Sapphire Blue Crystal
November 1st, 2010
Understanding Natural Sapphire
The term natural means, of course, “from nature.” A sapphire which is not ”from nature” is one that is man-made, such as the sapphires that can be produced in a laboratory using a method known as flame fushion. These synthetic sapphires are real sapphires — they are composed of crystals of aluminum oxide just like natural sapphire — but they are certainly not natural sapphires.
However, often the term natural sapphire is used in contrast not with synthetic sapphire, but with sapphires that have been treated in some way. This is where the use of the term natural can become confusing. This is because a sapphire that has been heated to improve the color and clarity, for example, is nonetheless a sapphire that was mined from the earth — in short, a natural sapphire.
Perhaps the purists who resist calling the heated sapphire “natural” want to reserve the term “natural” for sapphires that are “fully natural” or not improved by human intervention. But if that is so, we would have to exclude all the cut and polished sapphires which have improved by the art of gem cutting. The lapidary art brings out the color and luster of the natural mineral.
If the term natural sapphire has to be reserved for only the rough stone dug from the earth, then it is not in fact a very useful term in the gem and jewelry business. Most consumer are not interested in wearing an unpolished clump of aluminum oxide.
We should recognize that the term natural can distract from many other considerations that are important in judging a fine sapphire. In point of fact, all sapphires come out of the ground unheated. Unfortunately about 99% of these natural sapphires are ugly and unsuitable as gemstones, due to poor color, lack of transparency, large inclusions, fractures, and so on.
Sapphire treatments are designed to increase the meager yield of gem-quality natural sapphire from the mine. High temperature heating can improve the color and clarity of many sapphires. It is sometimes noted that this heating process is similar to a process that can take place in nature. Other treatments, such as lattice diffusion, involve heating sapphire with a light element such as beryllium. While pemanent and stable, this is a more invasive treatment.
Untreated sapphires with top color and clarity are of course more valuable than treated sapphires of equivalent quality. The problem is that the number of high quality untreated stones is so small. Treatments that can improve the color or clarity of gem quality natural material will always be used, and they will be used more frequently as the rare natural material becomes even rarer.
About the Author
AJS Gems, Bangkok is a leading online dealer in fine gemstones, including Burma ruby, sapphire, spinel, tourmaline and zircon. Sapphire Colors
Blue ~ Let’s Play A…
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Blue stone Sapphire silver Crystal Pendant and necklace @@624 $0.10 |
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Size 7 Oblong Shape Blue Zircon Sapphire Cocktail Ring 18K WGP Swarovski Crystal $5.99 |
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Glass Crystal Loose Beads Faceted Marquis 7x15mm Sapphire Blue 20pcs c1920 $5.99 |
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SAPPHIRE Blue Swarovski 8mm Bicone Bead 6/pkg SC345h $7.44 |
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Crystal Mini Leverback Earrings~Lt SAPPHIRE BLUE-CLEAR AURORA, Silver-plated $0.99 |
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Crystal Mini Leverback Earrings~SAPPHIRE BLUE-CLEAR AB, Gold-plated $0.99 |
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AB Sapphire Blue Crystal Wrest Flower Bracelet G1928 $6.83 |
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AB White Sapphire Blue Crystal Teardrop Bracelet G3328 $2.99 |
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AB Sapphire Blue Crystal Beads Stretch Bracelet G1664 $2.99 |
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New Blue Crown Earrings/Czech Crystal Cubic/sapphire $13.98 |
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UNHEATED 504.10ct 601pcs NATURAL BLUE SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL ROUGH $360.00 |
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UNHEATED 507.05ct 541pcs NATURAL BLUE SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL ROUGH $360.00 |
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SEPTEMBER BIRTHSTONE SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL CHARM – SAPPHIRE BLUE $9.71 |
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Studs Swarovski Crystal Round Light Sapphire Blue SML $5.83 |
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Exquisite blue crystal link gem Necklace ★★278 $0.10 |
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L’OREAL QUAD PRO BLUE EYES EYESHADOW -337 SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL $8.61 |
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Sapphire blue crystal evening necklace set bridesmaid mother of the bride prom $31.99 |
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White Sapphire Blue Crystal Finger Ring size 6 MC1616 $5.80 |
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Mother of the bride sapphire blue crystal evening rhinestone necklace set bride $34.99 |
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Luxury 3.2ct Round Blue Sapphire Women Silver Ring CZ Crystal Size 7 New $0.99 |
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SAPPHIRE SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL DISCO BALL AUTHENTIC 925 SILVER STUD EARRINGS 10MM $6.98 |
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4x6mm AB Sapphire Blue Crystal Weave Web Bracelet G3147 $3.99 |
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Sapphire Blue Crystal Dragonfly Pendant Bead MC1681 $5.80 |
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3mm Fire Polished Czech Crystal Sapphire Ice 100 Each $3.95 |
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Genuine Swarovski Elements Blue Sapphire Crystal Stud Earrings 13mm + Gift Bag $7.84 |
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4~10x14mm AB White Sapphire Blue Crystal Necklace Bracelet Earrings Set G3852 $5.99 |
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Silver blue zircon sapphire crystal Ring size:6.7.8.9 RS198 $0.10 |
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VINTAGE SAPPHIRE BLUE CRYSTAL FUNKY FOX BROOCH MINT $2.98 |
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AB Sapphire Blue Crystal Luck Space Bar Bracelet G3274 $5.70 |
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1X SAPPHIRE BLUE SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL 925 SILVER EUROPEAN CHARM BEAD FIT BRACELETS $5.50 |
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Silver-tone Sapphire Blue Crystal Moon Star Sm Hoop Earrings $2.99 |
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Women’s Elegant Blue Sapphire Crystal Size 6 Cocktail Ring Gift $0.99 |
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AB Sapphire Blue Crystal Beads S Shape Necklace G1566 $3.99 |
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12x45mm AB Sapphire Blue Crystal Cucurbit Beads Earrings C1816 $0.99 |
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AUTH Nagara Sapphire Blue Crystal & Enamel 925 Silver European Charms Bead-dbds $8.04 |
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Sapphire Blue Crystal Gold Spacer Bracelet FG0145 $0.99 |
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144 Sapphire Blue ss20 Iron on 5mm glass Crystal Flatback Hotfix Rhinestone 20ss $1.77 |
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AB Sapphire Blue Crystal Cover Necklace 17″ FG2608 $3.86 |
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Pear dangle Drop blue sapphire cz studs earrings crystal-white gold pt cocktail $6.99 |
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Natural Sapphire&Swarovski Crystal 14k White Gold Ring GP $0.99 |
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Sapphire Blue Crystal Ring Adjust Size 7-10 C1075 $1.33 |
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Round Blue Sapphire 4-Stone Crystal Women Silver Ring Size 8 $0.99 |
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Sapphire Blue Crystal LADYBUG 925 Sterling Silver European Charms Bead-zbbs $8.40 |
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Natural Sapphire&Swarovski Crystal 14k White Gold Ring GP $0.99 |
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AUTH Nagara Sapphire Blue Crystal 925 Sterling Silver European Charm Bead-zbbb $6.99 |
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Natural Sapphire&Swarovski Crystal 14k White Gold Ring GP $0.99 |
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7 1/2″ Lt Sapphire Swarovski & Blue Czech Bead Bracelet $11.20 |
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Adjustable Light Sapphire Swarovski Crystal Blue Butterfly Ring $6.99 |
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Luxury 3.2ct Round Blue Sapphire Women Silver Ring CZ Crystal Size 8 New $0.99 |
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Popular 18k white gold filled round light sapphire crystal women stud earring $0.99 |
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AUTH Nagara Sapphire Blue Crystal 925 Sterling Silver Charms Bead-dbgc $15.19 |
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Sapphire Blue Crystal Three Flower Beads Necklace H0088 $3.99 |
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Swarovski 4mm 16ss Hotfix Crystal Rhinestone 144pc Flat $12.99 |
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Swarovski 4mm 16ss Hotfix Crystal Rhinestone 144pc Flat $12.99 |
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AB Sapphire Blue Crystal Cat’s Eye Beads Bracelet G1495 $6.99 |
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Sapphire Blue Crystal Cucurbit Necklace 18″ FG2319 $6.58 |
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14K YELLOW GOLD Electroplated Simulated BLUE SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL HUMMINGBIRD Brooch $36.00 |
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Stunning Fashion jewelry blue sapphire Turtle Pendant Necklace $0.01 |
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Sapphire Blue Crystal Beads Stretch Bracelet G1685 $4.50 |
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3.2ct Round Blue Sapphire Lady Silver Ring CZ Crystal Size 8 $0.99 |
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eLuna Oval Blue Sapphire Band Ring Size 6 Clear Crystal Embed $0.99 |
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Blue Shape Crystal Blue Sapphire Jewelry Fashion Clip On Charms For Bracelet $2.98 |
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SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL ELEMENTS Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings SAPPHIRE BLUE $16.95 |
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SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL ELEMENTS Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings SAPPHIRE BLUE $14.95 |
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SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL ELEMENTS Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings SAPPHIRE BLUE $13.95 |
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SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL ELEMENTS Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings SAPPHIRE BLUE $13.95 |
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AB Sapphire Blue Crystal White Space Bracelet G1101 $1.29 |
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3.2ct Round Blue Sapphire Lady Silver Ring CZ Crystal Size 7 $0.99 |
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Natural Sapphire&Swarovski Crystal 14k White Gold Ring GP $0.99 |
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AB Sapphire Blue Crystal Clubs Necklace Bracelet Earrings Set FG3894 $6.96 |
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Sapphire Blue Crystal Silver European Charms Bead-nbdb $13.60 |
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AB Sapphire Blue Pink Crystal Bracelet 7″ FG2680 $3.30 |
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Natural Sapphire&Swarovski Crystal 14k White Gold Ring GP $0.99 |
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2X Sapphire Rhinestone Crystal Pave Disco Ball Spacer Bracelets Beads 10mm -D5 $1.28 |
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Sapphire Faux Crystals & Hematite Beads Drop Cluster Cocktail Ring, Adjustable $5.94 |
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Natural Sapphire&Swarovski Crystal 14k White Gold Ring GP $0.99 |
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SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL 5000 LIGHT SAPPHIRE Beads 8MM 5PCS $2.50 |
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1.6x12m 14ga PINK CRYSTAL JEWELLED EYEBROW BCR BALL CAPTIVE RING COLOUR OPTIONS $3.13 |
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Swarovski Crystal Necklace Sapphire Blue and Clear crystals $17.00 |
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blue sapphire crystal round circle studs earrings-white gold pt ball rim hip hop $2.99 |
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Luxury 3.2ct Round Blue Sapphire Women Silver Ring CZ Crystal Size 6 New $0.99 |
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Natural Sapphire&Swarovski Crystal 14k White Gold Ring GP $0.99 |
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70PCS Sapphire Blue Imitate Swarovski Crystal Loose Beads 8mm+AB05 $3.69 |
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Statement Emerald Green Sapphire Blue Crystal Rhinestone Fashion Bracelet Bangle $2.99 |
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50PCS AAA+++ Rhinestones Sapphire Rondelle Spacer Beads 6mm Silver Crystal #ZQ6B $3.25 |
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Natural Sapphire&Swarovski Crystal 14k White Gold Ring GP $0.99 |
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50PCS AAA+++ Rhinestones Sapphire Rondelle Spacer Beads 8mm Silver Crystal #ZQ8B $1.25 |
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18k white gold filled swarovski crystal blue sapphire gemstone pear stud earring $0.99 |
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Brand New Sterling Silver Kera™ Brand Blue Sapphire-colored Crystals Pave Bead $23.99 |
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FREE SHIP 25 pcs 6 mm 5301# Swarovski crystal beads Sapphire blue $0.99 |
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20mm Swarovski Strass Sapphire Blue Crystal Star Prism Wholesale Feng Shui CCI $4.99 |
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Mens Blue Sapphire Swarovski Crystal Princess Cufflinks $31.99 |
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size 9 ARINNA sapphire blue graceful finger Ring white gold GP Swarovski crystal $7.99 |
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Black Cat Earring Enamel w Blue Swarovski Crystal Hoop $2.95 |
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SAPPHIRE COLOR BLUE RHINESTONE CRYSTAL CARTOON PENDANT NECKLACE Q268 $8.00 |
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Natural Sapphire&Swarovski Crystal 14k White Gold Ring GP $0.99 |
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100X SAPPHIRE BLUE CRYSTAL SILVER SPACER LOOSE BEADS FINDINGS WHOLESALE 10MM $7.99 |
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144 Swarovski Crystal Oval Rhinestones 10×8 Sapphire 4130/2 DRAMATIC BLUE LOOK!! $9.99 |
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NWT Mariell Royal Blue and Sapphire Crystal Prom, Bridesmaid Wedding Earrings $42.74 |
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Olivia Riegel Silver Jewish MENORAH with Sapphire Blue Crystals NEW IN BOX! $65.00 |
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Sapphire Blue Ferido Crystal Dangle Cartilage Earring $11.99 Sapphire Blue Ferido Crystal Dangle Cartilage Earring Sparkle from every angle with this ferido pave crystal cartilage earring. Fashionable dangle cartilage earring with colorful crystal. Specifications: 16 Gauge (1.2mm), 1/4″ (6mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 3mm Ball |
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Mini Blue Sapphire and Crystal Rosary $79.99 Mini sappharie blue swarovski crystals with clear swarovski crystal Rosary The rosary is made of quality material including swarovski crystals which are 4mm and sterling silver. They are unique and so beautiful, they make very special keepsakes. Their small size (11″”) makes them perfect gifts for Christenings, First Communions, and/or pocket rosaries. They can be personalized up to 10 characters with sterling silver lettering. The rosary will be shipped in a 3″” X 3″” silver gift box. |
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Sterling Silver Sapphire Blue Crystal Jewel Cross Belly Ring $4.99 Sterling Silver Sapphire Blue Crystal Jewel Cross Belly Ring Sapphire is a saturated shade of blue. In modern usage, “sapphire”‘ refers to a deep vibrant blue; however, early eighteenth century colors called “sapphire” were a very light pale blue, probably closer to periwinkle. Religious jewelry can be stylized to your personality and shows your faith. 14 gauge surgical steel belly ring fashioned with a sterling silver charm. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 3/8″ (10 mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel Barbell, .925 Sterling Silver, Austrian Crystal, 5mm Top Ball |
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Sapphire Crystal Clock $79.99 This clocks architectural lines characterize the look, while the midnight blue semicircle contrasts with the clear optic crystal for a feeling of night and day. Presentation/Gift box included. |
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Sapphire Blue CRYSTAL TIFFANY BALL Belly Ring $13.99 Sapphire Blue CRYSTAL TIFFANY BALL Belly Ring This Tiffany Style Belly Ring is Glittering with Gems. Create a high end fashion look at the fraction of the cost with this glamorous belly ring. Jeweled Body Jewelry Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, 5mm Ball Belly Button Navel Ring Body Jewelry. |
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Handcrafted Sapphire Blue Austrian Crystal Inspire Necklace MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS $13.99 Handcrafted Sapphire Blue Austrian Crystal Inspire Necklace MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Be stunning with this gorgeous SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS necklace crafted with an 18 inch stainless steel chain. Artisan handmade jewelry. Specifications: Approximately 18 Inch Stainless Steel Chain, MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Handmade in the USA Artisan Handcrafted Jewelry |
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Handcrafted Sapphire Blue Austrian Crystal Inspire Earrings MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS $14.99 Handcrafted Sapphire Blue Austrian Crystal Inspire Earrings MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Create an elegant focal point with these beautiful SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS earrings. Artisan handmade jewelry. Specifications: Approximately 1.25″ Length, .925 Sterling Silver Earwires, MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Handmade in the USA Artisan Handcrafted Jewelry |
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ZAGGskins (Virgo Sapphire Blue ) $19.99 ZAGGskins (Virgo Sapphire Blue ) |
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ZAGGskins (Libra Sapphire Blue) $19.99 ZAGGskins (Libra Sapphire Blue) |
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Sapphire Blue Crystal ETERNITY JEWELED Nipple Shield 1 $11.99 Sapphire Blue Crystal ETERNITY JEWELED Nipple Shield 1″ Nipple Shield Body Jewelry This Dazzling Nipple Ring is decorated with two alternating colored gems. Jeweled Nipple Ring. (Item sold individually) Specifications : 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 1″ (25mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Shield: .5″ (h) x .75″ (w), Diameter Opening 17.4mm (Items are sold inidividually, please order a quantity of (2) two for a pair) Nipple ring, Nipple shield body jewelry |
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Blue Sapphire/White Sapphire Ring $140 Created Blue Sapphire/White Sapphire Ring. Set in Sterling Silver. |
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Blue Sapphire/White Sapphire Earrings $140 Created Blue Sapphire/White Sapphire Earrings. Set in Sterling Silver. |
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Blue Sapphire/White Sapphire Pendant $140 Created Blue Sapphire/White Sapphire Pendant. Set in Sterling Silver. |
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Sapphire Crystal Flower Earrings $88 These sapphire crystal flower earrings are a sophisticated and gorgeous piece. The flower features three petals, showcasing a small sapphire stone in the center. |
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Sapphire Blue (Blue) Crepe Paper (1 roll) $1.2 Sapphire Blue (Blue) Crepe Paper |
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Blue Sapphire and Diamond Fashion Ring $2449 Blue Sapphire and Diamond Fashion Ring |
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Created Blue Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet $349 Created Blue Sapphire and diamond bracelet. |
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Swarovski Light Sapphire Sweet Dreams $54.99 “Give the perfect gift with the Swarovski Crystal Light Sapphire Sweet Dreams. The Swarovski Crystal Light Sapphire Sweet Dreams measures 16 1/2 inches. Ornament with elephant and pacifier in Light Sapphire crystal. Elephant eyes in clear crystal. Light blue ribbons with silver coloured metal ring and studs. Swarovski fine crystal ornaments continue to dazzle collectors, as they have for generations. Crafted with precision and an attention to detail you’ll find nowhere else, Swarovski lead crystal and silver crystal ornaments by Swarovski crystal shimmer with a beauty and elegance that will last a lifetime. Since its founding in 19th Century Austria, Swarovski crystal has been renowned the world over as the finest silver crystal in the world. Swarovski silver crystal products show a remarkable craftsmanship and quality, demonstrating the finest that Austrian Crystal has to offer. See for yourself why Swarovsky crystal figurines, ornaments and collectibles have been dazzling collectors for generations.” |
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Sapphire Blue (Blue) Crepe Streamer – 81′ $1.2 Sapphire Blue (Blue) Crepe Streamer – 81′ |
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Pomarico Crystal Bb Clarinet Mouthpieces Sapphire Mellow $104.99 Pomarico Crystal Bb Clarinet Mouthpieces Sapphire Mellow |
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Pomarico Crystal Bb Clarinet Mouthpieces Sapphire Bright $104.99 Pomarico Crystal Bb Clarinet Mouthpieces Sapphire Bright |
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Ursa Sapphire Crystal Polished Chrome Double Hook $150 Ursa Sapphire Crystal Polished Chrome Double Hook |
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Sapphire Blue Gem EMINENT HEART Belly Ring $11.99 Sapphire Blue Gem EMINENT HEART Belly Ring Lovely Heart Belly Ring with an elegant flair. The Heart center gem on this navel ring is encrusted with dazzling crystal gems. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16″ Length (11 mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Prong-set Gem, 5mm top ball Belly Button Navel Ring Body Jewelry |