Few gemstones capture the beauty of timeless elegance quite like the sapphire. As the September birthstone, sapphire has been treasured for centuries for its remarkable color, durability, and enduring symbolism.
Best known for its rich blue hues, sapphire has long represented loyalty, wisdom, sincerity, and faithfulness—qualities that make it especially meaningful in jewelry given to celebrate life’s most important relationships and milestones.
The History and Meaning of Sapphire
Sapphires have fascinated civilizations for thousands of years. Ancient royalty believed the gemstone offered protection and symbolized wisdom and divine favor. During the Middle Ages, blue sapphires were associated with honesty, virtue, and faithfulness.
That connection to loyalty and devotion has remained remarkably consistent through the centuries. Today, sapphire is not only September’s birthstone but also a traditional gemstone for celebrating both 5thand 45th wedding anniversaries.
Perhaps one of the most famous sapphire jewels of modern times is the blue sapphire engagement ring originally worn by Princess Diana and now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales. Its enduring popularity helped establish sapphire as one of the most iconic alternatives to the traditional diamond engagement ring.
Sapphire: More Than Beautiful Blue
While the classic deep blue sapphire is the variety most people recognize, sapphires actually occur in an extraordinary range of colors.
In nature, you can find pink, yellow, green, purple, orange, and even colorless sapphires. These are commonly referred to as fancy sapphires. One particularly rare variety is the padparadscha sapphire, prized for its distinctive blend of pink and orange tones.
Sapphire and ruby are both varieties of the mineral corundum. Red corundum is classified as ruby, while virtually every other color is considered sapphire.
Our sales experts let us know that most September babies do love their beautiful blue sapphires, but experts agree that in today's modern interpretation different colored sapphires can be worn and represent your birth month. Some may want to choose a colored sapphire because they have a favorite, and some people just love variety. The key is to do exactly what you love and want to. It is your birthday, after all.
A Gemstone Made to Be Worn
Sapphire isn't simply beautiful—it is also exceptionally durable.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is second only to diamond in hardness among natural gemstones. That makes sapphire an excellent choice for jewelry that people can enjoy regularly, including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and engagement rings.
Its combination of beauty, history, meaning, and durability is one reason sapphire jewelry so easily moves from generation to generation.
Choosing Sapphire Jewelry
14K White Gold Blue Sapphire and Diamond Oval Burst Studs
Color is one of the most important considerations when selecting a sapphire. With blue sapphires, many people are drawn to stones with a vivid, rich blue that maintains its beauty in different lighting.
However, there is no single sapphire color everyone should prefer. Some sapphires are lighter and brighter, while others offer the dramatic depth of a darker blue. Fancy sapphires provide even more possibilities.
Because every gemstone has its own individual character, seeing sapphire jewelry in person allows you to truly appreciate differences in color, cut, brilliance, and beauty.
Celebrate September with Sapphire at Roman Jewelers
Whether you're celebrating a September birthday, an anniversary, a new chapter, or simply your love of beautiful gemstones, sapphire jewelry is a gift with meaning that can last for generations.
At Roman Jewelers in Bridgewater, New Jersey, our jewelry experts can help you explore sapphire rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and other fine jewelry and find a piece that feels uniquely yours.
Visit Roman Jewelers to experience the beauty of sapphire in person and discover why September's birthstone has remained one of the world's most treasured gemstones for centuries.
September Birthstone FAQs
What is the birthstone for September?
The traditional and modern birthstone for September is sapphire. Blue is its most recognizable color, although sapphires naturally occur in many different colors.
What does sapphire symbolize?
Sapphire traditionally symbolizes loyalty, wisdom, sincerity, and faithfulness. Its association with devotion has also made it a meaningful gemstone for romantic jewelry, anniversary gifts, and engagement rings.
Are all sapphires blue?
No. Sapphires can be pink, yellow, orange, green, purple, colorless, and other shades. Sapphires that are colors other than blue are often referred to as fancy sapphires.
Is sapphire a good gemstone for everyday jewelry?
Yes. Sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it one of the hardest natural gemstones and an excellent choice for jewelry that is worn frequently.
Can sapphire be used in an engagement ring?
Absolutely. Sapphire is a beautiful and durable choice for an engagement ring, particularly for someone who wants a distinctive alternative to a traditional diamond center stone. Its historic association with loyalty and faithfulness makes it especially fitting.
What anniversaries are celebrated with sapphire?
Sapphire is traditionally associated with both the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, making sapphire jewelry a meaningful way to mark these milestones.
How should I care for sapphire jewelry?
Most sapphire jewelry can be gently cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Because settings and treatments can vary, having fine jewelry professionally inspected and cleaned periodically is also recommended.
