September Birthstone - Sapphire

Sapphire enchants as September's brilliant birthstone with its incredible spectrum of mesmerizing hues. For millennia, sapphire's regal blue has captivated royalty and adorned the faithful. Yet this legendary gem also occurs in every color, opening diverse styling possibilities. Explore sapphire's illustrious past, metaphysical allure, buying tips, care, and modern looks to find your perfect September birthstone.

What is Sapphire?
Sapphire is the premium gem variety of corundum, an aluminum oxide mineral. Trace elements like iron, titanium, and chromium impart the vibrant coloring. Blue sapphire gets its rich azure hues from iron and titanium, while trace chromium yields the red corundum variety known as ruby.

In addition to classic blue, sapphire occurs in pink, orange, yellow, green, purple and white hues. Fancy color sapphires also show a star effect known as asterism. The more saturated the color, the higher the value.

With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, durable sapphire suits all types of jewelry. Natural sapphires are typically included. Eye-clean gems over one carat are quite rare.

Fine sapphires exhibit excellent polish and luster. The most prized are velvety cornflower to deep royal blue gems from Kashmir and vivid pinkish orange to blue padparadscha sapphires.

Sapphire History & Lore

For ages, sapphire symbolized sincerity, faithfulness and nobility, associated with purity and wisdom. Ancient civilizations believed the blue stone guarded against evil and poisoning. Royalty coveted the gem, while medieval priests wore sapphires as a sign of heaven's favor.

The ancient Greeks and Romans wore blue sapphires for guidance when seeking answers from the oracle. Buddhists believed sapphires brought spiritual enlightenment. Hindus used the September birthstone in rituals to focus divine energy.

Sapphires still hold meaning for relationships today. Kate Middleton donned Princess Diana's iconic sapphire engagement ring. Sapphire is also the 5th and 45th wedding anniversary gemstone.

Where are Sapphires Found?

Historic Sources

Kashmir, India: Prized cornflower blue sapphires, mostly exhausted today

Myanmar: Rich royal blue gems with memorable saturated color

Sri Lanka: Alluvial deposits; classic blue to milky white sapphires

Thailand: Major cutting center, especially for sapphires from Myanmar

Other Key Sources

Australia: New South Wales and Queensland; yellow, blue, and black sapphires

United States: Montana alluvial deposits in Yogo Gulch; fine blue

Tanzania: Newer supplier; yellow and padparadscha orange-pink

Madagascar: Wide variety of fancy sapphire colors

Buying Quality Sapphire

Color: Prefer rich blue to violet blue, not too light or greenish

Clarity: Inclusions are expected but avoid eye-visible flaws

Cut: Well-proportioned faceting maximizes brilliance

Carat: Larger fine gems over 1 carat are increasingly rare

Origin: Kashmir and Myanmar have historic prestige

Treatment: Heating improves color permanetly; disclose other processes

Sapphires with saturated hues, superior cutting, clean clarity and larger sizes command the highest values. Work within your budget to secure the most appealing sapphire for the price.

Caring for Sapphire Jewelry

With excellent hardness and toughness, sapphire can withstand daily wear. Take basic precautions:

• Clean with mild soap, water and a soft brush
• Avoid exposing treated gems to heat or abrasion
• Check prong settings routinely to ensure they remain secure
• Consider removing sapphire rings for hard physical work

Sapphires can last a lifetime with simple care. Avoid wearing in water containing chemicals like chlorine, which can penetrate fractures and degrade inclusions.

Styling the Rejuvenating September Birthstone

From contemporary to vintage, sapphires encompass diverse styling options:

Contemporary Looks

• Hexagonal sapphire and diamond cluster rings
• Geometric drop earrings in white gold
• Tennis bracelets with blue, yellow and white sapphires
• Sapphire beads on black rhodium chains
• Rings with unusual carved or sliced sapphires

Vintage Styles

• Old European cut blue sapphires in floral motif earrings
• Sapphire and diamond three-stone rings
• Vintage milgrain halo engagement rings
• Retro cocktail rings with carved star sapphires
• antiqued lockets with sepia photos framed in sapphires

Celebrate September with sapphire's beauty in brilliant hues echoing clear September skies. Discover your ideal sapphire birthstone!

Key Facts About the September Birthstone:

• Sapphire varieties occur in every color but red (ruby)
• Named from the Greek word for blue, "sappheiros"
• Rating of 9 on the Mohs hardness scale
• Historically treasured by royalty and the faithful
• Mined for centuries in Kashmir, Myanmar and Sri Lanka
• Given as the 5th and 45th wedding anniversary gem
• Well-suited for daily wear with proper care
• Makes a meaningful September birthstone gift

Find your perfect sapphire in a range of blue to fancy shades to honor a September birthday.