Malee – Blue Sapphire and Mother of Pearl

Pearls are formed by molluscs, which coat a nucleus or irritant with layers of nacre. Natural pearls form without human help, while cultured pearls are grown with human intervention.

Birthstone

June

Hardness

2.5–4.5 (Mohs)

Everyday wear

Pearls are very soft and easily scratched, so rings and bracelets need protective settings or occasional wear; necklaces and earrings are easiest to enjoy.

Care

Put pearls on after perfume, hairspray and cosmetics, and wipe them with a very soft cloth after each wear. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners; for an occasional deeper clean use warm, soapy water and let strung pearls dry completely before wearing.

Meaning and tradition

In European tradition pearls symbolised modesty, purity and chastity, and many cultures linked their round shape with the moon. In ancient Chinese folklore pearls were believed to guard against fire and fire-breathing dragons.

Sapphire is the mineral corundum, best known in blue (from greenish blue to violetish blue) but found in every colour except red. Sapphires in other colours, such as pink, yellow, green and purple, are called 'fancy' sapphires.

Birthstone

September

Hardness

9 (Mohs)

Everyday wear

Sapphire is very hard with excellent toughness and no cleavage, so it resists breaking and suits rings worn every day.

Care

Warm, soapy water is always safe. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are usually fine for untreated or heat-treated sapphire, but fracture-filled, cavity-filled or dyed stones should only be wiped with a damp cloth.

Meaning and tradition

Traditionally, sapphire symbolises nobility, truth, sincerity and faithfulness, and it has adorned the robes of royalty and clergy for centuries. In folklore, star sapphires were linked with the power to foresee the future.