Sapphire is one of the two gem-varieties of corundum, the other being ruby. Although blue is the best-known sapphire color, they occur in many colors, including purple as shown here in these earrings. A pinkish orange variety of sapphire is called padparadscha. Sapphire, being 9 on the Moh’s hardness scale is a perfect gem for engagement rings and other wedding jewelry.
