The Olive Orange Sapphire and Diamond Ring
The Olive Platinum Ring with 1.01ct Orange Sapphire and Diamonds
A lovely 1.01ct cushion cut orange sapphire, set on a platinum band. Mounted with 0.12ct baguette cut Diamonds on each side (0.24ct total).
Ring size N: I can arrange complimentary re-sizing up to two sizes larger or smaller.
This Sapphire:
This Sapphire is 1.01ct and 5.91mm high x 5.00mm wide x 3.68mm deep.
It was mined on the 18th April 1988 in the Umba Valley in Tanzania.
Mining Report
Gem Report
Orange sapphire
Sapphire
South east of the misty Usambara Mountains of Tanzania, lie the Gerevi Hills through which the famous Umba River flows. For centuries, the Umba River has deposited a gem gravel on its bends and oxbow lakes.
This gem gravel has become world-renown for the quality and quantity of gems within it. This stunning Fancy Sapphire was found on one of those bends in the river. It began “life” however many millions of years ago in what is known as a “pegmatite” or vein of minerals in the mountain rock.
As hot magma from the centre of the earth forced its way up through the cracks in the rock, it mixed with mineral-rich ground water and minerals in the surrounding rock. As the magma cooled, different mineral crystals began to form under pressure. This stone was among these.
Many millions of years later, as the Umba river eroded away the rock in its charge towards the Indian Ocean, it was dislodged from the rock in which it had formed and carried with the river. During this time it was tumbled ferociously and rubbed and smashed against other rocks until its surfaces were smooth and most of the cracks and blemished in the crystals were broken off and worn down. The crystal was, at some point, deposited in the silts on one of the bends of the river near the Gerevi Hills. Here, it was panned out of the river by miners panning for gems and taken to Nairobi to be cut.
Caring for Sapphires
Sapphires 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, as vibrations and heat can damage stones.
Always remove gemstone jewellery or gemstones before exercising, cleaning or engaging in harsh physical activities. Do not expose sapphires to acid and store them away from other gemstones to avoid scratches.
