestones come with an adhesive stick-on bottom that adheres when heat is applied from an iron or other heating source. Sew on rhinestones possess two tiny holes that allow the gem to be sewn onto the apparel item. The holes also enable stringing rhinestones together to create jewelry.
Creative Clothing, Fancy Footwork and Amazing Accessories
Rhinestones add a decorative finishing touch to denim jackets, t-shirts, swimwear, pajamas and jeans. Take the drab out of summer flip-flops by creating ornate lines and swirls along the straps, or fashion a decorative clip to secure on top for showing off that beach-ready pedicure. Rhinestones also add bling to sneakers and baby shoes. In addition to jewelry creations, rhinestones impart dazzle to other accessories, including handbags, wallets, socks, baseball caps, belts, key chains, cellphones and hair accessories. Rhinestones are even used to embellish nail art.
Pretty As a Princess
From toddlers to brides, every girl will look and feel like a princess when her outfit sparkles. Colorful rhinestones create dramatic ballerina tutus and other dance costumes that are ready for center stage performances. When it comes to Halloween costumes, crown little princesses with rhinestone tiaras and help little Dorothy find her way home from trick-or-treating with ruby red rhinestone slippers. Rhinestones add a touch of magic to every wedding party, from the bride's dress, headpiece or veil to the bridesmaids' jewelry. Swarovski rhinestones are available in numerous shades to match any wedding color theme.
Pets On Parade
Rhinestones may be applied to collars, harnesses and leashes, giving cats and dogs that pampered look of stardom. Rhinestone-crusted tags for collars and carriers transform pets into diva dogs and fancy felines.
The availability of rhinestones in so many colors and shapes has enabled creative minds to design stunning apparel and beautiful crafts. Embrace the magical power of rhinestones to dazzle and delight everyone by adding more sparkle to life.