When we think of sapphires, our minds often conjures up images of the blue sapphires. Interestingly, in India, these gems may not be as popular as they are in Europe and America, where they frequently accompany diamonds in jewelry. The finest blue sapphires are discovered in regions like Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, and Australia. The most coveted Kashmiri Blue Sapphires from India are very rare to find today. Other blue-hued gemstones such as BlueTopaz, lolite, Spinel, Tanzanite, Tourmaline, and Zircon share a striking resemblance with the Blue sapphires and are often used as substitutes.
Blue Sapphire Care at Home
- Instead of using specialized jewelry cleaning agents, opt for mild detergents in warm, soapy water for cleaning.
- Ensure that the soapy water solution doesn’t contain harmful detergents or chemicals that could dull the stone’s shine.
- Employ a soft paintbrush or a worn-out toothbrush to clean out the setting of the jewelry.
- For blue sapphires set in silver jewelry, you can use a mixture of baking soda and hot water for cleaning.
Warning:
- Be cautious about the metal the jewelry is set in. While gold and platinum are not adversely affected by soapy water, but the repeated use of ammonia found in certain detergents may damage gold.
- Proper storage is crucial for blue sapphire stones. Keep them separate from other stones to prevent scratches caused by contact with different jewelry items.