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.
In ancient Persia, rulers believed the earth rested upon a giant sapphire whose reflection colored the sky blue. Early Buddhist monks associated sapphire with devotion and spiritual enlightenment. Throughout history, sapphire has been the gemstone most closely associated with royalty and the divine. Today, sapphire engagement rings have become increasingly popular as couples seek colored gemstone alternatives with exceptional durability.
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.
The stone has been associated with prophecy and protection against evil spirits. In the Middle Ages, sapphire was believed to preserve the chastity of the wearer and attract divine favor. Today, sapphire represents loyalty, wisdom, and integrity, qualities that make it an exceptional choice for engagement rings and anniversary gifts.
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.
Color-change sapphires shift from blue in daylight to purple under incandescent light, offering a fascinating optical phenomenon. Montana sapphires, mined in the United States, display unique teal and green-blue tones that have become highly fashionable. The diversity of sapphire colors means there is truly a sapphire for every taste, style, and budget.
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 gemstone 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. For full details, see our jewelry care guide.
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.
Shopping Tips
When shopping for sapphire, color is the most critical factor. The ideal blue sapphire displays a vivid, medium-dark blue with no gray or green overtones. Kashmir sapphires are the benchmark for color, but exceptional stones from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Madagascar can rival them at more accessible price points. Fancy-color sapphires offer unique beauty and often represent outstanding value compared to blue sapphires of similar size.
Sapphire's exceptional hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale makes it second only to diamond in durability, which is why sapphire rings are an outstanding choice for daily wear. Heat treatment is standard and does not negatively affect the stone's value. Browse our selection of sapphire earrings and pendants for the perfect September birthday gift. Always purchase from a reputable jeweler who can provide accurate information about the stone's origin and treatment history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color sapphire is most valuable?
The most valuable sapphire color is a vivid, saturated medium-dark blue with no gray or green overtones, often described as cornflower blue or royal blue. Kashmir sapphires with their velvety blue hue are considered the ultimate benchmark, though exceptional stones from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Madagascar also command premium prices. The rare padparadscha sapphire in pink-orange is also extremely valuable.
Can sapphires be other colors besides blue?
Yes. Sapphire occurs in virtually every color except red, which is classified as ruby. Fancy sapphires come in pink, yellow, orange, green, purple, white (colorless), and even color-change varieties. These are collectively known as fancy sapphires. Each color has its own grading criteria and price range, with padparadscha (pink-orange) being among the rarest and most expensive.
What is a padparadscha sapphire?
Padparadscha is an extremely rare and valuable variety of sapphire that displays a delicate pink-orange color, reminiscent of a tropical lotus flower. The name comes from the Sinhalese word for lotus blossom. Genuine padparadscha sapphires must display a balanced combination of pink and orange hues. They are among the most coveted and expensive of all fancy sapphires.
Are sapphires good for engagement rings?
Sapphires are one of the best gemstones for engagement rings. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is second only to diamond in durability. It is highly resistant to scratching and chipping, making it ideal for daily wear. The tradition of sapphire engagement rings was popularized by Princess Diana's iconic blue sapphire ring, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales.
What is Kashmir sapphire?
Kashmir sapphires are legendary gemstones from the mines of the Kashmir region in the Himalayas, discovered in the 1880s. They are prized for their unique velvety, cornflower blue color caused by microscopic rutile silk inclusions. The original mines were largely depleted by the early 1900s, making genuine Kashmir sapphires extremely rare. They routinely command the highest per-carat prices of any sapphire at auction.
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