September Birthstone: Sapphire
Sapphire is the birthstone for September and one of the most coveted gemstones in the world. While blue is the colour most associated with sapphire, this remarkable stone occurs in virtually every colour of the rainbow, each with its own unique appeal.
Quick Facts
Colour
Blue (and every other colour)
Hardness
9 Mohs
Symbolism
Truth, loyalty, and nobility
What is Sapphire?
Sapphire is the name given to all gem-quality corundum that is not red (red corundum is ruby). The classic blue colour is caused by trace amounts of iron and titanium. Sapphires come in pink, yellow, orange, green, purple, and the rare padparadscha, a salmon-pink variety from Sri Lanka. Lab-grown sapphires are available and share all the properties of natural stones. With a hardness of 9, sapphire is second only to diamond in durability.
Properties
Colour
Blue sapphires range from pale to deep vivid blue. The most prized is a rich "cornflower" or "royal" blue. Fancy sapphires include pink, yellow, padparadscha (pinkish-orange), green, and white (colourless).
Hardness
9 on the Mohs scale, making sapphire extremely durable and ideal for engagement rings and everyday jewellery. Only diamond is harder.
Origins
Kashmir (India) produces the most legendary sapphires, though deposits are largely exhausted. Major sources today include Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Madagascar, Australia, and Montana (USA). Lab-grown sapphires are produced worldwide.
Lustre
Vitreous lustre with excellent brilliance. Some sapphires display asterism, a star-shaped light pattern visible in cabochon-cut stones.
History
Sapphire has been associated with royalty and divinity since ancient times. The ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire, and its reflection coloured the sky. In medieval Europe, clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolise heaven, and the stones were believed to attract divine blessings. The most famous sapphire in modern history is the 12-carat oval blue sapphire in the engagement ring given to Princess Diana and now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Meaning & Symbolism
Sapphire symbolises truth, loyalty, and nobility. It has traditionally represented faithfulness and sincerity, making it one of the most popular engagement ring stones after diamond. Blue sapphire is associated with wisdom and mental clarity. In many cultures, sapphire is believed to protect the wearer from envy and harm, and to attract blessings of good fortune.
How to Care for Sapphire
Sapphire's exceptional hardness makes it one of the easiest gemstones to care for. Clean with warm soapy water, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners. Sapphires with fracture filling should be treated more gently. Store sapphire jewellery away from softer gemstones, as sapphire can scratch them. Sapphire is one of the best gemstones for engagement rings and daily wear.
Sapphire Jewellery Ideas
Blue sapphire engagement rings have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, inspired by the Princess Diana ring. A sapphire with diamond accents in white gold or platinum is a classic, regal combination. Pink sapphires offer a romantic alternative and pair beautifully with rose gold. Sapphire eternity bands and tennis bracelets are stunning for milestone anniversaries. Lab-grown sapphires provide the same hardness and colour at a more accessible price.
Shop Sapphire Jewellery
Looking for jewellery featuring sapphire or similar stones? Explore our handcrafted collections designed with ethically sourced stones.