09/01/2026
Did you know…?
History of the birthstone can be traced back to biblical times and the book of Exodus. Beginning with the Breastplate of Aaron— a priestly breast plate adorned with 12 gemstones each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel— early Christians collected all 12 gemstones to wear at the same time believing in the powers or protection held by each stone. This evolves to wearing one of the 12 stones a month. Eventually leading to the modern tradition of— one gemstone to represent each birth month.
www.gemsociety.org
September— Sapphire
Things to know and fun facts:
The word Sapphire comes from the Greek word “sappheiros”. Sapphire is a blue variety of corundum. Although blue is commonly associated with sapphires, not all sapphires are blue. Sapphires can come in every color of the rainbow with the exception for red. Red corundum is classified as a ruby. One of the most valuable, ultra collectible sapphires is the Padparadscha Sapphire. The name Padparadscha is derived from the Sinhalese word for lotus flower. This exquisite pinkish-orange stone is a rarity among Sapphires. Due to the sapphire’s hardness and scratch resistance, synthetic sapphires are widely used outside of the jewelry industry for such things as watch crystals, scientific instruments, and heavy duty optical lenses. Some famous sapphires include the Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02 carat rectangular step cut stone mined from Myanmar, and a 12 carat blue sapphire, surrounded by diamonds given to Princess Diana as her engagement ring now in the possession of Kate Middleton Duchess of Cambridge. Sapphires symbolize sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. Sapphires are given for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
Color- traditionally deep blue (shades vary); also every color of the rainbow (except red)
Top Sources- Kashmir, Myanmar; Sri Lanka; Australia; Thailand; Cambodia; Madagascar; USA—Montana
Durability- Ranks a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness; suitable for daily wear
Care- Clean your stone with warm soapy water, and a soft brush if needed. Ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners are safe for untreated sapphires
Cultural Significance- Ancient Persians believed the Earth rested on a giant, glowing sapphire, and the blue reflection from the stone painted the sky. Medieval Europeans believed sapphires cured plague boils, and eye diseases. They also thought sapphires to be an antidote to poison. Medieval Catholic clergy members wore sapphires as a symbol of heaven and purity. Royals exchanged sapphires as engagement rings long before diamonds to symbolize trust and loyalty. Napoleon Bonaparte gave Josephine a sapphire engagement ring in 1796. While the most iconic sapphire given as an engagement ring is a 12 carat blue sapphire worn by Princess Diana now worn by Kate Middleton Duchess of Cambridge. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed sapphires protected the wearer from harm and envy.
