Sapphire

Sapphire, a precious gem stone is popularly used to make jewellery and watches across the world. It is formed from corundum, which is a hard mineral of aluminium oxide. Generally, sapphires are of beautiful deep blue colour; however the presence of elements like iron, titanium and chromium results in yellow, pink, purple, orange or greenish sapphires, also known as fancy sapphires. Red sapphires are known as rubies. Some of the sapphires are heat-treated to improve the colour, quality and clarity.

Sapphires are obtained from alluvial deposits or from various primary underground workings. These gemstones can be found in places like Australia, Afghanistan, India, Tanzania and Kenya. The sapphires grow in hard clusters, which have to be mined and then handed over to the cutter. A rare type of sapphire is the star sapphire, which is extremely valuable. This star sapphire creates an illusion of a six point star due to the inclusion of tiny crystals in the stone. Sapphires are the second hardest gemstone after diamonds, which makes them almost unbreakable.

Sapphire is a favoured gemstone for making jewellery and watches as it looks exquisite and striking. It is used to make different jewellery items like rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and bangles. Sapphire engagement rings are quite popular as sapphire is considered the symbol of love, loyalty and trust. One can buy sapphire jewellery and watches from various jewellery stores across United Kingdom or online.