The classic blue sapphire is a gemstone that has never lost its timeless appeal. The unique hue of the Sapphire has always been a reason for its popularity among gemstones.

Sapphire is one variety of corundum, the other being the red ruby. Sapphire is most commonly worn as jewelry or used as embellishments.

Ideally sapphire stones are cut either round or oval mainly because these types of cuts allow maximum light to enable the blue color to look universal throughout the stone. Of late unusual cuts are becoming popular, due to changes in fashion.

The quality and value of the sapphire depends on the color, clarity, size, cut, as well as the geographic origin. Blue sapphires are evaluated based upon the purity of their primary hue. Sapphires can also exhibit shades of purple, violet and green but these are secondary hues and are not considered as valuable as the original blue.

Although, sapphire has always been associated with the magnificent blue color, they can also occur in shades of orange and brown and can sometimes be colorless.

Sapphire deposits are found in Eastern Australia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, East Africa and in some parts of the United States.

There are fancy varieties of sapphire available of which the 'Padparadsha' or lotus flower, a sapphire of pink color, is becoming increasingly popular.

What ever the color, the blue sapphire will always be admired.

Sapphire Facts

• The 422.99 carats (84.60 g) Logan sapphire in the National Museum of Natural History, Washington D.C. is one of the largest faceted gem-quality blue sapphire in the world.
   
• Sapphires were used as a medicinal effect for intellect. Sapphires were also believed to cure inflammation in the eye
   
• Some of the most famous sapphires in the world are housed at London’s Tower of London.
   
• The 182 carat Star of Bombay, the rare blue star sapphire, is now housed in the National Museum of Natural History, in Washington D.C.