IOLITE AND BLUE SAPPHIRE EARRINGS

These 58 x 26 mm hoop earrings in rhodium-plated 925 sterling silver are crafted with hand-faceted iolite and blue sapphire stones, harmoniously combined in this piece. A circular design was chosen, with the stones set at the top and bottom, complemented by cubic zirconia in the spaces between them. The varying cuts of the stones and the prong setting make this a delicate and elegant hoop.

Sapphire: The elements that give it color are iron and titanium in blue sapphire, and vanadium in violet. Iron determines the yellow and green tones, chromium the pink color, and inclusions of rutile needles produce a silky luster. In ancient European and Indian cultures, it was considered the stone of Saturn, representing the sky, the world of angels, magic, loyalty, and friendship. In antiquity, and even into the Middle Ages, the term sapphire was generally understood to refer to what is now called lapis lazuli. Origin: Sri Lanka. Properties: It provides uprightness, instills good sense, sound judgment, and the ability to structure thoughts. Known as the stone of wisdom. Sign: Pisces

Iolite: You may occasionally hear this gem called "water sapphire," but this terminology is prohibited and should not be used to describe iolite. Legend says that Vikings used this stone as a polarizing filter; that is, they used sheets of this mineral to determine the sun's position on cloudy days and thus navigate safely home. Origin: Brazil. Properties: Provides self-confidence. Zodiac sign: Pisces