Sapphire (Neelam) is the most precious and valuable blue gemstone. It is a very desirable gemstone due to its excellent color, hardness, durability, and luster. In the gem trade, Sapphire (Neelam) without any color prefix refers to the blue variety of the mineral Corundum. However, the term this Stone encompasses all other gem varieties and colors of Corundum as well, excluding Ruby, the red variety of Corundum, which has had its own name since antiquity.
Uses:
Sapphires is one of the most popular gemstones and are used extensively in Jewelry. Fine-colored Sapphire with a deep blue color and excellent transparency can reach several thousand dollars a carat. The blue variety is most often used in jewelry, but the yellow, pink, and orange “fancies” have recently become very popular. Green and light blue Sapphires are also known but are less commonly used in jewelry. Opaque Black Sapphire has also used a minor gemstone.
Sapphire is used in all forms of jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings. It is used both as a centerpiece gemstone in pendants and rings, as well as a secondary stone to complement other gemstones such as Diamonds. Star Sapphires are polished as cabochons, and, if clear, are extremely valuable.
Sapphire (Neelam) Colors:
- White
- Colorless
- Blue
- Green
- Yellow
- Orange
- Brown
- Pink
- Gray
- Black
- Multicolored