Sapphire - the famous blue stone is also called the blue sister of Ruby. Its because they come from the same mineral, corundum.
Sapphire ShapesSOURCE OF SAPPHIRE
The most famous and the finest blue sapphires are the prized Kashmir sapphires which have a blue color that is not only intense, but also velvety. As the name suggests, it originated from India's northwestern region of Kashmir, along the Pakistani/Indian boarder in the western Himalayas. So rare are these sapphires that they are not often seen in the gemstone market.
Second only to Kashmir in quality and mystique is the Burmese Sapphires. They are now sourced from Srilanka and Australia, Tanzania and Madagascar. The value of sapphires depends on their color, transparency and size. And in cases of very fine quality sapphires, the origin also has a major role.
Sapphire - the famous blue stone is also called the blue sister of Ruby. Its because they come from the same mineral, corundum.
Shades of SapphireSOURCE OF SAPPHIRE
The most famous and the finest blue sapphires are the prized Kashmir sapphires which have a blue color that is not only intense, but also velvety. As the name suggests, it originated from India's northwestern region of Kashmir, along the Pakistani/Indian boarder in the western Himalayas. So rare are these sapphires that they are not often seen in the gemstone market.
Second only to Kashmir in quality and mystique is the Burmese Sapphires. They are now sourced from Srilanka and Australia, Tanzania and Madagascar. The value of sapphires depends on their color, transparency and size. And in cases of very fine quality sapphires, the origin also has a major role.
Pearls have always been expensive, so much so that the 20th century saw the emergence of the cultured pearl.
Pearl ShapesSOURCE OF PEARLS
Pearls are now preferred to diamonds - for a long time, then, they were thought of as a badge of respectability, almost of authority rather than the exotic and fascinating jewels that they are. Pearls are formed as a result of layer upon layer of a substance known as nacre, secreted by the oyster.
Literally hundreds of oysters have to be opened before one is found with a pearl. Nor can you cut it neither shape it as you can with other gems. They improve with wear, picking up faint traces of oil from your skin - so rub them with soft chamois leather rather than washing them.
Pearls have always been expensive, so much so that the 20th century saw the emergence of the cultured pearl.
Shades of PearlsSOURCE OF PEARLS
Pearls are now preferred to diamonds - for a long time, then, they were thought of as a badge of respectability, almost of authority rather than the exotic and fascinating jewels that they are. Pearls are formed as a result of layer upon layer of a substance known as nacre, secreted by the oyster.
Literally hundreds of oysters have to be opened before one is found with a pearl. Nor can you cut it neither shape it as you can with other gems. They improve with wear, picking up faint traces of oil from your skin - so rub them with soft chamois leather rather than washing them.
Sapphire Shapes Shades of Sapphire Pearl Shapes Shades of Pearls
Kings wore sapphires around their necks as a powerful defense from harm.
TalismanFAMOUS SAPPHIRES
The great Oriental traveler, Sir Richard Francis Burton, had a large star sapphire which he referred to as his “talisman,” for it always brought him good horses and prompt attention wherever he went. Just the mere sight of the stone was believed to bring luck and he showed it to people everywhere he went. King Solomon wore a sapphire ring. And in modern times, the sapphire grew notorious when we saw Prince Charles give a sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana.
Kings wore sapphires around their necks as a powerful defense from harm.
Lady Diana's Sapphire RingFAMOUS SAPPHIRES
The great Oriental traveler, Sir Richard Francis Burton, had a large star sapphire which he referred to as his “talisman,” for it always brought him good horses and prompt attention wherever he went. Just the mere sight of the stone was believed to bring luck and he showed it to people everywhere he went. King Solomon wore a sapphire ring. And in modern times, the sapphire grew notorious when we saw Prince Charles give a sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana.
Pearls can ooze sophistication.
Princess Diana's Pearl ChokerFAMOUS PEARLS
Who can forget princess Diana's multi-strand pearl choker, with huge sapphire clasp worn on a black dress, or Audrey Hepburn as holly go lightly and her ensemble of streaky blonde hair, dark glasses and pearl earrings? Women like Sarah Jessica parker prize them, as do Mariah Carey, Rita Ora and Rihanna.
Pearls can ooze sophistication.
Mariah Carey's Pearl EarringsFAMOUS PEARLS
Who can forget princess Diana's multi-strand pearl choker, with huge sapphire clasp worn on a black dress, or Audrey Hepburn as holly go lightly and her ensemble of streaky blonde hair, dark glasses and pearl earrings? Women like Sarah Jessica parker prize them, as do Mariah Carey, Rita Ora and Rihanna.
Talisman Sapphire Ring Pearl Choker Pearl Earrings