Yellow sapphires belong to a group of colorful gemstones known as corundums, which is a crystallized form of aluminum oxide. Like other colors of fancy sapphires, the yellow is rather rare, and until recently, most of these more unusual colors were not well known among most people. Yellow occurs when a trace of iron is added to the aluminum oxide.
Sapphires are very hard stones, registering a 9 on the Mohs scale, and second only to the diamond in hardness. This makes the yellow sapphire not only a unique stone, but a very durable stone that can take everyday wear and retain its brilliance. As yellow sapphires increase in popularity, it is easier to find them in rings, pendants and earrings.
The yellow sapphire can be found in sapphire mines in Tanzania, Sri Lanka and Madagascar. While top quality sapphires of all colors are rare, synthetic sapphires are made in the lab all the time. Synthetic sapphires contain all the properties of real sapphires; they were just created in a laboratory instead of in the earth over the course of millions of years. Yellow synthetic sapphires sparkle just as brilliantly as those mined from the earth and they'll be a little more affordable than the real stones.
Like other gemstones, price will depend on size, color and clarity of the stone. The skill of the gem cutter comes into play as well. A well cut stone will catch the light even in an artificially lit room. A naturally colored stone will also cost more than one that has been heat-treated to intensify the color or has been made synthetically.
Those who ascribe special meanings to gemstones say that yellow sapphires bring people together, generating feelings of warmth and friendliness. It is thought to alleviate depression, aid concentration and other mental skills and to bring financial success. Healing qualities for the yellow sapphire are said to be related to the respiratory tract and the liver. There is some traditional lore that says a yellow sapphire should only be worn on the first finger of the right hand, although most people don't bother to follow this advice.
Many people find the sunny color of this gemstone lends an air of elegance to jewelry. It doesn't matter if it is mounted in gold or silver... the regal sight of a yellow gem makes one think of royalty. Yellow sapphires are no different. Yellow sapphire rings especially catch the eye as they sparkle with each movement of the hand. If you're looking for a very special, unique engagement ring, a yellow sapphire may be the perfect choice. It is a stone that you don't see very often, and should garner compliments everywhere you go.