Sapphires aren't just beautiful; they're legendary. The birthstone for September, sapphire, has been prized for centuries, embodying wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. These gems are more than just decoration—they are steeped in history and meaning.
Consider this: some of the most famous royal jewels in history have featured sapphires. Take, for instance, Princess Diana’s engagement ring, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales. That stunning blue gem? A sapphire. It’s no coincidence that sapphires continue to be cherished as one of the most desirable gemstones. Let's explore what makes the September birthstone truly extraordinary.
What Exactly Is a Sapphire?
Sapphires are part of the corundum family, made of aluminum oxide, which gives them incredible durability. In fact, they’re second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale of hardness, coming in at a 9. This means they can withstand the wear and tear of daily life while still looking stunning.
But here's the catch—while most people associate sapphires with a rich blue hue, these gems actually come in a variety of colors. Pink, yellow, green, and even colorless sapphires exist, though the classic deep blue is what dominates the market.
Why Blue Is the Star of the Show
When we think "sapphire," we usually envision a deep, rich blue. This iconic shade is caused by trace amounts of elements like iron and titanium during the gem’s formation. The result? A gemstone that seems to hold the very essence of the ocean and sky within its depths.
The color can range from pale blue to almost midnight, and each shade has its admirers. But the most sought-after hue? That’s the velvety “cornflower blue,” often considered the pinnacle of sapphire beauty.
Symbolism Behind the Sapphire
Sapphires aren’t just prized for their looks. They’ve long been associated with wisdom, virtue, and divinity. Ancient Greeks believed wearing a sapphire could bring them closer to the gods. In medieval times, clergy would wear these gems to symbolize Heaven, while royalty donned them to ward off evil and attract blessings.
Now, they’re most commonly associated with loyalty and trust, making them a popular choice for engagement rings. There’s something truly timeless about offering someone a stone that symbolizes deep, unshakeable commitment.
The Healing and Spiritual Properties of Sapphires
Whether you believe in the spiritual energy of gemstones or not, the lore surrounding sapphires is fascinating. Throughout history, these stones were believed to have healing properties, especially related to mental clarity and calmness.
In fact, many ancient cultures thought sapphires could protect against poison and help with ailments like fever and inflammation. And while there’s no scientific backing to these claims, the idea of wearing a gem that offers protection and balance adds to the allure of sapphire jewelry.
For modern-day gemstone enthusiasts, sapphires are thought to enhance mental focus and encourage self-discipline. Need to focus on a big project or find a sense of inner peace? Wearing or meditating with a sapphire might be the symbolic boost you're looking for!
September Birthstones Beyond Sapphires?
Wait, there’s more? You might be surprised to learn that sapphire isn’t the only birthstone for September. The month also has links to other gems that carry their own unique energies and histories.
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Lapis Lazuli: Known for its deep blue color, lapis lazuli was highly prized by ancient civilizations. It symbolizes truth, awareness, and wisdom.
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Carnelian: While not as commonly associated with September, carnelian is sometimes considered an alternate birthstone. Its warm, fiery color is believed to inspire courage and boost creativity.
But let’s be honest, sapphire steals the show. Its combination of beauty, durability, and history is hard to beat.
Choosing the Right Sapphire for You
So, you’re sold on getting a sapphire. But what should you look for?
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Color: We’ve talked about the variety of sapphire colors, but when shopping, pay attention to hue, tone, and saturation. The richer and more vibrant the blue, the more valuable the sapphire is considered.
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Cut: The cut of the sapphire will impact how it catches light. Well-cut sapphires will sparkle and show off their color to maximum effect. But don’t confuse cut with shape—while round and oval are popular, sapphires can be found in many shapes, including emerald, pear, and cushion.
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Clarity: Sapphires often have inclusions (tiny imperfections inside the stone), but the fewer the inclusions, the higher the value. You want a sapphire that is “eye-clean,” meaning you can’t see any inclusions without magnification.
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Origin: Some sapphires are more sought after due to their geographic origins. Stones from Kashmir and Burma are among the most coveted due to their exceptional color and rarity.
Sapphire Alternatives: What If Blue Isn’t Your Thing?
If you're born in September but don't fancy blue, there are plenty of other sapphire colors to choose from. Pink sapphires, for example, have grown in popularity, especially for those who want something a bit more unique.
Yellow sapphires are another great option, often symbolizing wealth and prosperity. And let’s not forget the ultra-rare padparadscha sapphire, which blends pink and orange hues into one stunning stone.
So, if blue doesn’t resonate with you, September still offers plenty of variety through its birthstone alternatives. Whatever your style, there's likely a sapphire to match.
Understanding the Value of Your Sapphire
When purchasing a sapphire, you want to ensure you're getting your money’s worth. While sapphires don’t have the same rigid value structure as diamonds, there are still factors that can significantly influence price.
For example, natural sapphires are usually more valuable than lab-grown ones, though both are stunning options. Lab-grown sapphires are chemically identical to their natural counterparts, but they’re often more affordable. This makes them a fantastic choice for those who want a high-quality stone without the premium price tag.
Color is another major factor. As mentioned earlier, blue sapphires hold the crown when it comes to desirability, with certain shades like cornflower blue commanding the highest prices.
Lastly, size matters! Larger sapphires are rarer and, as such, more expensive. If you’re looking for a substantial piece of jewelry, be prepared for the price to climb alongside the carat weight.
Famous Sapphires and Their Stories
As we’ve mentioned, sapphires are more than just stones—they are a part of history. Some of the most famous sapphires in the world have royal ties, giving them a sense of grandeur and luxury.
One such sapphire is the Logan Sapphire, a 422.99-carat masterpiece now housed in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Another is the Star of India, a nearly flawless 563-carat sapphire that’s displayed in the American Museum of Natural History.
Then there’s the Blue Belle of Asia, a record-setting sapphire that fetched over $17 million at auction in 2014. And of course, we can’t forget Princess Diana’s engagement ring, now worn by Kate Middleton. This 12-carat blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds is probably the most famous piece of sapphire jewelry in the world today.
Caring for Your Sapphire Jewelry
Sapphires are known for their durability, but that doesn’t mean you can neglect them. To keep your sapphire jewelry looking its best, regular cleaning is key.
A simple solution of warm water and mild soap will do the trick for routine cleaning. Use a soft brush to gently scrub away any dirt or oil buildup, and make sure to rinse thoroughly. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as these can damage the stone or its setting.
If your sapphire jewelry gets a lot of wear, consider having it professionally cleaned and inspected once a year. This will ensure any potential issues, such as loose prongs, are caught early.
The Meaning of Gifting a Sapphire
Want to give a gift that speaks volumes? Gifting a sapphire is a meaningful gesture that conveys loyalty, trust, and deep commitment. Whether it's for a birthday, anniversary, or engagement, sapphires carry a sense of timeless elegance that few other stones can match.
If you're looking for something special, sapphires set in gold or platinum are classic options. But for a more modern twist, try a sapphire pendant or bracelet in a non-traditional setting, like rose gold or even minimalist designs.
Sapphires are much more than just pretty stones. They’re timeless symbols of wisdom, loyalty, and divine favor. Whether you’re a September baby looking to wear your birthstone proudly or just someone who loves the look and feel of these gems, sapphires offer something for everyone.
From classic blue to vibrant pink, there’s a sapphire for every style. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of September birthstones and find the perfect gem that speaks to your heart.
Looking for the perfect sapphire piece to celebrate September? Explore our specially curated Sapphire Jewelry Collection at Aureus Boutique! Whether you prefer classic blue or a more unique hue, you'll find stunning designs that capture the essence of September’s birthstone.
