Everything You Need To Know About September Birthstone Jewelry
Discover the timeless elegance of our sapphire engagement rings, blending deep blue brilliance with exquisite craftsmanship. Celebrate your unique love story with a gem as rare and beautiful as your bond.
Shop Sapphire Engagement RingsBirthstones have a magical charm that gives jewelry a personal touch.
But what makes these gems so unique?
This ultimate guide’ll explore September’s birthstones' rich history, fascinating significance, and essential care tips.
In this article...
What Is The September Birthstone?
For those born in September, you're in for a treat because sapphires are the star of your birth month.
A gemstone that has been cherished for centuries and sapphires are nothing short of extraordinary.
If you’re looking to celebrate a September birthday or simply embrace the elegance of sapphire jewelry, sapphires are a great addition to any collection.
The History of September Birthstones
Sapphires aren’t just pretty faces; they are heavenly, celestial, some might even say.
These breathtaking gemstones have lore for days thanks to their gorgeously deep blue hues, reminiscent of unclouded ancient night skies.
The ancient Persians believed that the world existed upon one giant sapphire.
They thought the sky was blue because our home planet reflected this otherworldly sapphire.
From Buddhists believing sapphires promote inner peace and the seven heavens of Islam shining desired with sapphires among other precious stones, sapphires hooked people.
Heard of the Ten Commandments? Famous for its unbreakable strength, it is thought that the Ten Commandments were written in tablets of sapphire!
(Sounds expensive, but we guess God has an unlimited budget.)
Sapphire isn’t just the gemstone sponsor of September; it’s Apostle St. Paul’s specifically associated gem!
In the Middle Ages, folks believed sapphires to symbolize Heaven, while kings donned these gems for protection, thinking they could ward off envy and harm.
Fast forward to today, and sapphires still carry that regal air, embodying centuries of admiration and reverence.
The Meaning of September Birthstones
Sapphires hold a well of profound meanings.
They symbolize truth, faithfulness, nobility, and sincerity – the quadrant of admirable qualities. Think of them as the ultimate good luck charm.
Wearing a sapphire is believed to bring prosperity, loyalty, and inner peace to those lucky to be born in September.
Imagine walking around with a piece of the sky, radiating positivity and protection. That’s the sapphire for you.
There’s even a buzz that sapphires had a knack for revealing infidelity, lies, and evil spirits.
At least, this is what ancient Greece and Rome believed regarding envy and harm. You can bet they were grabbing all the sapphires they could get!
Due to these symbolic meanings and beliefs, sapphires were central to centuries of alchemy, astrology, magic, and healing.
They even played a role in medicinal healing for many years.
From increasing lifespan, ridding headaches, and stopping nosebleeds, there wasn’t anything a sapphire couldn’t do!
Famous Sapphires
Ever wonder about the sapphire pieces that have made history? Let's talk about some legendary stones:
The Rockefeller Sapphire
Move over NYC Christmas tree; there’s another spectacle in town!
The Rockefeller Sapphire isn’t just any gem; it's a 62.02-carat superstar. It was rightfully nicknamed “Masterpiece,” and it’s nothing short.
This rectangular sapphire, discovered in Myanmar, boasts a flawless, deep blue hue.
When John D. Rockefeller Jr. bought it in the 1930s, he knew he was securing a piece of history.
Today, it is a testament to the timeless allure of high-quality sapphires.
It’ll also set you back a whopping $3,000,000-$5,000,000. Yes, millions.
The Rockefeller Sapphire is often the benchmark for judging sapphires' size, shape, color, and clarity.
The Sapphire Engagement Ring of Princess Diana/Kate Middleton
A 12-carat oval cut Sri Lankan blue sapphire surrounded by 14 dazzling round cut diamonds, this ring has graced the hands of both Princess Diana and Kate Middleton.
The ring exudes all it means to be royal: opulent, crowd-stopping, and utterly enchanting.
Every glance at this ring tells a story of love and enduring beauty.
The world was swept into a real-life fairytale kingdom when Prince William proposed to Catherine (a.k.a) Kate with this stunning sapphire in 2010.
A legacy and symbol of lasting memory of his mother Diana, this family heirloom is estimated to be worth $300,000 today.
More Famous Sapphires
If you're a gemstone enthusiast, you can cast your eyes upon some of the most famous sapphires in the world.
Located in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. and the Tower of London, these include:
- Catherine the Great's Sapphire (337 carats)
- The impressive Raspoli Sapphire (132 carats)
- The enchanting Star of Bombay (181.82 carats)
- The magnificent Logan Sapphire (a whopping 422.99 carats)
- The regal Stuart Sapphire (approximately 104 carats) proudly sits in the UK's Imperial State Crown.
So, next time you admire the oceanic universe of blue sapphire, remember these iconic treasures' endless history and unparalleled beauty.
Sources and Mining Locations of September Birthstones
Kashmir
Kashmir sapphires are the stuff of legends.
Known for their velvety, deep blue hue, these gems are incredibly rare and highly sought after.
Mined in the early 19th century, Kashmir sapphires are unmatched in quality, making them the crème de la crème of sapphires.
Myanmar (Burma)
Sapphires from Myanmar are like the royalty of the gem world.
Known for their rich, intense blue, sometimes tinged with a hint of violet, Burmese sapphires are as exquisite as they come.
Their vibrant color and exceptional clarity make them a favorite among gem connoisseurs.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, or Ceylon, has been the heart of sapphire mining for over 2,000 years. It is the oldest source of sapphires, earning the nickname Gem Island.
These sapphires are known for their lighter, brighter blue shades and excellent transparency.
If you want a sapphire that shines like the tropical skies of Sri Lanka, this is your go-to.
Other Locations
Sapphires can be found worldwide, from the rugged outbacks of Australia to the rich soils of Madagascar.
Sapphires are found in Thailand, Cambodia, and the United States (Montana).
Their unique characteristics, such as their varieties of color, add to their global allure. Each mining location offers a different palette, contributing to its diverse beauty.
What Is The September Birthstone Color?
Sapphires come in a rainbow of colors, however the classic blue sapphire steals the spotlight and is known as the main birthstone color for September.
More recently, fancy sapphires are making a splash in a variety of different colors.
Think pinks, yellows, greens, oranges, and purples—each hue brings its unique charm.
These color variations result from different trace elements mixing into the gem’s crystal structure, making every sapphire a masterpiece.
Color Significance
Blue sapphires are the crown jewels, prized for their vivid, deep blue color.
Though prices of precious gems fluctuate daily, a high-quality 1-carat blue sapphire can cost between $3000-$5000.
But don’t sleep on the fancy sapphires!
Featured Pink Sapphire Engagement Rings
Pink sapphires exude romance, yellow ones radiate joy, and green sapphires bring a refreshing burst of nature’s beauty.
Each color has its own story and significance, making sapphires versatile and deeply personal.
Care and Maintenance of September Birthstones
Durability
Sapphires are tough cookies, ranking nine on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Only diamonds compete with them on the hardness scale, stealing the number one spot.
Sapphires are hard, making them perfect for everyday wear, whether a show-stopping engagement ring or a delicate pair of earrings.
They can withstand the fast-paced, often high-contact daily life, making them a practical yet luxurious choice.
Common Treatments
To bring out their best, many sapphires undergo treatments.
Heat treatment of around 1,500 to 1,800 degrees Celcius is the most common, enhancing color and clarity.
Some sapphires may also be fracture-filled to improve their appearance.
Always ask about any treatments a sapphire has undergone to make an informed purchase.
Cleaning Tips
Keeping your sapphires sparkling is a breeze.
Simply clean them with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, especially if your sapphire has undergone treatments.
Treat your sapphire with care, and it will shine brilliantly for generations.
September Birthstone Buying Guide
What to Look For
When it comes to buying sapphires, the 4Cs are your best friends:
Color:
Look for a vibrant, rich hue—the more intense the color, the more valuable the sapphire.
Clarity:
While inclusions are natural, they should not be visible to the naked eye. Clearer sapphires are more desirable.
A well-cut sapphire maximizes the gem's brilliance and showcases its color beautifully.
Larger sapphires are rarer and thus more valuable, but a well-cut, smaller sapphire can be equally stunning.
Questions to Ask
Before you buy, ask about the sapphire's origin and any treatments it has undergone, and request certification from reputable organizations likethe GIA.
These details ensure you're getting a quality gem worth your investment.
Our Favorite September Birthstone Pieces
At Ben Garelick, we take pride in offering a stunning collection of sapphire jewelry. Here are some pieces that will make your heart race:
Ben Garelick Luna Twist Hidden Halo Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring
Marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of the Ben Garelick Luna twist blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
Perfectly showcasing 0.15 carats of round cut blue sapphires (lab or mined) and 0.20 carats of round cut diamonds (lab or mined), the ring is further accented with a hidden halo and elegant milgrain detailing.
And set atop the striking twisted band is an impressive 2 carat round stone held in with claw prongs.
Enjoy ultimate flexibility as you create the perfect ring tailored to your unique style - any size or shape gemstone can be used.
Le Vian Pink Sapphire & Diamond High Heel Shoe Pendant
Adorn your neckline with the exquisite Le Vian pendant, shaped like a trendy high-heeled shoe.
It features 1/2 carats of round-cut Hombre Bubble Gum Pink Sapphires and 3/8 carats of radiant round-cut Nude Diamonds™ set in 14K Strawberry Gold®.
Simon G. Mixed-Cut Rainbow Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet
Simon G.'s 18K white gold mixed-cut rainbow sapphire and diamond bracelet features 5.65 carats of mixed-cut natural-colored sapphires and 1.12 total-weight round-cut diamonds.
A Universe of Sparkle
Sapphires are pieces of history, symbols of deep meanings, and treasures of breathtaking beauty.
Sapphires make a meaningful addition to any jewelry collection, whether you love their vibrant colors or storied past.
Explore our exquisite selection at Ben Garelick and find the perfect sapphire piece that speaks to you. Let your jewelry shine as brilliantly as you do!
Visit our showroom or chat with one of our diamond experts online today. Your perfect sapphire is waiting!