• .89ct yellow emerald cut Sapphire
• Measures 6.72 x 4.54 x 3.07mm
• Purchased from Hassan in Tanzania
• Cut by artisanal cutters in Chiang Mai, Thailand

We love sapphires for their versatility, durability (they have a Mohs Hardness rating of 9) and because they come in myriad colors and color combinations. In fact, sapphires are “allochromatic” meaning they come in every color of the rainbow (red ones are called Rubies)! Our Tanzanian Umba Valley sapphires often have a unique characteristic called “epigenetic staining” or orange inclusions that are a direct result of the glorious iron-rich earth they can be found in. It’s like a “birthmark” they carry and we think it makes them even more special.

The second most popular color after blue, brilliant yellow sapphires are often compared to yellow diamonds. Yellow sapphires are associated with peace and prosperity, and they are a “fancy sapphire” color. 

Sapphire is the birthstone for September.

Gems from the heart

Moyo means 'heart' in Kiswahili. Our new project expands our Moyo Gems cutting from one person in the US, Beth Stier, to a group of five independent artisanal cutters in Chiang Mai, Thailand. These gems are beautifully precision cut by Gao and Khal (husband + wife) along with Lek, Yod, and Albert. Gao does all the dopping and polishing and Albert cuts the majority of the melee-sized gems. This kind of cutting efficiency can allow us to purchase more of the smaller East African rough gems, which brings fully traceable gemstone melee to the market AND provides a valuable outlet for the gem miners in East Africa: win/win!

A Moyo gem gives back a higher percentage of the sale than an ANZA gem, and this amount is re-invested into the Moyo Gems program to help run market days and support local community needs.

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