September Birthstone Spotlight: Everything to Know About Sapphires
If you were born in September, you share your birth month with one of the most storied gemstones in history: the sapphire. Prized by royalty, worn by clergy, and trusted by ancient stargazers to protect against harm, sapphires have earned their place as a September birthstone many times over. Whether you're shopping for yourself or a September-born loved one, here's what makes sapphires so special and how to choose one you'll treasure.
A Brief History of the Sapphire
Sapphires have been cherished for thousands of years. Ancient Persians believed the sky itself was reflected from a giant sapphire the earth rested upon. Medieval clergy wore sapphires as a symbol of Heaven, and European kings prized them as a protective stone. The gem's association with royalty is still alive today, most famously in the sapphire engagement ring worn by Princess Diana and later Kate Middleton.
The name "sapphire" comes from the Latin sapphirus and Greek sappheiros, both likely referring to the color blue, though as you'll see below, sapphires come in far more than one shade.
What Sapphires Symbolize
Sapphires are traditionally associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. They're often given as a symbol of trust and faithfulness, which is part of why they remain a popular choice for engagement rings and anniversary gifts alongside their role as the September birthstone. Some also consider sapphires a stone of clarity and focus, said to calm the mind and encourage good judgment.
Not Just Blue: Sapphire Color Varieties
One of the biggest misconceptions about sapphires is that they only come in blue. In reality, sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, and it occurs in nearly every color except red (red corundum is called ruby). Here are a few varieties worth knowing:
Classic Blue Sapphire
The most recognized and traditionally valued color, ranging from pale cornflower blue to deep, velvety royal blue. The finest blue sapphires have strong, even color saturation without being too dark.
Padparadscha Sapphire
A rare and highly sought-after pink-orange sapphire named after the color of a lotus blossom. These are among the most valuable sapphires on the market.
Pink, Yellow & Green Sapphires
Pink sapphires offer a softer, romantic alternative to pink diamonds. Yellow sapphires bring warm, sunny brightness, while green sapphires offer a subtle, sophisticated earthy tone.
White & Star Sapphires
Colorless white sapphires are a durable, budget-friendly diamond alternative. Star sapphires contain natural inclusions that create a shimmering, six-rayed star effect known as asterism.
How to Shop for a Sapphire
Like diamonds, sapphires are evaluated on color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, but color is by far the most important factor in a sapphire's value. Here's what to keep in mind:
- Color saturation: Look for vivid, evenly distributed color. Overly dark stones can look almost black under low light, while overly light stones may lack presence.
- Clarity: Sapphires naturally have more inclusions than diamonds, and this is normal. Focus on whether inclusions are visible to the naked eye rather than expecting a flawless stone.
- Cut: A well-cut sapphire will show even color and good brilliance across the stone. Oval and cushion cuts are especially popular for showing off color.
- Treatment: Most sapphires on the market are heat-treated to enhance color and clarity, which is a widely accepted industry practice. Untreated sapphires are rarer and carry a premium price.
- Setting durability: With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are extremely durable, second only to diamond, making them an excellent choice for everyday jewelry like engagement rings.
Find Your Sapphire at Rick's Jewelers
Whether you're celebrating a September birthday, searching for a distinctive engagement ring, or simply drawn to the timeless beauty of sapphire, our team is happy to help you find or design a piece that's right for you. Stop by our California, MD showroom or reach out to talk through your options; we've been helping Southern Maryland families choose jewelry they'll cherish since 1993.