You can't be indifferent when you see a sapphire. It impresses you through color, through expression, through refinement. It is a gemstone that exudes beauty and "hypnotizes" you with its characteristics.

What is sapphire?

Sapphire is a gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum, very hard, consisting of aluminum oxide with traces of iron, titanium, chromium, vanadium or magnesium. It is usually blue, but yellow, orange, green, pink or purple sapphires are also found.

It is noted for its special deep blue color, hardness, durability and luster. Sapphire is pleochroic, displaying a lighter and more intense color when viewed from different angles. Sapphire is a very hard gemstone (9 on the Mohs scale), only harder than diamond, thus allowing the creation of the most daring and courageous jewelry. It can be used in making earrings, pendants, bracelets, rings, brooches, either as a main or secondary stone to complement the beauty of other gemstones. But sapphire's uses don't just stop at jewelry. It can be easily embedded in the decoration of various objects.

Classifications of Sapphire:

· Color changing sapphire - this type of sapphire shows one color in natural light and another in artificial light. This sapphire assumes distinct colors in different lighting conditions, giving you two very interesting colors. In daylight, the typical base color of sapphire ranges from blue to purple. Under incandescent light, the color changes from purple to strong reddish purple.

· Fancy sapphire - describes any sapphire with a color other than blue.

· Kashmir sapphire – this has an intense color, a velvety blue. The Kashmir sapphire is considered to have the finest color of all sapphires. The hallmark of Kashmir sapphire is its velvety texture.

· Padparadscha - Padparadscha is a trade name used for pink-orange sapphires with a rich saturation.

· Star sapphire – this type of sapphire presents asterism in the form of a distinct, six-rayed star. Of all the gemstones that exhibit asterism, the star sapphire is the most prized and known. A famous star sapphire is the "Star of India" found about 300 years ago and housed by the American Museum of Natural History in New York. It is the size of a golf ball, weighs 563.35 carats and features stars on both sides.

Where are the most important sapphire deposits?

Important sources of sapphire include Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar, Tanzania, Australia and the USA (Montana). The Kashmir region of India/Pakistan was famous for its blue-Kashmir sapphire.

The most common associations that have the sapphire gemstone in the foreground

Sapphires have long been associated with the British Royal Family. Sapphires appear in the Crown Jewels and very famously in this is Princess Diana's engagement ring. The sapphire and diamond ring was later given to Catherine. Kate Middleton's engagement ring consists of a 12-carat oval blue sapphire, faceted and surrounded by fourteen diamonds. The ring is made of 18K white gold and represents the model that has aroused the interest of women all over the world.

The ancient Greeks associated the sapphire with the god Apollo. At the famous Oracle of Delphi, sapphires were worn due to the belief that they were connected to the spirit world. The ancient Persians believed that blue sapphires were extremely powerful. In Hindu mythology, Kalpavriksha is a divine wish-fulfilling tree, described as a tree made of precious stones. The fruit of the tree is made of rubies, the trunk is made of diamonds, and the roots of the tree are made of sapphires.

In Hebrew tradition, Kings Solomon and Abraham wore sapphire talismans, and the Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai is said to have been engraved on sapphire tablets. The tablets were made of blue sapphire stones as a symbolic allusion to the sky and Heaven. Buddhists believed it brought devotion, loyalty and spiritual enlightenment, and Hindus considered sapphire one of the "great gems" used in temple offerings for worship.

As a talisman, the sapphire was thought to preserve chastity, detect fraud and treachery, protect the wearer from poison, plague, fever, skin diseases, and resist black magic.

The therapeutic properties of sapphire

Sapphire is believed to release mental tension, but also unwanted thoughts, confused and clouded thinking. Sapphire restores balance, bringing serenity and peace of mind. It stimulates concentration, brings joy, peace and harmony.

The particularities of colored sapphire

Known as the 'stone of wisdom', each color of sapphire brings its own 'wisdom'.

Black sapphire provides centering, protection and grounding. It helps in gaining confidence in your own intuition. Blue sapphire is associated with purity and love. It helps you release blocks and provides strength. It also facilitates expression, helps in communication. Green sapphire is known as the "stone of faithfulness", which brings loyalty and integrity. Orange Sapphire or Padparadsha brings wisdom and creativity. It is very suitable for artists, writers and singers. Indigo Sapphire enhances psychic awareness. Removes negative energies. Pink Sapphire removes emotional blocks. It brings peace, tranquility and unconditional love. White sapphire has a strong protective role. It provides focus and upholds morality and justice. Yellow sapphire attracts wealth and brings prosperity to the home. Stimulates the intellect and improves overall concentration.

How to care for sapphire jewelry?

Sapphire is a hard, stable stone that does not cause much trouble when worn. It is quite durable, but you have to be careful not to hit it against other hard materials. For example, an unfortunate collision with the stone worktop of the kitchen can lead to an outcome that will break your heart. It is not recommended to be worn during activities that involve cleaning solutions (kitchen or bathroom detergents), when practicing sports, in pools of water, etc.

Clean gently with a soft cloth, soap and water after each use. In this way, dust or possible traces of dirt are removed. Do not use strong cleaning solutions that could affect the quality and luster of the sapphire. Consult the specialist for a professional cleaning of your sapphire.

Sapphire jewelry is kept in the dedicated jewelry box, in the dedicated places, never on top of each other. They must be protected from moisture, but also from strong heat sources.

Where do you buy sapphire jewelry?

Valmand is a reliable source of beauty and quality. Valmand offers you a rich collection of sapphire jewelry, which impresses with its elegance and sophistication.

Why Valmand?

· We make any type of sapphire jewelry.

· Sapphires come from safe sources after the highest quality standards are met.

· The precious stones we use enjoy perfect symmetry and impeccable polish.

Stop for a moment and admire the sapphires from the Valmand collection. Then choose the sapphire engagement ring that will conquer her heart forever.