September’s Birthstone: The Sapphire
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Few gemstones capture the majesty of September quite like the sapphire. Loved for centuries, this exquisite stone isn’t just admired for its striking colour and beauty, but also for its deep and fascinating history, its enduring place in jewellery design. Perfect for September birthstone jewellery, sapphires are a timeless choice for gifts, engagement rings, and keepsakes.
The History of Sapphires
The word sapphire comes from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning “blue stone.” Treasured since 800 BC, sapphires were believed by ancient Persians to be responsible for the colour of the sky — they thought the heavens reflected their rich blue tones. Cultures across the world have prized sapphires for thousands of years, regarding them as symbols of protection, wisdom, and power.
Interestingly, sapphires belong to the same gemstone family as rubies (the corundum family), which explains their incredible durability — second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale. This makes sapphire rings and sapphire necklaces perfect for everyday wear as well as special occasions.
More Than Just Blue
While sapphires are best known for their deep, velvety blue, they actually come in many colours, including pink, yellow, green, and even purple. The rarest of them all is the Padparadscha sapphire, a fabulous pink-orange shade most famously found in Sri Lanka. Its name comes from the Sinhalese word for “lotus blossom,” perfectly describing its delicate, glowing hue.
If you’re looking for a truly unique sapphire gift, a coloured sapphire makes a standout choice.
Symbolism and Meaning
Sapphires have long been associated with noble qualities. They are said to represent:
Wisdom
Loyalty
Honesty
Devotion
They are also thought to bring positivity and protection to their wearer. Royals throughout history have been drawn to sapphires, believing the gems would attract wealth and safeguard them from envy and infidelity. This is why sapphire engagement rings remain such a popular symbol of love and commitment.
Birthstones and Ancient Origins
So where did the idea of birthstones come from? According to the International Gem Society, the tradition dates back to biblical times. Aaron, a high priest of Israel, wore a breastplate adorned with 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Over time, these were linked to the 12 months of the year and the zodiac signs, with each gemstone thought to hold protective and mystical qualities during its month.
Hindu culture also places special significance on gemstones, where they are seen as symbols of status, harmony, and wealth.
In more modern times, the official list of birthstones was formalised in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewellers, followed by Britain’s National Association of Goldsmiths in 1937. Since then, September’s birthstone has been universally recognised as the sapphire.
Famous Sapphires
Perhaps the most famous sapphire in the world is the iconic engagement ring first worn by Lady Diana Spencer, given to her by Prince Charles. Created by Garrard, the jewellers to the royal family. The ring hs a deep blue sapphire encased by sparkling diamonds. Today, it is worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, making it a powerful symbol of love and legacy in the royal family.
Other world-famous sapphires include the Star of India, a rare star sapphire on display in New York, and the Logan Sapphire, a 423-carat treasure held in the Smithsonian.
Sapphire Jewellery for September Birthdays
Sapphire jewellery makes a truly meaningful gift for anyone born in September. Whether set in a classic pendant, a modern bracelet, or a timeless engagement ring, a sapphire carries with it not only beauty but centuries of symbolism and tradition.
At Sarah Beth Jewellers, we offer a carefully chosen collection of sapphire jewellery UK, from elegant everyday pieces to special keepsakes for life’s biggest moments. Whether you’re shopping for a September birthday gift, an anniversary, or a token of love, sapphire is a gemstone that never goes out of style.
👉 Explore our Sapphire Collection today and find the perfect September birthstone gift.
Did You Know?
Sapphires score 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them ideal for daily wear.
The largest sapphire ever found weighs over 300 kilograms and is from Sri Lanka.
Some sapphires reflect a natural star-like effect, known as an asterism, making them highly prized pieces.
Gifts Beyond Birthdays
Although sapphires are best known as September’s birthstone, they’re also a popular choice for anniversaries, milestone celebrations, or simply as a symbol of love and devotion. A sapphire piece is more than jewellery — it’s a mesmerizing treasure with a story as old as time.
✨ Celebrate September in style — give the gift of sapphire jewellery, a wonderful expression of beauty and style.