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The Journal Birthstones The September Birthstone - Sapphire
Birthstones

The September Birthstone - Sapphire

Words by  Purely Diamonds

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The birthstone for September is the Sapphire – a gemstone long admired for its deep blue hues and enduring symbolism. Known as one of the “big four” precious gemstones alongside Diamond, Ruby, and Emerald, Sapphire is celebrated for its strength, elegance, and timeless appeal. For those born in September, it represents wisdom, loyalty, and protection.


What is the September Birthstone?

The official birthstone for September is the Sapphire. Its name comes from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning “blue stone.” While most people think of Sapphire as a rich royal blue, the gemstone can also be found in a spectrum of colours including purple, yellow, green, orange, and even pink. Only red corundum is classified separately as Ruby.



What is a Sapphire?

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, the same mineral family as Ruby. Trace elements within the crystal structure create its array of colours. Blue Sapphires are the most iconic, ranging from light sky blue to deep velvety tones. The most prized examples display a vivid, medium to dark blue that glows with brilliance.


Sapphire is also one of the hardest gemstones, ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to Diamond. This durability makes it an excellent choice for everyday jewellery, especially engagement rings.


The Meaning and Symbolism of Sapphire

For centuries, Sapphire has symbolised wisdom, loyalty, faith, and protection. In medieval Europe, clergy wore blue Sapphires to symbolise heaven, while kings believed the gemstone would protect them from harm and envy. Today, Sapphire is still considered a gemstone of truth and sincerity, making it a popular choice for meaningful jewellery gifts.


History and Origins of Sapphire

Sapphires have been mined for thousands of years and have long been treasured in cultures across the world. Some of the most famous Sapphires were discovered in Sri Lanka and Kashmir, which are known for producing gems of exceptional quality and colour. Today, significant Sapphire deposits can also be found in Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Australia, and Madagascar.


Sapphire in Jewellery

Sapphire’s beauty and durability make it one of the most popular gemstones for fine jewellery. Blue Sapphires are often set in engagement rings, symbolising loyalty and commitment. Coloured Sapphires, such as pink or yellow, provide vibrant alternatives for modern designs. At Purely Diamonds, we offer a range of Sapphire jewellery that showcases the stone’s elegance and versatility.


Caring for Sapphire Jewellery

Sapphire is a durable gemstone, but proper care helps maintain its brilliance over time. To keep your Sapphire jewellery looking its best:


  • Clean regularly with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the setting.
  • Store separately to prevent scratching softer gemstones.
  • Have your jewellery checked occasionally to ensure the stones remain secure.


The September birthstone, Sapphire, is a gemstone of wisdom, protection, and timeless beauty. From its iconic royal blue tones to its rainbow of alternative colours, Sapphire is both meaningful and versatile.

 

Whether chosen for a birthday, an engagement, or an anniversary, our Sapphire collection offers designs to be treasured for a lifetime.

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