September Birthstone: Sapphire

Sapphire and Diamond Ring

Oh to have been born during the month of September for no other reason than to be able to claim the brilliant blue sapphire as a birthstone! These rich stones actually come in every color in the rainbow – from violet to yellow, and everything color in between. Blue sapphires are the most well known and the traditional color of the September birthstone. These can range from lighter Cornflower shades to earthy blue-greens and look fabulous when surrounded by platinum, white, yellow gold or rose gold.

Montana Sapphire set in rose gold

Sapphires have a wide and rich history. These gemstones were discovered on the Greek island of Sappherine and also in what is now present day Iran. During the Middle Ages sapphires were believed to help keep the wearer pure and priests wore them as protection against impure thoughts and worldly temptations. Crusaders made their wives wear them while they were away in battle so they would remain faithful. Lore had it that if the stone was worn by an adulteress, the color would darken.

Since medieval times, sapphires were associated with the heavens and were therefore worn by many clergy. Kings and Queens wore this stone in hopes of attracting wealth and protection. The blue color of a sapphire also has a rich history. In Christianity, the color blue is used to depict the most notable people. As such, Mary is usually seen wearing a blue robe. The reason the color blue was reserved for only the most significant people was because the dye blue was the most expensive to obtain out of all the colors.

The British Crown Jewels housed in the Tower of London has one of the world’s most famous stones, the St. Edward’s Sapphire. Given to Edward the Confessor back in 1042, he worn it as a ring during his coronation and then in the early 1800’s the stone was set on the Imperial State Crown worn by Queen Victoria during her reign.

Blue Sapphire Twig Earrings

Sapphires are mined all across the world, from Sri Lanka, India, China, Brazil and even here in the United States. Montana sapphires, first discovered in the late 1800's by a gold miners, are the most well known US mined sapphires. However, a huge 9,700 carat stone was discovered in the North Carolina mountains in 1989.

Extremely durable, gorgeous in color and sensational in every setting, a sapphire is the perfect stone no matter when you celebrate your birthday!


 

Gifting Sapphire: Sapphire is always a perfect choice for a September baby, but it is also the customary 45th wedding anniversary.

Sapphire Care: Sapphire are classified with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them a very sturdy stone and great for everyday wear. Caring for the gem is easy. Use warm water, mild dish soap and a toothbrush to scrub behind the birthstone where dirt can collect. Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning are usually safe options as long as it is not a dyed or fracture-filled gem.

Browse Sapphire jewelry on MAKE MADE.