Valencia – Blue Sapphires and White Topaz

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.

Topaz has an exceptionally wide colour range, including colourless, blue, brown, yellow, orange, pink, red and purple. Colourless topaz is plentiful and is often treated to turn it blue.

Birthstone

November

Hardness

8 (Mohs)

Everyday wear

Topaz is hard but has a cleavage direction that can split with a hard knock, so protective settings help, and it is well suited to pendants and earrings.

Care

Clean with warm water and mild soap; avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners, high heat and sudden temperature changes. Coated topaz should never be cleaned with abrasives or on a buffing wheel.

Meaning and tradition

In folklore, the ancient Greeks believed topaz gave them strength, and in Renaissance Europe it was thought to break magic spells and dispel anger. In Indian tradition, wearing it above the heart was said to bring beauty and intelligence.