Sapphire Archives

What Is a Padparadscha Sapphire?

January 5, 2022

Sapphires are known for their exemplary blue color. But there is actually a rainbow of hues available for this gemstone. The padparadscha sapphire is a rare but striking version of this gem that is pink- and orange-toned, offering a colorful alternative to the more well-known blue. September birthdays may especially enjoy the variety of choosing a padparadscha sapphire, as sapphire is the birthstone for September. Part of the long history of sapphires, which traced the gem’s popularity to the Middle Ages, padparadscha sapphires are especially well known for their associations with creativity, energy, and good health. The word “padparadscha” is

The Folklore of Sapphire

August 11, 2020

Sapphires are associated with focusing the mind, maintaining self-discipline, and channeling higher powers. Throughout time, the September birthstone has been referenced in almost all religions. Greeks wore sapphire for guidance when seeking answers from the oracle. Buddhists believed that it brought spiritual enlightenment, and Hindus used it during worship. Early Christian kings cherished sapphire’s powers of protection by using it in ecclesiastical rings. Ancient Hebrews believed that the Ten Commandments were engraved on tablets of sapphire, though historians now believe the blue gemstone referenced in the Bible may have been lapis lazuli. It was believed that this “holy” stone would

Celebrating September with Sparkling Sapphire

August 28, 2015

We’re getting a jump-start on September! September’s birthstone is the sapphire, a beautiful gemstone that has been popular since the Middle Ages. According to folklore, sapphires bring wearers good fortune, spiritual insight and provide them with protection from envy and harm. Blue sapphires range from very light to very dark greenish or violet-blue, as well as various shades of pure blue. The most prized colors are a medium to medium dark blue or slightly violet-blue. Sapphire is a variety of the gem species, corundum, and occurs in all colors of the rainbow. Pink, purple, green, orange, or yellow corundum are known

The Healing Power of Gemstones

October 3, 2014

By Amanda L. Colborn According to folklore and stories throughout history, many gemstones are thought to offer mystic healing to its wearer. So whether shopping for a gift of fine jewelry, or considering a gift for yourself along the way, consider the healing properties of these fine gemstones. Birthday gemstones may not bake your cookies and wrap your gifts for you, but they will make you feel better while doing so. Gemstone healing powers: Amber – Thought to aid memory loss, purify the body, alleviate headaches, and bone and heart problems, Amber is known for its stress relieving and calming properties.

Style Pick of the Week

December 9, 2013

By Lauren Ruggeroli, Membership Sales Associate American Gem Society member Christophe Danhier aims to treat every piece in his collection “as an individual jewel, unique in its beauty.” Because of his pieces’ ability to stand out in the crowd, we picked two of his latest rings for our Style Pick this week. Both are sure to be a huge hit this holiday season! First up, a beautiful 18K rose gold diamond, sapphire and ruby ring. With this ring, Danhier experimented with new color combinations hoping to create a piece that not only stood out in the industry, but also

Engagement Rings Get Technicolor

February 13, 2013

JCK, one of the jewelry industry’s premier magazines, just published this article on trends in the bridal jewelry market. We love the look of a traditional solitaire engagement ring, but brides want a halo with their veil–make that a halo engagement ring. Other notable trends: colored gemstones, like sapphire and aquamarine. One of our favorites is by AGS Member Jack Abraham, the emerald and ruby halo engagement ring featured below.

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