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The Sapphire
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The Sapphire is the other great branch of the Corundum family of gems. It differs from the ruby only in color.
Sapphires
vary in tint from the lightest blue to a deep blackish blue, and,
similar to rubies, are valued chiefly according to their color. The
soft, velvety blue most approaching the blue of the cornflower of
England, which is known in our country as the bachelor's button, is the
most valued color in sapphires. The best stones should show this color
by artificial as well as by natural light.
Although
choice sapphires are uncommon, fine large stones are more frequently
found than rubies of similar size, and consequently the price does not
advance with an increase in size so rapidly as it does with rubies.
Sapphires are found in various places, each locality producing its distinctive shade.
The finest specimens are termed Cashmere sapphires, and occur in the Himalaya Mountains of the State of Kashmir in India. These
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