Many couples consider colored gemstones more enticing that the traditional colorless diamond. However, they still wish the engagement ring to have the noted durability of the popular gemstone. The answer — colored diamonds.

Natural blue diamonds are among the most rare of the colored diamonds; they represent less than 0.1 percent of the available material. The blue color can range from a pale, slightly blue, to a deep rich solid color, which is the most prized.

Most blue diamonds are formed in the earth when tiny traces of boron work themselves into the diamond’s chemical composition. In addition, the blue color is sometimes caused by a presence of large amounts of hydrogen.

Because of their rarity, blue diamonds are expensive. The answer for some lies in gemstone enhancement or synthetics. Treated blue diamonds are achieved through three main processes: Irradiation; High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) treatments; and Coating. Synthetic or laboratory-grown diamonds are also created in attractive blue hues.

Nowadays, consumers have many choices when selecting a blue diamond. Always work with a graduate gemologist when making such an important purchase. He or she will help you select the gemstone that best suits your taste and your budget.

Filed under: Coloured Diamonds
by Jacq
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Popular since the Middle Ages, blue sapphire, the September birthstone, is thought to represent inner peace and meditation. It is also believed to aid in creative pursuits.

The most prized color is the velvety blue from the Kashmir valley in Northern India, although production in this location has become limited. Nowadays, the gemstone in your sapphire ring is more likely to originate from Sri Lanka, Australia, or Madagascar. Found also in a variety of shades of pure blue, as well as very light to very dark violetish or greenish blue, a sapphire ring is a welcome addition to any jewelry wardrobe.

A classic sapphire ring lends an air of sophistication to the woman who wears it — whether she is in the boardroom or relaxing with friends on the weekend. And, as sapphire measures 9 on the Mohs hardness scale (second only to diamond), a sapphire ring is suitable for daily wear.

With sapphires, as with all jewelry and gemstones, consult your jeweler to ensure that your ring stays gorgeous for a long time.

Filed under: Gemstones
by Jacq
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