September Birthstone: Sapphire Meaning, History and Jewellery Guide
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September's Birthstone: The Timeless Beauty of Sapphire
Few gemstones are as captivating as the sapphire, the birthstone of September. Best known for its rich blue colour, sapphire has been treasured for thousands of years and remains one of the world's most sought-after gemstones. From royal engagement rings to everyday jewellery, sapphires are admired for their beauty, durability and symbolism.
Whether you're searching for a meaningful birthday gift or a piece to cherish for years to come, sapphire jewellery offers timeless elegance and a fascinating history.
The History of Sapphire
The name "sapphire" comes from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning "blue stone". Ancient civilisations valued sapphires not only for their beauty but also for the powers they believed the stones possessed.
The Persians once believed that the sky itself was coloured by the reflection of giant sapphires, while many cultures saw the gemstone as a symbol of wisdom, protection and strength. Throughout history, kings and queens wore sapphires to bring good fortune and guard against harm.
Sapphires belong to the corundum family of gemstones, the same family as rubies. Scoring an impressive nine out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, sapphires are second only to diamonds in durability, making them an excellent choice for rings, necklaces and bracelets designed to be worn every day.
More Than Just Blue
Although sapphires are most commonly associated with deep blue tones, they can be found in a remarkable range of colours, including pink, yellow, green and purple.
One of the rarest varieties is the Padparadscha sapphire, a stunning pink-orange gemstone traditionally found in Sri Lanka. Its name comes from the Sinhalese word for "lotus blossom", perfectly reflecting its delicate colour.
Coloured sapphires offer a unique alternative to traditional blue stones and make a beautiful gift for anyone looking for something a little different.
The Meaning Behind Sapphire
For centuries, sapphires have been linked to qualities such as:
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Wisdom
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Loyalty
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Honesty
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Devotion
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Protection
Because of these associations, sapphire jewellery has become a popular symbol of love and commitment. Sapphire engagement rings, in particular, continue to be chosen by couples looking for a timeless and meaningful design.
The Origins of Birthstones
The tradition of birthstones dates back thousands of years. According to historical accounts, the concept originated from the twelve gemstones worn on the breastplate of Aaron, the high priest of Israel, with each stone representing one of the twelve tribes.
Over time, these gemstones became linked to the months of the year and the signs of the zodiac. The modern list of birthstones was officially standardised in 1912 and later adopted in Britain in 1937, confirming sapphire as the birthstone for September.
Famous Sapphires Through History
Perhaps the most famous sapphire in the world is the engagement ring once worn by Diana, Princess of Wales. The striking blue sapphire, surrounded by diamonds, is now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, and remains one of the most recognisable pieces of jewellery in history.
Other notable sapphires include the Star of India, one of the world's largest star sapphires, and the Logan Sapphire, a magnificent 423-carat gemstone housed in the Smithsonian Institution.
Sapphire Jewellery for September Birthdays
Sapphire jewellery makes a thoughtful and meaningful gift for anyone born in September. Whether set into an elegant pendant, a pair of earrings or a classic ring, sapphire combines beauty with centuries of history and symbolism.
At Sarah Beth Jewellers, we carefully select sapphire jewellery that can be treasured for years to come. Whether you're celebrating a September birthday, an anniversary or another special occasion, sapphire jewellery is a timeless choice.
Did You Know?
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Sapphires score nine out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale.
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They come in a variety of colours, not just blue.
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Some sapphires display a star-shaped effect known as asterism.
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The largest sapphire ever discovered weighed more than 300 kilograms.
A Gemstone for Every Occasion
Although sapphire is best known as September's birthstone, it is also traditionally associated with milestone anniversaries and celebrations of love and devotion.
With its remarkable beauty, rich history and timeless appeal, sapphire jewellery is much more than an accessory—it's a piece of history to treasure for generations.