Sapphire Blue

Sapphire is designated as Septembers birthstone. Sapphire is a very durable gemstone that has an aura of romance. Sapphire is one of the top three gemstones for jewelry. The other two are ruby and emerald. All gem quality corundum that is not red is called sapphire, yet the name sapphire is popularly associated with the color blue. Variation in the color of blue sapphire is due to iron and titanium impurities and spans many shades.
Color has the most influence on blue sapphire's value. The most highly valued blue sapphires are a velvety blue to violetish blue, in medium to medium dark tones that also have a strong to vivid color saturation. Saturation should be as trong as possible without darkening the color and compromising brightness of the gem. Blue sapphire with these qualities command the highest prices per carat. In todays market the majority of blue sapphire have undergone heat treatment to improve their color and clarity. The heating of sapphire has been a common practice for hundreds of years. However there are sapphires available in limited amounts that have not undergone heat treatment. Natural unheated sapphire bring a premium of 30% to 50% over that of heated sapphire in the fine to extra fine grades. Fine quality blue sapphire are mined in Kashmir India, Myanmar, once called Burma, Sri Lanka, once called Ceylon and in recent years Madagascar. Blue sapphire from Thailand, Australia and Nigeria are a dark blue and may appear black. These sapphires are sometimes called midnight blue sapphire. Montana produces some fine sapphire that are a metalic blue to a greenish blue color. There are also significant deposits of sapphire in Brazil, Cambodia, China, Kenya, Malawi, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.