The Sapphire - A Royal Blue Gem of September
The September Birthstone the Blue Sapphire is a precious gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum, consisting of aluminium oxide (α-Al2O3) with trace amounts of elements such as iron, titanium, chromium, vanadium, or magnesium. Although this stunning precious stone is best known for its blue hues, it can occur in many other colors, including yellow, orange, green, pink, purple, gray and black, known as “fancy sapphires”, and also can be colorless. But the red hue corundum stones are actually clasified as rubies.
The September birthstone has traditionally symbolized sincerity, truth, faithfulness and nobility, so it’s no wonder the sapphire has been one of the most sought-after gems in history. It’s part of what some consider to be the big three of jewellery stones, along with the ruby and the emerald.
For countless centuries, sapphire has adorned royalty and the robes of the clergy. The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed that blue sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy. Clerics of the Middle Ages wore sapphires because they symbolized Heaven. Ancient Persians believed the earth actually rested on a giant sapphire, which made the sky blue.
Famous Stuart Sapphire on back of the British Crown Jewels (Photo: Adam Storey, Source: Wikimedia)
Famous Logan Sapphire (Photo: Andrew Bossi, Source: Wikimedia)
September Birthstone - The Blue Sapphire Origins
The name sapphire is derived from the Latin “saphirus” and the Greek “sapheiros”, both of which mean blue.
Although most famous of the blue sapphire seen in jewellery today originated from sources such as Kashmir (Paddar Region), Myanmar and Sri Lanka, which are three historical sources for the September birthstone, significant quantities of the sapphire have also been found in Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar and the United States (Montana), among other countries.
Today, the biggest source of sapphires world-wide is Australia, especially New South Wales and Queensland. Found in alluvial deposits of weathered basalt, Australian sapphires typically are blue stones with a dark and inky appearance.
Paddar Valley of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India.Source of some of the most famous sapphires.
Different shades of rough blue sapphires
The Noble Blue Sapphire's Properties
With a Mohs Hardness rating of 9.0, sapphires are suitable for many jewellery styles and everyday wear. Along with the ruby, it is the second hardest gem after the diamond, which makes them more resistant to scratching and wear and tear. That’s why it is a very popular gem for engagement rings (here’s looking at you Kate Middleton).
Also, some sapphires exhibit a rare phenomenon known as asterism, or the star effect. The phenomenon appears as a six-ray star pattern within the gem.
Famous Blue Sapphires in History
The Star of India, which exhibits on both sides a radiating effect called asterism, is one of the finest examples of blue star sapphire. Having 563 carats, this unique gem owned by the American Museum of Natural history is one of the most valuable in the world. In the 1960s it was stolen in a jewelry heist fit for a movie.
One of the most famous sapphire engagement rings belonged to the late Princess Diana. This royal blue gem ring is now worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, the wife of Prince William, Princess Diana’s eldest son. The untraditional wedding ring caused an uproar when Diana, an 80s fashion icon, was seen in the bold September birthstone instead of a more conventional diamond engagement ring.
Other famous sapphires include the Rockefeller Sapphire, weighing in at 62 carats, and the Logan Blue Sapphire, at 423 carats (about the size of an egg) that can also be seen at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Surrounded by about 16 carats of round-cut diamonds, it is one of the world’s largest faceted blue sapphires.
Star of India, 563.35-carat (112.67 g) star sapphire, mined in Sri Lanka and is housed in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City
The blue sapphire is also known as the "Celestial Stone" reminding us of heavenly gods and virtues.
September Birthstone Meanings & Symbolism
Energetically, the September birthstone is known as a stone of wisdom, a seeker of spritual truth and associated with the throat chakra. That means it can be used to enhance self-expression. The royal blue sapphire also activates the third eye chakra, which can help you become more aware of your responsibility for your thoughts and feelings. Bringing emotional and mental calm, sapphire balances the mind, body, and spirit.
The sapphire has symbolized throughout the years, truth, nobility and purity of the mind and spirit. It has been closely associated with royalty. Kings and queens in ancient Europe believed the owner of a sapphire would be protected from envy, harm or war.
Those in ancient Greece associated the stone with Zeus, God of the sky, and others believed it provided an ability to see into the future or initiate guidance from the oracle.
George Frederick Kunz writes eloquently about sapphires in his book, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones: “The sapphire – the gem of autumn, the blue of the autumn sky – is a symbol of truth, sincerity, and constancy. Less vivid than its sister gem, the ruby, it typifies calm and tried affection, not ardent passion,” he continues. “It is therefore appropriate to the autumn season, when the declining sun no longer sends forth the fiery rays of summer, but shines with a tempered brilliancy.”
Another interesting information noted by the same author is the connection between sapphires and Saturn in Indian culture. “As a talisman, the Hindus believed that the sapphire rendered the planet Saturn favorable to the wearer, an important consideration from the astrological point of view, for Saturn’s influence was generally supposed to be unfavorable,” he writes.
Also, it is said that Persian warriors used to present their young wives with sapphire necklaces so they would remain faithful. A common belief was that the stone’s color would darken if worn by an adulterer or adulteress, or by an unworthy person.
Buying & Gifting September Birthstone Jewellery
The royal Blue Sapphire is worthy of any jewellery collection, whether or not you can claim it as your birthstone. Calming and spiritual, blue sapphire gifts are the perfect gemstone for a Libra or a Virgo on their special day.
September Birthstone Jewellery Set – Blue Sapphire Studs and Charm Necklace
September Birthstone Necklace – Blue Sapphire Gemstone Charm Pendant in Silver
September Birthstone Ring – Genuine Blue Sapphire in Silver
The Sapphire’s classic allure makes this gemstone the perfect addition for those who have noble souls. From earrings and rings to necklaces or jewellery sets, we’re confident that we peaqued your interest in this one-of-a-kind blue september birthstone.
