Sapphire: September’s Brilliant Birthstone of History and Beauty

When people think of September, the rich, velvety blue of sapphire immediately comes to mind. Known as the birthstone for this month, sapphire has captivated civilizations for thousands of years. Its enduring symbolism, remarkable durability, and regal associations make it a gemstone that continues to inspire awe. Whether you’re shopping for a September birthday, a milestone anniversary, or simply exploring the world of gemstones, sapphire offers a fascinating story.

What is Sapphire?

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, the same family as ruby. While rubies are always red, sapphires can be found in nearly every color of the rainbow—except red. The deep blue variety is the most iconic, but sapphires can also be yellow, pink, purple, green, or colorless. A particularly rare and prized type is the padparadscha sapphire, a delicate blend of pink and orange that resembles the colors of a lotus blossom at sunset.

With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is second only to diamond in durability, making it an excellent choice for everyday jewelry like engagement rings, pendants, and bracelets.

Natural vs. Lab-Created Sapphire

Sapphires can form in two different ways: naturally in the Earth or in a laboratory under controlled conditions. Both are real sapphires because they share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties. The difference lies in their origin:

• Natural Sapphires: Formed deep within the Earth over millions of years. They often feature inclusions (tiny internal markings), which are part of their unique fingerprint and authenticity.

• Lab-Created Sapphires: Produced using advanced technology that recreates the same conditions found in nature. These stones are often clearer and more flawless, since they can be grown without many of the inclusions that occur naturally.

Lab-created sapphires are a wonderful choice for anyone who wants the beauty of sapphire with greater affordability, vibrant color consistency, and fewer imperfections. They also appeal to buyers looking for a more sustainable and ethical option, as they don’t require mining.

Whether natural or lab-created, sapphires are stunning gems that bring timeless beauty to jewelry.

A Gem with a Storied Past

Sapphires are more than beautiful—they are steeped in myth, culture, and history. Here are some of the most fascinating highlights:

• Ancient Persia: People believed the sky’s brilliant blue was caused by the reflection of a massive sapphire on which the Earth rested.

• Medieval Europe: Sapphires were worn by clergy as a symbol of heaven and purity. Royals valued them as protection against envy and harm, believing the gemstone carried divine favor.

• The Middle Ages: It was thought that sapphires could guard their wearers from poison and reveal the truth in matters of loyalty and honesty.

• Modern Royalty: Princess Diana’s engagement ring, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, reignited global fascination with sapphires. This iconic 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds remains one of the most famous jewelry pieces in the world.

Sapphires have always been connected with wisdom, loyalty, and protection, qualities that continue to resonate with jewelry lovers today.

The Meaning and Symbolism of Sapphire

Beyond their beauty, sapphires carry deep symbolic significance:

• Wisdom and Clarity: Many traditions link sapphire to clear thinking, truth, and inner peace.

• Loyalty and Fidelity: This is why sapphire engagement rings are still popular—they represent enduring love.

• Protection: Ancient travelers often wore sapphires as talismans to ward off harm on long journeys.

As the birthstone of September, sapphire is thought to bring serenity to those born in this month. It is also the traditional gemstone for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, making it a meaningful choice for celebrating enduring relationships.

Famous Sapphires Around the World

Part of sapphire’s allure comes from its presence in legendary pieces of jewelry:

• The Star of India: A 563-carat star sapphire housed at the American Museum of Natural History.

• The Logan Sapphire: A 423-carat flawless blue sapphire in the Smithsonian’s collection, surrounded by diamonds.

• The Stuart Sapphire: A historic gem set in the Imperial State Crown of Britain, linking sapphire with centuries of royal tradition.

These famous stones highlight just how treasured sapphires have been across cultures and eras.

Sapphire in Jewelry Today

Sapphire’s timeless appeal has ensured its place in both classic and modern jewelry designs. Thanks to its durability, sapphire is practical for everyday wear and versatile in style. You’ll find sapphires in:

• Engagement Rings: A unique and elegant alternative to diamond solitaires. Lab-created sapphires are especially popular in engagement rings for their striking clarity and affordable brilliance.

• Earrings and Pendants: Perfect for adding a splash of color.

• Statement Jewelry: Bold cocktail rings or necklaces featuring sapphires paired with diamonds or other colored gems.

Designers often play with sapphire’s wide color range, giving collectors and wearers plenty of variety beyond traditional blue.

Where Sapphires Are Found

Today, sapphires are mined in locations across the globe. Each source produces stones with distinct characteristics:

• Kashmir: Known for their velvety, cornflower-blue sapphires, though these are now exceedingly rare.

• Sri Lanka (Ceylon): Produces sapphires of lighter, brighter blue, as well as the prized padparadscha.

• Myanmar (Burma): Renowned for rich, royal blue stones.

• Madagascar and Australia: Important modern sources, producing sapphires in a wide range of colors.

• Montana, USA: Famous for sapphires in unique shades of teal and green-blue.

While natural sapphires from these locations are treasured, lab-created sapphires provide a more accessible way to enjoy flawless, brightly colored stones without the rarity-driven price tag.

How to Care for Sapphire Jewelry

Whether natural or lab-created, sapphires are among the easiest gemstones to care for thanks to their hardness:

• Regular Cleaning: Use warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep sapphires away from bleach or abrasive cleaners.

• Storage: Store sapphire jewelry separately from softer stones (like opal, turquoise, or pearls) to prevent scratches.

• Professional Maintenance: Have your jewelry checked periodically to ensure prongs and settings are secure, especially in rings worn daily.

Sapphires—both natural and lab-created—are safe for professional ultrasonic or steam cleaning, though fragile settings should always be handled with care.

Why Choose Sapphire?

Sapphire is much more than a pretty stone—it’s a gemstone with timeless appeal, rich history, and practical durability. Whether chosen as a birthstone gift, a symbol of love, or a treasured family heirloom, sapphire carries layers of meaning that make it unforgettable.

For buyers seeking a clear, flawless stone at a more affordable price, lab-created sapphires are a fantastic option. For those who value the rarity and individuality of nature, natural sapphires offer their own special charm.

Either way, sapphire jewelry represents elegance, strength, and timeless beauty—making it an investment that will always feel significant.

Final Thoughts

As September’s birthstone, sapphire brings together history, elegance, and resilience in one striking gem. From the myths of ancient Persia to the crowns of European monarchs, and from iconic royal engagement rings to contemporary jewelry designs, sapphire has remained a gemstone of fascination and desire.

Whether you choose a natural sapphire steeped in history or a lab-created sapphire prized for its flawless clarity and sustainable origins, this gem will always embody wisdom, loyalty, and lasting beauty. Browse our collection of sapphire jewelry online or stop by in-store.