In the resplendent realm of fine jewelry, the allure of colored gemstones is undeniable. Among these, sapphires, amethysts, and tsavorites shine with a distinct radiance, each bringing their own unique palette and properties. Each faceted with their own unique properties and brilliance, these colored gemstones add a touch of playful elegance to your jewelry game.
Sapphires: The Jewels of the Sky
Sapphires have traditionally always been associated with the color blue, offering a spectrum of shades from the deepest oceanic blues to the clearest sky blues. However, this gemstone surprises many with its versatility, appearing also in pink, yellow, green, and the rare orange-pink variety known as padparadscha.
The core of a sapphire's appeal lies in its remarkable durability, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, just below diamonds. This resilience makes it an ideal choice for engagement rings and everyday wear pieces that withstand the test of time.
However, the special charm of sapphires extends beyond their beauty, encompassing a rich history of symbolism and lore dating back to the ancient civilizations of Rome, Greece and Persia. The later of which believed that the Earth rested on a giant sapphire. Often associated with wisdom, virtue, and good fortune, sapphires have adorned royalty and clergy for centuries, symbolising heaven and attracting heavenly blessings.
One of the most famous historical sapphires is the "Star of India," a 563-carat star sapphire about the size of a golf ball, making it one of the largest gem-quality blue star sapphires in the world. Today, sapphires continue to captivate with their timeless elegance, featured in a range of jewelry pieces from classic solitaire rings to intricate vintage-inspired designs. Sapphires have also graced modern royalty; Princess Diana's engagement ring, which now belongs to Kate Middleton, features a stunning 12-carat oval blue sapphire.
Amethysts: The Regal Quartz
Amethysts, with their stunning purple hues, range from deep violet to soft lilac, offering a spectrum of colors that has enchanted since ancient times. Amethysts possess a relatively high hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making them durable enough for a variety of jewelry applications.
A fun little fact, amethyst's name comes from the Ancient Greek "amethystos," meaning "not intoxicated," reflecting a belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. This belief led to amethyst being carved into drinking vessels in addition to being worn as jewelry. Historically, they were also valued as much as diamonds and were favored by royalty for their rich color and supposed protective powers – Leonardo da Vinci wrote that amethysts enhance intelligence and protect against evil thought. English royalty decorated their regalia with the stone in the Middle Ages, the Egyptians, used the gem for intaglios, and the Ancient Greeks and Romans, adorned themselves with amethyst jewelry.
Today, they continue to be a popular choice for both statement pieces and everyday wear, adding a touch of regal elegance to any outfit.
Tsavorites: The Vivid Vision of Green
While tsavorite is a more recent discovery compared to sapphires and amethysts, the regions from which it comes have a long geological history that predates human civilization. Tsavorite was discovered in the 1960s by Scottish geologist Campbell R. Bridges in the Tsavo area of Kenya, from which the gem derives its name. It was later introduced to the market with the help of Tiffany & Co., which recognized its potential as a vibrant and durable gemstone.
A member of the garnet family of stones, these gems offer a brilliant range of green, from deep forest hues to vibrant grassy shades, rivaling the coveted emerald but with greater durability and without the common inclusions. Tsavorites score a respectable 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, again making them a suitable stone for a variety of jewelry designs. The gemstone's vivid color, clarity, and rarity have made it a favorite among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts who look for something different from the traditional choices.
The rarity and vivid color of tsavorites make them a coveted choice for those seeking a unique and eye-catching gemstone. Unlike emeralds, which often require oil treatments to enhance clarity, tsavorites are typically found with a natural clarity that makes them sparkle with an intense, radiant green.
Sapphires, amethysts, and tsavorites each bring a unique blend of beauty, durability, and history to the world of fine jewelry. From the serene depths of sapphire blues to the royal radiance of amethyst purples and the lush vibrancy of tsavorite greens, these colored stones offer endless possibilities for personal expression and adornment.
The charm of sapphires, amethysts, and tsavorites lies not only in their visual appeal but in the unique qualities that make each gem special. Whether you're drawn to the soothing blues of sapphires, the regal purples of amethysts, or the fresh greens of tsavorites, incorporating these colored stones into your jewelry collection promises a touch of elegance and a connection to the rich tapestry of gemstone lore and luxury.