Blue Star Sapphire With Palladium Setting Ring Ladies SZ 6

This is a 1930's fashion ring created of Palladium. During the latter part of the 30's and mid 40's, aluminum, copper, gold, lead, nickel, platinum, silver, steel, tin and zinc were requested by the U.S. Government for the War Effort to make everything from ammunitions to tanks. Scrap drives were held all across the US where patriotic Americans could donate household items and even children gave up their metal toys. Surprisingly, Palladium was not requested. Palladium is actually a pure element, making it 100% viable for jewelry. Platinum is 95% and 5% Palladium. Palladium is FIFTEEN TIMES more rare than Platinum. The Sapphire in the ring is quite elegant and is commonly called a "sugar loaf" when a gem is cut high to get the most of its glory. In this case, a phenomenon known as "asterism" is what makes the 6 point star when one direct light hits it. This is caused by needle-like rutile inclusions that reflect light that project the star. Other inclusions such as color banding, zoning and natural breaks are what makes the asterism effect possible. These features may sound unique, but are essential. They act as mirrors to reflect off one another and also reveal the ultimate color of the Sapphire. This Sapphire is an opaque sky blue with grey overtones. It has always reminded me of a beautiful day when storm clouds roll in. The Sapphire is a vertical set oval 9mm high x 11mm wide set with 4 claw prongs with standing gallery work encompassing the entire underside. Box included