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Emeralds in Jewelry
Emeralds were among the first minerals used by people. Since early times, emeralds have been prized for their aesthetic beauty, rather than any utilitarian properties and have been set in many types of jewelry. This precious gem is valued for its deep green color, which is often enhanced by use of oils and resins. Most emeralds have minor impurities. Pure emeralds are rare and highly valued and are found only in the highest quality and priciest jewelry. The finest emeralds for jewelry are those from Colombia that have the finest green color and those that originate from Zambia with fewer flaws.
Other Emerald Uses
Emerald is considered to have valuable properties by many occult groups and sects. Some believe it to be a symbol of immortality, others insist that wearing a sapphire can improve eyesight. It is reputed to cure snake bites, encourage chastity, prevent epilepsy, increase courage and intelligence and even convey greater wealth. Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May and is associated with the astrological signs of Aries, Taurus and Gemini.
Sapphires in Jewelry
Sapphires are highly prized gems for use in jewelry. Sapphires with a cornflower blue color are most highly prized and are known as Cornflower Blue Sapphires or Kashmir Sapphires. Sapphires that display a different color depending on the lighting shining through them are also valuable. Sapphires are sold for thousands of dollars per carat and are used in a range of jewelry, including rings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants.
Other Sapphire Uses
Sapphires are extremely hard natural minerals, with only diamond being harder. They are also glare-free and these properties make them ideal for use as watch faces. They are used in titanium-doped sapphire lasers which are known for their excellent beam quality and high output power. They are employed as a gain medium, which magnifies the power of the laser. Sapphire is the birthstone of September.