The September birthstone, the sapphire, has long been associated with nobility, truth, and faithfulness. Today, it frequently appears in halo settings, a design choice that enhances the stone’s brilliance and makes it a popular choice for earrings and other jewelry. This article will explore the history, characteristics, and modern interpretations of sapphire, particularly as it is presented in halo earring designs.
History and Lore
Sapphire’s history is deeply interwoven with human culture and belief. While the provided sources do not detail ancient origins extensively, they establish its enduring appeal as a gemstone. The association with September as a birthstone is clearly stated, making sapphire a meaningful and personalized gift for those born in this month. The sources highlight the stone’s symbolism, noting its connection to calming and soothing properties, love, and affection.
The modern presentation of sapphires in jewelry, particularly halo earrings, builds upon a long tradition of appreciating the stone’s beauty. The halo setting itself, featuring surrounding diamonds or simulated diamonds, is a contemporary design element that amplifies the sapphire’s visual impact.
Geological Formation and Sources
The sources do not provide detailed information on the geological formation of sapphires or specific mining locations. However, they do indicate that sapphires can be natural or lab-grown. The presence of both natural and created sapphires in the market demonstrates advancements in gemological technology. The sources mention that some sapphires are found in 14 karat white gold settings, suggesting a common practice in jewelry making.
One source links to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) website, offering a pathway for readers to explore the geological origins and mining locations of sapphires in greater detail. The sources also mention pink sapphires, expanding the color range beyond the traditionally recognized blue.
Gemological Properties
The provided sources offer a glimpse into the gemological properties of sapphires, though a comprehensive analysis is limited by the available data. Sapphires are known for their durability and are frequently set in robust metals like sterling silver, platinum-bonded sterling silver, and 18k white gold plated over brass.
The sources detail specific examples of sapphire earrings, providing data points for carat weight and dimensions. For instance, one listing features earrings with a 5.00mm round sapphire weighing approximately 0.46 carats, surrounded by simulated diamonds. Another example showcases 4mm round blue sapphires totaling 0.70 carats, haloed by 40 diamonds weighing approximately 0.10 carats. A pair of earrings features 1.80 total weight round pink sapphires and 0.51 total weight round diamonds.
The sources also mention the use of Lassaire simulated diamonds, a proprietary product of Lafonn, used to enhance the brilliance of sapphire jewelry. The clarity of the diamonds is noted as G-H SI, indicating good color and clarity grades. The sources also specify that some earrings are crafted with hypoallergenic materials, making them suitable for sensitive skin.
Here's a table summarizing the gemological properties mentioned in the sources:
| Property | Value(s) |
|---|---|
| Gemstone | Sapphire (Blue, Pink) |
| Shape | Round, Oval |
| Size | 4mm, 5.00mm, 9x7mm |
| Carat Weight | 0.46 ct, 0.70 ct, 1.80 tw, 0.51 tw |
| Diamond Clarity | G-H SI |
| Metal | Sterling Silver, 14k White Gold, 18k White Gold Plated Brass |
| Diamond Type | Simulated, Lab-Grown |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources touch upon the symbolism associated with sapphires. Blue sapphire is specifically linked to calming and soothing properties, symbolizing love and affection. This aligns with the broader historical understanding of sapphires as stones representing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. The association with September as a birthstone further personalizes this symbolism, making sapphire earrings a meaningful gift for those born in that month.
While the sources do not delve deeply into metaphysical beliefs, they hint at the stone’s perceived power to promote tranquility and emotional well-being. The emphasis on sapphire as a “birth gem” suggests a belief in its ability to influence the wearer’s life positively.
Care and Cleaning
The sources offer limited guidance on the care and cleaning of sapphire jewelry. However, the mention of 14 karat gold and sterling silver settings suggests that standard jewelry cleaning practices apply. Vardy’s offers cleaning and inspection services every six months to ensure the integrity of the piece. General recommendations for sapphire jewelry include avoiding harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and abrasive materials. Gentle cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush is typically sufficient to maintain the stone’s brilliance.
Halo Settings and Modern Design
The prevalence of halo settings in the described earrings is a significant aspect of their modern appeal. The halo, typically composed of smaller diamonds or simulated diamonds, serves to enhance the sapphire’s perceived size and brilliance. This design choice is particularly effective for smaller sapphires, creating a more visually striking piece of jewelry. The halo also provides a protective setting for the sapphire, reducing the risk of damage.
The sources showcase a variety of halo earring styles, from classic stud designs to more elaborate creations featuring intricate metalwork. The use of different metals, such as sterling silver and white gold, further expands the design possibilities. The availability of options like garnet, emerald, and amethyst in similar halo settings demonstrates the versatility of this design.
Market Variations and Pricing
The sources reveal a range of pricing for sapphire halo earrings, reflecting variations in materials, craftsmanship, and brand. Prices range from $99.00 for sterling silver earrings with simulated diamonds to $3,888.00 for 14 karat white gold earrings with natural sapphires and diamonds. Lafonn earrings are priced at $175.00. These price differences highlight the importance of considering factors such as gemstone quality, metal purity, and diamond grading when purchasing sapphire jewelry.
The sources also indicate that some retailers offer price matching and free shipping, providing additional value to customers. The availability of gift wrapping and handwritten cards further enhances the purchasing experience.
Conclusion
Sapphire, the September birthstone, continues to captivate with its beauty, symbolism, and enduring appeal. The provided sources demonstrate the stone’s versatility, appearing in a range of earring designs, from classic halo studs to more elaborate creations. The combination of sapphire’s inherent qualities – its durability, rich color, and historical significance – with the modern elegance of the halo setting makes these earrings a timeless and cherished accessory. Whether chosen as a personalized birthstone gift or a statement of individual style, sapphire halo earrings represent a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary design.