Marquise cut, inspired by Madame de Pompadour's smile

History and origin of the name

These super-strong transparent stones were first noticed by the Tamils ​​in Southeast Asia. They gave it the name corundum (translated as ruby). And the Greeks renamed it sapphire, which in their language means “blue gem”. Later we figured out the terminology. Red corundums remained rubies, while corundums of other colors remained sapphires. In Rus' they were called azure yachts and were highly revered.

Sapphire deposits and mining

Sapphires are mined in Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, China, India, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. There are deposits on other continents (North America, Australia) in places of pegmatite deposits. In nature, the mineral is quite inconspicuous. In Russia, some corundum has been found on the Kola Peninsula and the Urals, but industrial mining is unprofitable.

The best is considered to be the Kashmir sapphire, which has a wonderful cornflower blue color. The deposit in Kashmir (Indian) is not currently being actively developed, so local sapphires are valued not only for their unique properties (the epithets alone are worth it: velvety, hazy, sleepy), but also for their exceptional rarity. Its color is considered the reference; all other shades are described in comparison with it. For example, Ceylon sapphire (Sri Lanka) is paler, and Burmese sapphire is darker than Kashmir sapphire. Sri Lanka supplies jewelers with the rare Padparadscha gem. Star-shaped specimens are also often found here.

Most blue corundum is mined in Thailand. The largest, brightest blue and purest sapphire, the “Jewel of the Jungle,” was discovered here. Its weight, according to the description, is 958 carats.

How many facets should a diamond have?

The shapes and types of diamond cuts are quite diverse. The circle is recognized as the most beautiful and popular.

It is believed that the round shape maximizes the jewelry beauty of a diamond. Light penetrates through the top of the crown - the platform - into the crystal.

There, refraction occurs, reflection from the edges of the bottom and transformation into a rainbow. The stone plays with these wonderful rays of light.

The perfect round shape for diamonds was proposed in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky.

He conducted a whole geometric study and derived the ideal parameters that allow the processed diamond to fully exhibit its optical properties.

Today, the Tolkowsky cut is a classic of the genre and a standard of polishing. It was not without reason that the professional took into account not only the jewelry and physical properties of the stones, but also all the experience gained before him.

Today, the traditional round shape includes 57 edges, which are distributed as follows:

• on the front part there are 33 sides;
• on the back there are 24 facets.

However, the smallest jewelry pieces can have 17 facets.

74 or 86 diamond facets can be counted in large crystals (royal cut), much less often – 102 (majestic).

The closest relative of the round cut is the oval diamond. Has 57 edges.

Sometimes, with the same weight of a round diamond, it looks more advantageous, since the upper platform of the oval is larger in size.

Rings and rings with an oval crystal have the effect of visually stretching the hands, which undoubtedly appeals to those with short fingers.

Physicochemical characteristics

The physical properties of sapphire can be the envy of any gemstone. Hardness on the Mohs scale - 9, density - 4 g/cm3, not brittle, very shiny. Composition: alumina, aluminum oxide. The chemical formula of sapphire is Al2O3. Pure corundum has no color; the blue color is given to it by metal impurities: iron, manganese, chromium, titanium. When heated, the color characteristics of the crystal change: pale ones become even lighter, dark ones turn pink. X-rays enhance the brightness of shades.

What colors and types of sapphire are there?

The color range is wide. Basic: blue sapphire, blue sapphire, cornflower blue. It is these minerals that mineralogists recognize as sapphires. But jewelers also honor stones of other colors. If the specimen contains more than 15 percent of another color in addition to blue, it is a multi-colored polychrome sapphire, otherwise called fancy, with a difficult-to-define color: it can be pink-orange, garnet-red, yellow-blue, dark blue (to black), purple etc. Colorless ones with a milky tint are called leucosapphires. These are former colored ones that have become discolored due to extreme heat. When people talk about black or green sapphires, they are actually talking about the same blue ones, only with “thick” impurities that give the illusion of black or green. There are "star sapphires" - stones with an asterism effect, usually used as cabochons.

There are many types of sapphires, and each deserves close attention. We will talk about gray, brown, lilac, rare purple sapphires, as well as declassified ones in other publications.

How to distinguish from a fake

Natural sapphire stone is expensive and rare, so it is often counterfeited. In addition, methods for producing synthetic corundum have long been invented. How to determine which variety you are dealing with?

The photo below shows an artificial sapphire under a microscope. Its synthetic nature is revealed by bubbles - light and dark dots. An elongated bubble indicates a sapphire grown by the Verneuil method.

Outright fakes include products made of glass, plastic, and cheap minerals. It is not difficult to see the imitation.

1. Due to its amazing hardness and density, real stone cannot be scratched by sharp objects. The fake one will have a visible stripe. But who will allow you to scratch jewelry in a jewelry store?
2. A sure way to confirm the authenticity of a sapphire is by zoning - the uneven distribution of color in a natural stone. See the video below for more details.
3. The gem will remain cool in your hands for a long time. The fake will heat up quickly.
4. In bright light and under a magnifying glass, a heterogeneous structure is visible in the original; inclusions, tiny cracks, and chips are possible. The imitation is externally perfect.
5. Under an ultraviolet lamp, the fake stone becomes greenish, while the reflections of the natural stone become white.
6. If a cheaper gem, the so-called doublet or triplet, is passed off as a sapphire, then a thin layer of natural stone is glued onto the imitation, and the place of gluing is visible under a magnifying glass. A fake or similar semi-precious stone will be easily scratched by a precious sapphire.
7. The cost of natural sapphire is high. Suspiciously low - an indicator of a cheap imitation.

Depending on the quality, there can be either a semi-precious or a precious sapphire stone. Cloudy corundum, speckled with cracks, is classified as semi-precious, ornamental, or even

Sapphires of artificial origin (grown) are not considered fake. However, this also does not apply to precious stones. Conscientious sellers do not hide the origin of the stone; they indicate this fact in the certificate, since synthetics are cheaper. It is difficult to find the differences on your own with the naked eye. Under a microscope, the boundaries between the overgrown layers are visible, similar to annual rings on a tree cut. Unless the ideal appearance and too bright shade will arouse suspicion.

Some people confuse sapphire with sapphirine. This is also a light blue colored gemstone. In time immemorial, he was called the “son of sapphire,” although they are not at all similar - neither in appearance nor in structure. Sapphirine is opaque and is classified as an oxide rather than an oxide. Cordierite, which is similar to it, is also not sapphire.

Diamond structure

The types and shapes of diamond cuts determine the structure of the crystal. All processed diamonds have a clear structure.

Regardless of the shape that the diamond cut gives them, a properly designed diamond must consist of the following parts:

1. “Crown” is the top of the stone. It is also divided into main elements: a platform (a flat surface to which the edges adjoin), the main edges of the top, single wedges of the top (star facets), a number of paired wedges of the top.
2. “Girdle” is a strip separating the crown and the lower part. A diamond cutter can be considered a high professional if he managed to make the girdle minimal in width. In addition to the separating function, this element performs a protective mission (from chipping) and an aesthetic one - the improvised line thins out the light with which the edges play beautifully.
3. “Pavilion” is the lower pointed spike. Its elements: the main facets of the bottom, a series of wedge-shaped edges of the bottom. They converge at the lowest point - the culet. There is a standard measure for pavilion that is 43.4% of the total diameter of the diamond. If the cut diamond has a pavilion that is too flat, there will be no back reflection of light from the crown. The same thing is observed when the lower part of the stone is too deep. As a result, the gem itself will not radiate its famous mystical shine.

It is noteworthy that for each element of the crystal structure one or another characteristic can be determined.

Thus, the contour of the platform and how many facets a diamond has “give out” the type of grinding, and the shape of the diamond cut can be recognized by the contour of the girdle.

Who is it suitable for?

The gem is distinguished by the fact that it is equally friendly to any owner. But there are some nuances.

Horoscope

The zodiacal compatibility of sapphire is very wide. Some important notes are presented in the table below.

Note: +++ fits perfectly; + can be worn; - Not recommended.

Sapphire for Leo is an opportunity to neutralize vanity and pride in oneself, if any. The stone will increase your diligence and help you achieve your goals. It is better to have yellow and pink sapphires.

Sapphire's zodiac sign does not suit Capricorn. However, representatives of this sign can also wear a wonderful stone if a clear connection is felt with a specific piece of jewelry, and the owner himself is a balanced person.

By name

To whom are the properties of the sapphire stone most suited by name?

By choosing him as a talisman, Antonina can hope for reciprocal love.

Lyudmila will become more flexible, more compassionate, wiser.

The gem will bestow the favor of fate on Rose.

It will help Gregory make friends, protect him from temptations, and relieve him from internal turmoil.

Egor will be given the favor of fate and prudence.

It will add modesty to Kirill, teach him loyalty and the desire for justice.

With his help, Stepan will be able to comprehend his life goal, to know himself.

Regardless of the name, the talisman gives the owner secret power over people, the desire to acquire new knowledge, useful experience, like-minded people, and makes life easier. But its owner must be pure in thoughts.

With other stones

Sapphire looks best alone or in combination with diamonds.
It is also magnificent when surrounded by rubies, amethysts, garnets, cubic zirconias. In terms of energy (and style), pearls and other opaque stones are not suitable for him. It should not be combined with malachite and beryl. As for the setting, sapphire looks ideal in silver, gold and platinum. Silver gives it severity, purity, sublimity. Gold and platinum ennoble even more, making it truly regal.

Magic properties

Sapphire is a stone endowed with many magical properties. Stellar corundum is especially strong, on the surface of which a three- or six-rayed star glides.

The stone is considered a symbol of power. The person who owns it is unconditionally recognized as a leader and controls the masses. And this is understandable, because: it strengthens masculinity, forms a wise perception of life, helps to recognize the essence of other people’s judgments, strengthens the nervous system, protects against the consequences of envy, the evil eye and witchcraft. Being a strong talisman, it warns of danger threatening the owner, attracts like-minded people and drives away enemies. It is believed that this stone chooses its owner. His appearance is considered a gift from heaven.

All sapphires have magical properties, but their effect also depends on the setting. A stone in silver gives restraint, composure, and wisdom. Set in gold, it conveys courage, determination, and a victorious attitude.

The energy direction is determined by the color of the stone.

• Yellow. It is recognized as a stone of creators because it gives inspiration and activates dormant supernatural abilities. Brings harmony into family life, promotes mutual understanding between spouses. The yellow gem accumulates goodness and at the right moment shares it with the owner, relieving him of depressive moods and stress.
• Blue. It treats physical rather than mental ailments more successfully: it strengthens the heart and eyesight. If it is also a star stone, it helps to find and keep love. Good for scientists seeking to understand the secrets of the world. Facilitates learning and develops mental abilities. An equally valuable quality is to guide a person along the right path in life and strengthen leadership abilities.
• Black. It will protect you from enemies, make you believe in yourself, give you determination, protect you from negativity and depression, and attract financial well-being. This stone is especially valued by magicians and is used in various rituals. It is believed that sapphire connects the worlds and comes to the rescue when communicating with otherworldly forces.
• Blue. Supports and develops abilities, including extrasensory ones, opens the “third eye”, develops the mind, and promotes choice in a difficult situation.
• White. Helps achieve a goal, especially if it concerns the spiritual sphere.
• Green sapphire is a reconciliation stone. It reconciles warring relatives, smooths out rough edges in relationships between people, eliminates selfish tendencies, and promotes memorization and interpretation of dreams.
• Pink protects young people, especially girls, from temptations. At the same time, it attracts a passionately adored person of the opposite sex to the owner.
• Star sapphires can protect against deception.

Sapphire can be used as a love spell.
Color does not matter in this case. Place the stone in a glass of wine, cover it with your palms and think about your loved one. They go to bed with these thoughts. In the morning, the stone is taken out and the object of one’s love is given to drink the wine. The effectiveness of such a recipe when executed by an ignorant person is zero, but the karmic consequences for trying to violate the will of another person will definitely have to be experienced by yourself after some time. The magical properties of sapphire should be used only for good purposes. The stone will become a faithful assistant, an excellent amulet and a talisman for a person with pure thoughts. It will protect the owner from damage and the evil eye, breaking the insidious thoughts of ill-wishers. It will warn the owner about the danger that threatens the owner with its tarnishing.

For women, the gem is good because it makes them more attractive, brings harmony, tranquility, and fidelity to family life. Jewels that are passed down from generation to generation have special power.

Men under the influence of sapphire calm down, become more reasonable, and more tender with their spouse. If we are talking about a male leader, the stone helps him competently lead the team, be more decisive, and more purposeful.

It is recommended to take the stone on trips as a talisman against any misfortunes.

Medicinal properties

Healers have long studied the healing properties of sapphire, discovering new ones. Traditionally, it is recommended to use the stone to enhance the treatment of heart ailments, asthma, skin diseases, diabetes, migraines, kidney diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental disorders. It is customary to take into account the color of the mineral, since stones of different colors have their own specific characteristics.

• Yellow helps fight depression, stress, strengthens the immune system, and has a positive effect on all body systems. It is not recommended to constantly wear a stone or jewelry made of yellow sapphire, as the strong energy of the mineral can cause anxiety.
• Green protects against insomnia and nightmares. Just put it under your pillow at night. Like most green gems, it promotes visual acuity.
• Blue helps in the treatment of skin rashes and reduces inflammation. Especially indicated for heart patients. Helps recover from heart attacks and strokes. Relieves severe headaches.

The properties of sapphire stone are clearly manifested for women, as it helps treat gynecological diseases and relieves reproductive problems.

The healing properties of the gem were admired in Rus'. They called it “wise” because they were sure that it strengthens memory, helps to remain sane until old age, promotes the thinking process, and even rejuvenates the body. Healers from other countries also speak about the ability of sapphire to fight sclerosis and senile insanity. It is called a stone of longevity because it stabilizes blood pressure, partially neutralizes the adverse effects of solar activity on the body, and strengthens the general well-being of older people.

It is recommended to wash your face with sapphire water. To do this, early in the morning a crystal is dipped into the liquid for two hours. Infused water relieves inflammation, tightens the skin, and treats eye diseases. A migraine attack will subside if you apply a compress with sapphire water to your forehead.

Uncut stones are more suitable for medicinal purposes.

Modern people's belief in the healing properties of sapphire is not as strong as in ancient times. But, you must admit, even the simple contemplation of a precious stone of amazing beauty and magical reflections of light on its many facets calms and pacifies. And quality relaxation promotes health.

Types of diamond cuts

As you know, uncut diamonds cannot be called brilliants.

Only in the process of processing according to a certain type are luxurious crystals born.

The types themselves (types of diamond cuts) are as follows:

1. Faceted. It includes, in turn, such types of cutting types as diamond, honeycomb, wedge grinding, and step. All these types involve turning the edges.
2. Cabochon is the oldest type, characterized by a rounded crystal shape. Currently practically not applicable to diamonds.
3. Mixed. Combines features of the first two types.

Until the 20th century, old cut diamonds, such as “rose,” were fashionable.

But it has lost popularity, giving way to a more modern type of facade treatment - diamond.

How to wear and care for sapphire

Astrologers advise buying jewelry on the 8th lunar day, and putting it on for the first time on the 22nd. On which finger to wear a sapphire ring? On the index hand of the right hand, then the stone will maximize its best properties: bring good luck, prosperity, make a person wiser and more resilient.

An engagement ring with blue corundum will bring good luck in your family life. In case of an accidental disagreement with your spouse, you need to put a ring on the ring finger of your right hand so that the problem goes away.

For men, large rings, matching cufflinks, and tie pins with a dark-colored stone are suitable.

Brunettes look good with deep blue stones, while blondes look good with light ones.

A modest ring with a medium-sized sapphire placed on your finger looks appropriate in the office. It can be set in silver or white gold. For special occasions, large jewelry is chosen.

For a piece of jewelry to delight its owner with its pristine beauty for many years, little is required:

• avoid falling stones, any strong mechanical impact, interaction with chemicals, cosmetics;
• remove jewelry when performing household chores (laundry, washing dishes, cooking);
• do not swim in it, do not stay in direct sunlight for a long time;
• store separately from other jewelry in a box upholstered in soft fabric;
• clean with a soft cloth in a soap or saline solution, then rinse with clean water.

With proper care and careful storage, the precious jewelry will become a family heirloom and will be gratefully received by the heirs.