Introduction
By tradition the most popular of all gem types to exhibit this optical phenomenon, a good quality Star Sapphire can display a six or even twelve-rayed star across its surface.

Color change Sapphire possesses a unique light phenomenon where the gemstone will reflect back different colors under different light sources. Under natural light they may appear bright blue, but under interior artificial light they may turn violet like fine amethyst. It should be noted that unlike Alexandrite, Color Change Sapphire may occur in other colors including green to red. Color Change Sapphire originates from the 'Mogok Stone Tract' in Burma and from 'The Great Rift Valley' in Eastern Africa.

Color Tips
Before making a purchase considering a Sapphire's color is pivotal to the process of evaluation, a Sapphire's clarity comes second. Taste in color is a personal matter, so while the following points are verified facts from the gemstone world they are also up for contention, and in no way are intended to restrict your personal preferences.

Some think that when buying a Sapphire, as a gem alone or set into jewelry, the darker the color the better the gem: False. If a Sapphire is too dark and subdued it's lifeless, lacking all the qualities for which it is renowned. Go for rich, bright, vivid colors: clear medium-tones and concentrated primary colors are the most favored.

The more intense colors will of course command higher prices, and although the Sapphire is infinitely more affordable than its sister the ruby, prices for large top quality mid-range Blue Sapphire can be superior to those of diamond. So if your budget doesn't allow it look for muted colors, colors between hues, which are still appealing but less expensive.

Sapphire Care
To keep your gems sparkling, clean them when dust and fingerprints have dimmed their brilliance. The best way to clean your gemstone jewelry is in a bowl of water with a few drops of ordinary dish detergent. Using an old toothbrush or other soft brush, scrub gently behind the gemstone where dust and soap can collect. Dry your jewelry thoroughly with a soft cloth, and use 'Q tips' to get into the more difficult places.

Although Sapphires are well known for their durability you should remember that hardness and susceptibility to breakage are not related. Although a Sapphire scores 9 out of 10 on the Moh's scale, second only to diamond, most are included. Some Sapphires are heavily included, in the case of Star Sapphire, making the gem fragile and susceptible to cracking or chipping if hit.

However, if you use your common sense this can be avoided. Remove jewelry before doing heavy work. Take care of your Sapphire by treating it gently and by keeping your gems and jewelry clean. Lightly included gemstones usually go safely into ultrasonic cleaners.

A home ultrasonic cleaner should be used with extreme caution. It can be used to clean lightly included Sapphire, ruby, diamond, amethyst, citrine, garnets, iolite, chrysoberyl, and unadorned jewelry but it may damage gems like emerald, pink tourmaline, peridot, pearls, coral, lapis lazuli, malachite, turquoise, and any gem that has many inclusions. When in doubt, don't use it, and as always consult a local reputable jeweler before attempting any cleaning yourself.

Soaking Sapphires in alcohol, vodka, overnight loosens stubborn dirt, which can then be rinsed and brushed away. Always use a soft brush but no abrasives, not even toothpaste; such abrasives will not hurt Sapphire but will scratch the softer silver, gold or platinum settings.

To protect the beauty of your gems and jewelry, make sure you store each piece separately. Gems may scratch each other or the metal in your jewelry. Avoid creating a tangle of jewelry by wrapping each piece individually or keeping it in its own compartment. Especially when you travel, make sure your jewelry pieces don't jostle each other in one bag.

Gemstones are among the most durable of nature's creations. With a little care, they will be as beautiful for generations to come as they are today.