Blue Gemstone Bridal Jewelry
Wear colored gemstones on your wedding day for 'something blue'
Apr 7, 2007
The time worn adage for brides goes, “Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” What better way for the bride to accomplish this than to wear some blue gemstone jewelry on the wedding day? Make it vintage or a piece that is borrowed from a friend or a service such as Beg Borrow or Steal and the bride has accomplished a two for one.
To follow is a quick guide to a few different blue gemstones that are commonly used in jewelry:
Sapphire – the only precious blue colored gemstone; it has been the number one top colored gemstone purchase for 2004, 2005 and 2006. Ruby and sapphire are both the same mineral – corundum – color is the only difference between these two precious colored gemstones. Sapphire does come in other colors such as green, yellow and colorless so do not be confused while shopping if you are shown colors other than blue when asking for sapphire.
Semi-Precious Gemstones:
The most popular semi precious colored gemstone in 2005 and 2006 was blue topaz. Normally blue topaz is created by heating natural brown topaz then irradiating the stone to turn it a brilliant blue. Often confused with aquamarine, this gemstone is slightly less expensive.
While blue topaz comes in at 8 on the Mohs’ Scale of Hardness (diamond being a 10) this is not a very tough gemstone. Handle any jewelry you purchase set with blue topaz with care and just use a damp cloth to clean it.
Aquamarine – another beautiful translucent blue gemstone, the most highly desired of all aquamarines is an intense true blue with no green. Most natural aquamarine is a bluish/green color that is then heated to remove the green. In natural stones this blue shading can range from a dark, sapphire blue to a beautiful light sky blue.
Aquamarine and blue topaz both look simply gorgeous when combined with pearls. Pairing the milky lustre of pearls with the blue brilliance of these two colored gemstones makes for a compelling contrast.
Lapis Lazuli - Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue or violet-blue stone that is sometimes flecked with gold-colored iron pyrite. Ancient Romans believed that lapis was a powerful aphrodisiac. This makes it a cool jewelry gift to exchange prior to the wedding to strengthen your marital bond. Lapis is a very popular gemstone for men. However, it is also used in women’s earrings and pendants.
Turquoise - Turquoise is a light blue or blue green stone. The finest stones are flawless and sky blue. While not a ‘pretty’ translucent gemstone blue turquoise gemstone jewelry would be a perfect bridal choice for a less formal wedding - such as one held outdoor at a beach. And, of course, turquoise is a Native American favorite.
