September Birthstone: Sapphire
0 commentsSapphires, with their captivating color reminiscent of the sky and sea, are more than just beautiful blue gems. Not only are they the birthstone for those born in September, but they are also a symbol of a rich legacy spanning millennia. They are intertwined with myths, legends, and royalty.
Whether you’re celebrating a September birthday, looking for 45th anniversary gifts, or simply drawn to their mesmerizing hues, sapphires offer a timeless elegance that few gems can match.
What Is the Birthstone for September?
The traditional and modern birthstone for September is the sapphire, which is a type of the mineral corundum. This prestigious gem has held this designation since 1912, when the National Association of Jewelers standardized the modern birthstone list. The name “sapphire” comes from the Latin “sapphirus” and the Greek “sappheiros,” meaning “blue stone.”
While sapphires are most popular in deep blue, they actually come in a variety of colors, except red (red corundum is classified as a ruby).
What makes sapphire particularly special as a birthstone is its remarkable durability. With a rating of 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamonds, sapphire jewelry can withstand daily wear. This makes it an excellent choice for rings, bracelets, and other frequently worn pieces.
Why Sapphire for September?
The connection between sapphires and the month of September is both historical and symbolic. In ancient traditions, birthstones were believed to harness celestial powers during their respective months and offer protection and enhanced abilities to those who wore them.
For those born in September, sapphire represents:
- Wisdom and clarity of thought
- Loyalty and faithfulness in relationships
- Nobility and sincerity of purpose
- Divine protection and connection to spiritual realms
This symbolism makes sapphires not just beautiful adornments, but meaningful gifts that carry deep significance for those born in September.
History and Lore of the September Birthstone
For thousands of years, sapphires have been cherished for their captivating color and powerful symbolism. The ancient Greeks believed that wearing a sapphire would bring guidance from the oracle. Buddhists thought that it brought spiritual enlightenment, and Hindus used it in worship rituals.
The Old Testament describes sapphires as originating from God’s throne. Medieval tradition holds that the stones would pale to warn of approaching danger.
This rich mythology intertwines seamlessly with the stone’s enduring royal legacy, earning it the title “gem of kings.” The British Crown Jewels feature legendary sapphires, such as St. Edward’s Sapphire, which was worn by Edward the Confessor in 1042, and the Stuart Sapphire, which was passed through numerous monarchs. The modern royal connection was solidified when Prince Charles gave Lady Diana an iconic 12-carat blue sapphire engagement ring in 1981. Now worn by Princess Catherine, it continues to influence jewelry trends worldwide.
September Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
While its beauty is immediately apparent, the deeper meanings behind this gemstone explain why it is such a popular choice for people born in September.
Wisdom & Mental Clarity
Across cultures, sapphires have been regarded as stones of wisdom. They are believed to enhance mental acuity and promote clear thinking. This makes them particularly meaningful for students, scholars, and anyone seeking greater focus and understanding.
Loyalty, Faith & Truth
Sapphires’ enduring hardness and resistance to scratching have long been associated with loyalty and steadfastness. In romantic contexts, sapphires represent fidelity and sincerity, making them a popular choice for engagement rings.
Protection & Good Fortune
Historically, people wore sapphires as protective talismans against physical harm and negative energies. This protective quality extended beyond physical safety to include spiritual protection and emotional security.
Emotional Balance & Inner Peace
The tranquil hues of sapphires, particularly blue ones, are said to promote emotional balance, reduce anxiety, and bring a sense of peace. In modern wellness circles, sapphires are sometimes associated with the throat chakra, which enhances honest communication.
Color Symbolism
The various hues of sapphire carry distinct symbolic meanings:
- Blue Sapphires: Represent truth, faithfulness, and consistency in relationships.
- Pink Sapphires: Symbolize love, compassion, and emotional healing.
- Yellow Sapphires: They are associated with prosperity, success, and personal power.
- White Sapphires: Represent spiritual clarity and new beginnings.
- Padparadscha: The rare orange-pink variety is said to symbolize joy, creativity, and unique individuality.
September Birthstone Color
The most sought-after sapphire colors are described as “velvety,” “cornflower blue,” or “royal blue.” This color is vibrant, reflecting light perfectly. Historically, sapphires from the Kashmir region were famous for their unique velvety blue hue and commanded high prices due to their rarity.
Beyond classic blue, the sapphire family includes “fancy sapphires” in various colors, such as pink, green, yellow, and the extremely rare pink-orange Padparadscha. These different colors offer consumers a wider range of choices, catering to their desire for personalization and uniqueness.
September Birthstone Origin
Sapphires are found in several regions worldwide, each with its own distinctive characteristics.
Kashmir, India: It is famous for its velvety “cornflower” blue sapphires, which are extremely rare today.
- Myanmar (Burma): Known for rich, intense blues.
- Sri Lanka: Produces a wide range of colors, including padparadscha.
- Madagascar, Australia, and Montana (USA): Modern sources with diverse color offerings.
September Birthstone: Durability & Everyday Wear
With a Mohs hardness rating of 9, sapphires are among the most durable gemstones. They resist scratches and are ideal for rings, bracelets, and other pieces worn daily. This makes them perfect for engagement rings or heirloom jewelry that can be passed down for generations.
September Birthstone Care and Maintenance
Though durable, sapphires still require proper care.
- Clean them with mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes.
- Store them separately to prevent scratching other jewelry.
- Have your sapphire jewelry professionally checked and cleaned periodically.
Sapphire: More Than Just a Birthstone
Although sapphires are traditionally the birthstone for September, they also make meaningful gifts for other occasions.
- 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries
- Engagements and weddings
- Significant achievements and milestones
- As talismans for protection and good fortune
How to Choose Your Perfect Sapphire Ring
To understand the value of a sapphire, you must grasp the “4 Cs” principle: Color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
- Color: The most significant factor in determining value. The most prized hues are medium-to-vivid “cornflower blue” or “royal blue.”
- Clarity: The ideal standard is a stone with no inclusions visible to the naked eye. However, certain inclusions, like “silk,” can give the gem a velvety texture or a star effect, which increases its value.
- Cut: A good cut maximizes a sapphire’s brilliance and color. A good cut ensures that light reflects evenly, avoiding “windowing” or “extinction.” Common shapes include oval, pear, and round. The choice of shape depends on the rough stone’s shape and color distribution.
- Carat Weight: The larger the stone, the rarer and more expensive it is. However, quality is more important. A high-quality small sapphire may be more valuable than a low-quality large one. Note that sapphires are denser than diamonds, so a sapphire of the same carat weight will appear smaller.
Conclusion: Sapphire Birthstone
As the birthstone for September, the sapphire’s value extends well beyond its physical attributes. It carries the weight of history, the glory of royalty, and the romance of myth. For the discerning consumer, purchasing a sapphire is an educational journey into its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. It is also an emotional experience that connects ancient legends with a personal story.
Discover our perfect sapphire piece that speaks to your story and style, where tradition meets contemporary excellence in gemstone jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, September’s primary birthstone is sapphire. Lapis lazuli is also sometimes recognized as an alternative birthstone.
The traditional color is blue, representing sapphire. However, sapphires also come in pink, yellow, green, and other colors.
September is associated with wisdom, loyalty, nobility, and divine protection, all of which are embodied by the sapphire birthstone.
Sapphire is considered the lucky stone for those born in September, believed to bring protection, clarity, and good fortune.
