Month of September - Sapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, has been one of the most coveted gemstones since ancient times. Associated with royalty, wisdom, and divine favor, sapphire has adorned kings, queens, and clergy for centuries. This member of the corundum family is renowned for its rich blue color, though sapphire actually occurs in every color of the rainbow except red, which is classified as ruby.
History and Origin
The word sapphire comes from the Greek sappheiros and the Latin sapphirus, both meaning blue stone. Sapphire has been popular since the Middle Ages, when medieval clergy wore the gem to symbolize heaven and attract heavenly blessings. Kings and queens throughout history prized sapphires as symbols of wisdom and virtue. Perhaps the most famous sapphire in modern times is the 12-carat blue Ceylon sapphire engagement ring that belonged to Princess Diana and is now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales. The legendary sapphires of Kashmir, discovered in the 1880s, set the standard for the finest blue color with their velvety, cornflower blue hue.
Symbolism and Meaning
Sapphire symbolizes truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. According to folklore, sapphire will protect your loved ones from envy and harm. In many traditions, the gemstone is associated with divine wisdom and spiritual insight. Ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire, and its reflection colored the sky blue. Sapphire is also the traditional gemstone for 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, representing lasting love and commitment.
Colors and Varieties
While blue is the most well-known sapphire color, this versatile gemstone comes in pink, yellow, orange, green, purple, and colorless varieties, collectively known as fancy sapphires. The extremely rare padparadscha sapphire displays a delicate pink-orange color reminiscent of a tropical lotus flower. Star sapphires exhibit a mesmerizing six-rayed star effect called asterism, caused by needle-like inclusions of rutile within the stone. The most prized blue sapphires are a medium to medium-dark blue with strong saturation and no visible color zoning.
Durability and Care
Sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the second hardest natural gemstone after diamond. This outstanding hardness makes sapphire an excellent choice for engagement rings and everyday jewelry that will withstand years of wear. Sapphires can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water, an ultrasonic cleaner, or a steam cleaner. Heat treatment to improve color and clarity is extremely common and widely accepted in the industry.
Major sources of sapphire include Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Montana in the United States. Whether you choose a classic blue sapphire or a rare padparadscha, sapphire is a magnificent September birthday gift symbolizing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility.