The Stellar Blue Star Sapphire & Rose Gold Ring
18ct Rose Gold Ring with 3.94ct Star Sapphire
A beautiful 3.94ct Star Sapphire Oval Cabochon, set on an 18ct Rose Gold claw set band.
Ring size L1/2: I can arrange complimentary re-sizing up to two sizes larger or smaller.
Gem Certificate
This Star Sapphire:
This stunning 3.94ct oval cabochon Star Sapphire is 9.61mm high x 7.76mm wide x 5.19mm deep.
it was cut from the same rough as a stunning 10.58ct Star Sapphire in my personal collection.
It was mined in Madagascar on the 3rd January 2015
I purchased it on the 17th November 2017.
Watch the star appear and disappear!
18ct Rose Gold Ring with 3.94ct Star Sapphire
Mining Report
Star Sapphires
Star sapphires are a rare variety of sapphire that exhibit a rare asterism under specific lighting. When viewing a star sapphire, a six-rayed star will appear to float across the surface of the stone. The effect is best viewed under a direct light source and while tilting and rotating the stone from different angles. Star sapphires contain unusual tiny needle-like inclusions of rutile. Aligned needles that intersect each other at varying angles produce the rare phenomenon known as asterism.
Some of the world's Sapphires are mined in the wilderness in a remote island off the East coast of Africa called Madagascar.
This lovely Star Sapphire was mined in the Ilakaka River Basin: Few sapphires were mined here as the discovery near Ilakaka fell short of its early promise, and within months activity moved upstream to Ambarazy, which was briefly an important trading center, and the famous Banque Suisse mining site, one of the largest pits ever dug by hand in Madagascar.
Mining was not allowed on the eastern side of the river, which is part of Isalo National Park. While small groups were still active at Banque Suisse in 2012, mining had nearly stopped elsewhere in the basin. Besides a few groups working around the town, a small Thai mechanised operation is still at Amabrazy. Overall, some 300 people are still mining in the Ilakaka River basin, a fraction of the estimated 60,000 there in 1999. Sapphires like this are much prized discoveries.
Caring for Star Sapphires
Star sapphire are 9 on the Mohs Scale, and are typically very durable
For cleaning, it is best to use warm soapy water and a soft cloth. As with most gemstones, avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steamers, especially with fracture-filled star sapphire; vibrations and heat can damage stones.
Always remove gemstone jewellery or gemstones before exercising, cleaning or engaging in harsh physical activities. Do not expose star sapphire gemstones to acid and store them away from other gemstones to avoid scratches.
