Sapphires: The Timeless Gemstone of September

Sapphires, the birthstone of September, are among the most cherished and iconic gemstones in the world. Renowned for their stunning deep blue hue, these precious stones have captured human fascination for centuries. Beyond their beauty, sapphires are steeped in history, symbolism, and cultural significance, making them a gem of enduring appeal. Whether adorning royal crowns or symbolizing wisdom and purity, sapphires hold a special place in both history and in the hearts of those who wear them. Let’s explore the captivating world of sapphires and discover why they remain one of the most sought-after gemstones today.

Natural Sapphire Necklace

Sapphires: The Basics

Alongside diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, sapphires form the "Big Four" of the most valuable gemstones, and are considered precious. The rarity of high-quality sapphires, combined with their durability, make them a highly prized gemstone for fine jewelry.

Similar to spinel, sapphires are found in many regions across the globe and are found in a variety of rainbow colors, however, blue sapphires are the ones most sought after. Sri Lanka and Myanmar (Burma) are known to have blue sapphires, and Kashmir is known to have more velvety blue colors. Other areas of the world such as Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, and Montana, are also known for sapphires. 

As mentioned above, while sapphires are most famously known for their deep blue hue, they actually are found in a wide variety of colors, a phenomenon known as "fancy sapphires." These colors include pink, yellow, green, purple, orange, and even colorless sapphires. The rarest and arguably most interesting color is the Padparadscha sapphire. A pinkish-orange gemstone, it is found in Madagascar, and its name comes from the Sanskrit word for "lotus blossom."

The color of a sapphire is influenced by trace elements within the stone. For example, blue sapphires get their color from the presence of iron and titanium, while other elements like chromium can result in pink or purple shades.

Sapphires Across Time

Sapphires have been known and cherished for thousands of years, with their use dating back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Persia, people believed that the sky was painted blue by the reflection of sapphires. In medieval Europe, sapphires were believed to protect the wearer from harm and envy and to symbolize wisdom and purity. The stone has also been a symbol of royalty for centuries. Kings and queens throughout history have adorned themselves with sapphires, believing in their protective and powerful qualities.

In ancient Greece and Rome, they were believed to protect wearers from envy and harm. In many cultures, blue sapphires were symbols of divine favor and were thought to bring wisdom and serenity to those who wore them.

Religiously, sapphires have long been associated with celestial powers. Clergy in the Middle Ages would wear sapphires to symbolize Heaven. Sapphires were also believed to protect against poison and plague.

Blue Sapphire and Diamond Rings

Some of the most famous and historic sapphires have been worn by royalty or housed in museums. Among the most notable is the Star of India, a 563-carat star sapphire that resides in the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Another iconic sapphire is the blue sapphire engagement ring given to Princess Diana by Prince Charles in 1981, which was later passed down to Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, when Prince William proposed to her.

Sapphires at Copper Canary Fine Jewelry Boutique

Sapphires, with their rich history, striking beauty, and deep cultural significance, remain one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. Whether cherished for their iconic blue color or for the rare hues found in fancy sapphires, these gems continue to awe and inspire. For those born in September, the sapphire is not just a birthstone but a symbol of enduring wisdom, loyalty, and serenity—a truly timeless treasure. Peruse our selection below for our online selection of sapphires.

*Please note that this blog was updated in September of 2024. Some items featured above may have sold since. To browse our full selection of jewelry available online, click the button below.