Sapphire: A Complete Guide to the September Birthstone

September’s official birthstone is the sapphire – a gem that’s often distinguished by its deep blue colour. But sapphire’s actually come in a rainbow of colours. In jewellery, sapphire symbolizes loyalty, sincerity, and nobility. Its rich blue hue evokes images of a clear twilight sky or calm ocean.

Sapphire has been woven into wedding traditions beyond just September birthdays. It is the traditional gem for both 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.

A Brief History of the Sapphire Birthstone

In many cultures the symbolism of sapphire is closely tied to royalty and romance. Perhaps the most famous example is Princess Diana’s engagement ring. In 1981, she chose a striking 12-carat Ceylon blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds, a piece that captured the world’s imagination.

Today, that ring is worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, continuing its legacy as one of the most recognisable pieces of jewellery in the world. This royal connection cemented sapphire in our hearts. It’s no surprise, then, that the meaning of the sapphire birthstone is so often associated with truth and wisdom. These are all qualities that make sapphire jewellery especially meaningful for September birthdays and anniversaries.

For September-born gemstone lovers, sapphire’s colour appeal is undeniable. While the most familiar shade is deep cornflower blue, fancy sapphires can be found in pink, yellow, orange, green, purple and even colour-changing varieties. This wide palette means each sapphire stone has its own personality. Beyond colour, sapphire’s impressive hardness means it stays bright and sparkly even with daily wear. It’s no wonder sapphire remains a firm favourite for fine jewellery.

Physical and Gemological Properties of Sapphire

• Colour and Composition: Sapphire is a precious variety of corundum, usually colourless in its pure state; trace elements create shades from deep blue (iron and titanium) to yellow, pink, green, violet, and the rare pink-orange padparadscha sapphire. Red corundum is classified separately as ruby.
• Hardness and Durability: Sapphire is extremely hard – rating 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale. In fact, it can only be scratched by other sapphires, and diamonds.
• Formation: Sapphires form deep within the Earth’s crust when aluminium-rich rocks undergo high heat and pressure, creating corundum crystals that gain their colours from trace elements.
• Clarity: Sapphires typically have good transparency, though many contain fine inclusions; high-quality stones are often eye-clean, while inclusions like rutile needles can create a desirable star effect in star sapphires.

Sapphire looks stunning set in platinum, yellow or white gold, and pairs beautifully with diamonds or other accent gems for added sparkle.

At Aleks Jewellers in Norwich, our sapphire jewellery collection includes elegant rings, pendants, and earrings that showcase the gem’s rich colours. From classic deep blue sapphires to fancy pinks and yellow stones, customers can find a timeless piece to suit their style.

Sapphire’s elegance also makes it a popular choice for engagement rings. Many couples are choosing sapphire as a vibrant, meaningful alternative to traditional diamonds, adding colour and character to their proposals.

Caring for Your Sapphire Jewellery

Sapphire is one of the hardiest gemstones, but it still deserves care to keep it sparkling. Here are some expert tips:

• Cleaning: Use warm water, mild soap and a soft brush or cloth. A gentle warm soapy soak and a wipe-down will remove everyday oils and grime. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which could damage the stone or any delicate settings.
  
• Storage: Store sapphire jewellery separately from other pieces to avoid scratches. Despite its hardness, sapphire can scratch softer gemstones (and can be scratched by diamonds). Keep sapphire rings or necklaces in a fabric-lined box or soft pouch, apart from diamonds or other gems.
  
• Inspection: Even a durable sapphire can lose its sparkle if settings become loose. We advise you to bring your jewellery in to be inspected once every 6 months to check the setting is secure for your beautiful gemstone.

By following these care steps, your sapphire jewellery will maintain its brilliance and symbolic meaning for years to come.

September Birthstone Gift Ideas

If you’re looking for an unforgettable gift for September birthdays and anniversaries here are a couple of our favourites: 

• Multi-Coloured 1.16ct Sapphire and 0.49ct Diamond Teardrop Necklace in 18ct White Gold
• 1.16ct Oval Sapphire Engagement Ring with Diamond Set Shoulders set in 18k Yellow Gold
• 0.66ct Oval Cut Green Sapphire Engagement Ring with a Halo of Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold

Explore our store for even more sapphire jewellery ideas – necklaces, brooches, cufflinks and more can all feature this versatile gem.

Find Sapphire Jewellery at Aleks Jewellers

If you or someone you love is a September birthday star, come see our sapphire selection at Aleks Jewellers. We’re a Norwich-based independent jeweller serving all of East Anglia with expert service and a passion for gemstones. Visit our London Street store to browse sapphire rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets in person – our friendly team will happily help you find the perfect piece that reflects the symbolism of sapphire and your personal style.

And remember, Aleks Jewellers has guides for every birthstone! Be sure to check out our other birthstone blog posts for ideas on gifts and jewellery for all the months. Whether it’s sapphire for September or another gem, we’re here to help you celebrate the times of your lives.