14
Jul
When thinking about sapphire, the first thing that pops into mind is the Victorian era. Back then, they became popular because they signified sincerity, fidelity, and everlasting love, which is why this stone became popular for engagement rings. Over the years, this stone has been deeply intertwined with the British Royal Family, being a symbol of status, love and stability. However, more and more people started buying sapphire jewellery not only for the unmatched durability, but also for its alluring colour and romanticism. Nowadays, sapphires are dominant in modern jewellery, and one of the most common things worn by women is the sapphire drop earring.
The elegant and sophisticated sapphire drop earrings are jewellery pieces adored for their deep blue colour, brilliance and hardness. Being linked to wisdom, power and royalty, these earrings have adorned the ears of many influential and popular figures throughout history. So, it isn’t strange that these earrings are still a popular choice for many women. They are an excellent option to adorn everyday formal outfits. From adding a pop of colour to an everyday white shirt and jeans outfit to adding elegance and sophistication to a formal evening dress, these earrings can look both subtle and bold.
Unlike studs that stay in one place, drop earrings catch the light with every move you make, showing their dazzling colour, beauty and shine. Stalling the eyes of the observer, these earrings are also known for their face-framing elegance.
The truth is that both natural and lab-grown sapphires are almost identical because both of them are made from the same mineral, corundum. Both of them look the same, and even a jeweller cannot tell the difference with a naked eye, but only with special equipment.
As the name suggests, the natural stones are made naturally and carry nature’s rarity. Every piece of this natural stone is unique and impossible to copy. The only downside of these stones is their price. Being natural and coming from the earth means that they are harder to find and mine, which explains their high price tag.
The synthetic ones, on the other hand, are created in a laboratory. They look the same as the natural ones but are much more affordable. Being mass-produced in a controlled environment means they don’t possess the rarity and unique mark of the natural stones. To put it simply, they lack the nature and that ‘romantic’ story of love, fidelity and effort.
However, this doesn’t mean that they are something less than the natural ones. They are made from the same mineral and are as durable as the others.
To maintain the beauty and brilliance of these earrings (regardless of the sapphire’s type), proper care is essential. Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep those deep blue earrings of yours in their best condition for years to come.
Regular cleaning is very much needed to keep them in good shape and remove dirt and oils that can dull the stone’s shine. You can do that at home with a mild soapy solution and warm water by gently scrubbing them with a soft brush. Once done, rinse thoroughly and dry them with a soft lint-free cloth.
When it comes to cleaning them, it is super important to avoid using harsh chemicals like chlorine, bleach or household cleaning agents, as they can damage the stone’s shine and appearance, as well as the earrings’ metal (whether gold, white gold or silver).
Storing this jewellery properly is paramount to keep it in good condition for years to come. Ideally, you should store them separately from other jewellery to prevent scratches. Keeping them properly also means keeping them in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box. This can protect the stone and metal from scratches and any other possible damage.
While the stone is durable, you should certainly avoid exposing the earrings to sudden temperature changes. While the chances of cracking are rare, there’s still a tiny possibility. There’s a greater chance that the stone will fall off the metal and you’ll need to take it to a jeweller for a fix. You should also avoid wearing them when swimming because the sea salt or chlorine from the pool can damage the stone and make it look dull. The sea salt can even scratch the stone, so to be on the safe side, it would be better if you don’t wear them when swimming.
Taking the earrings for a quick polish after showing signs of wear is great for bringing back their shine and ‘life’. However, you should also take them to regular inspections with a professional jeweller once a year to check for any loose settings, cracks, or other potential issues.
