The September birthstone is one of the most beautiful and most famous of all gemstones – the Sapphire. Reflecting nobility, loyalty, and wisdom, Sapphire September birthstone jewellery is an ideal choice for anyone who is celebrating their birthday during this month thanks to its gorgeous colours and luxurious reputation.
Although the blue variant of Sapphire is the most famous, there are actually several other shades of this gemstone out there, and that means there’s sure to be a perfect September Sapphire birthstone for every recipient.
Where Can Sapphire Be Found?
Sapphires are related to Rubies, the birthstone for July, being one of the forms of the corundum mineral. While red corundum is known as Ruby, every other form of the mineral is called “Sapphire”, and that’s why there are so many different colours of Sapphire to choose from.
For this reason, Ruby and Sapphire are typically found in the same locations around the world, with Sri Lanka being home to some of the most beautiful blue Sapphires. Other locations where the September birthstone can be found include Tanzania, Australia, Montana, and Madagascar.
In the early 1880s, Sapphires were found in Kashmir when a Himalayan landslide exposed a huge expanse of blue crystals. When they began appearing further South, the Kashmiri Maharaja asserted control over this new location and recovered thousands of crystals between 1882 and 1887. It was the beauty of the stones that were created from these blue crystals that established the reputation of Kashmiri Sapphires as some of the most stunning gems in the world.
Sapphires are also often produced in Myanmar’s Mogok area. Here, Sapphire is often found with deposits of Rubies, but in smaller quantities. Often referred to as “Burmese Sapphire”, these stones usually have an intensely rich, blue shade, and that means they are especially prized.
Sapphire September Birthstone’s History
Sapphire gemstones date back to Ancient Greek and Roman civilisations and were worn by rulers of the era. These stones were believed to ward off harm and evil, and that made them a essential addition to any royal outfit. During the Medieval era, the church adopted the use of Sapphire to bond earth and heaven together, since it was said to be a holy gemstone, and the Ancient Persians even though the earth was resting on a huge Sapphire, and that is why the sky is blue.
Taking its name from a Greek word meaning “blue” – Sappheiros – Sapphire takes its place amongst Diamond, Emerald, and Ruby as one of the top four precious stones. With a 9 Mohs hardness rating, Sapphire has found many uses in industry as well as in jewellery-making, including in shatter-resistant windows, electronic circuitry, and wristwatch crystals.
One of the best-known Sapphires is the Rockefeller Sapphire. This 62.02 carat step cut rectangular stone was unearthed in the former Burma (now known as Myanmar). It was acquired by John D Rockefeller, the philanthropist and financier, in 1934, and over the intervening years it has been remounted and recut, first being set into a brooch then into a ring with two Diamonds as side stones.
Is All Sapphire Birthstone Jewellery Blue?
There is a common misconception that all Sapphires are blue, but that isn’t actually the case. In fact, although most Sapphire birthstone jewellery is blue, Sapphires are actually available in all different colours except red. Orange, yellow, white, and pink Sapphires are often seen, and they can also be created synthetically in a laboratory as well as found in the natural world.
Sapphires with a natural pink and orange hue come from Sri Lanka and are known as “Padparascha”. Depending on which birthstone jewellery list you are looking at, the official September birthstone may be listed as Yellow Sapphire, although Blue Sapphires remain the most popular choice of September birthstone jewellery gift, whether set in silver jewellery or in gold.
Fascinating September Sapphire Facts
There are probably lots of things that you don’t know about Sapphires, so here, we’ve brought you some fascinating facts about the September birthstone!
- One of the most famous Sapphires of all is the “Star of India”. The biggest Sapphire in the world to date, it can be found in the Natural History Museum in New York.
- Princess Diana was given a Diamond and Sapphire engagement ring by Prince Charles (now King Charles III) when he proposed marriage to her. In 2010, when Prince William asked Kate Middleton to marry him, he, like his father, presented his bride-to-be with a Sapphire engagement ring.
- Although Diamond is the hardest stone, Sapphire and Ruby follow closely behind, so they are very resistant to wear and tear and scratches.
- During the Middle Ages, people believed that adulterers couldn’t wear Blue Sapphires as they thought the colour of the stone would change due to their infidelity, giving away their indiscretion to their spouse.
- Sapphire is just one of the September birthstones. Lapiz Lazuli and Zircon are the other two. However, it is the most popular of the three.
What Does Sapphire September Birthstone Jewellery Signify?
Blue Sapphire’s regal tones have led to its being linked with royalty, and this gemstone is said to attract gifts and blessings to the wearer. It’s believed to calm the person who wears it, and it represents inner peace, prosperity, and beauty as well as truth, faithfulness, and sincerity.
There are several healing powers associated with September’s birthstone. During the Middle Ages in Europe, Sapphires were used to cure eye diseases and plague boils and was also believed to combat poison.
Finding The Perfect Sapphire September Birthstone Jewellery
When you’re searching for the ideal present for that special somebody with a September birthday in your life, a piece of Sapphire birthstone jewellery is the ideal choice. With so many options to choose from, including Pandora birthstone charms and spectacular gold rings and necklaces, there’s sure to be something in our selection that will delight any recipient. Take a look at our range now and discover the ideal September birthday present for your loved one.
