September Birthstone - Sapphire

Posted on Sep 03, 2021 By Zachary Rawlings

September’s birthstone is the sapphire, a gemstone renowned for its unparalleled beauty and cherished for centuries around the globe. In this blog post, we'll cover all the essential details you need to know when choosing and owning sapphire jewelry.

Rough Sapphire Crystals - Park City Jewelers

History

The word "sapphire" comes from the Greek term "sappheiros," meaning blue. While sapphires are traditionally associated with their deep blue hue, they can actually be found in nearly every color of the rainbow. Interestingly, rubies share the same mineral composition as sapphires, with their vibrant, almost fluorescent red shade being the key differentiator. Some sapphires even possess the remarkable ability to change color under different types of light!

Sapphires have long been a favorite of royals and notable figures throughout history. In 1776, Napoleon Bonaparte famously presented his fiancée, Josephine, with a blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring. Perhaps the most famous sapphire today is the 12-carat oval blue sapphire ring surrounded by diamonds, originally given by Prince Charles to Lady Diana and now worn by Princess Catherine.

Metaphysical Properties

Sapphires have been revered for their supposed mystical qualities for centuries. In the Middle Ages, people believed that these gemstones could bring heavenly blessings, cure eye diseases, and promote chastity.

In contemporary times, sapphires are thought to enhance creativity, purity, and wisdom. In color psychology, blue is often associated with tranquility, calm, and beauty, evoking images of the sky and the sea. The soothing energy of blue is believed to alleviate stress, relax the mind, and promote a sense of inner peace.

Woman Wearing Sapphire and Diamond Halo Earrings from Park City Jewelers

Woman Wearing Marquise Sapphire ring with Diamond Halo from Park City Jewelers

Sapphire Jewelry

With a hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, sapphires are among the most durable naturally occurring gemstones. They are highly resistant to scratches and less likely to break when struck, making them perfect for everyday wear in various jewelry settings, such as rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets.

An ideal sapphire exhibits vivid color saturation with minimal inclusions. When selecting a sapphire, its color should be your primary focus. Sapphires have also become a popular alternative to diamonds for engagement rings. They tend to be more affordable, allowing you to invest in a larger or higher-quality stone, and they are often paired with diamond accents for added brilliance and complexity.

Wrap Up

Sapphires have captivated people for centuries with their beauty, durability, and the wide range of colors they offer. At Park City Jewelers, we offer a stunning collection of sapphire jewelry, including earrings, rings, necklaces, and pendants. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, our award-winning jewelry artisans are ready to help create the custom piece of your dreams.