Discover the September Birthstone: The Timeless Sapphire

September’s birthstone is the sapphire, a gem that has captivated hearts for millennia. While "sapphire" commonly refers to the stunning blue variety of corundum, this gem actually comes in a spectrum of colors. Beyond its beauty, sapphires are steeped in symbolism, representing royalty, romance, fidelity, and the soul.

The name "sapphire" is derived from the Greek word sappheiros, and blue sapphires, in particular, have long been celebrated for their enchanting hues. Traditionally, sapphires symbolize sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. For centuries, they have graced the attire of royalty and clergy alike. In ancient Greece and Rome, blue sapphires were believed to offer protection from harm and envy, while medieval clerics wore them as symbols of Heaven. The Persians even imagined the earth resting on a colossal sapphire, giving the sky its blue color.

In addition to their symbolic significance, sapphires were once thought to possess healing powers. Medieval Europeans believed they could cure plague boils and eye diseases and act as antidotes to poison.

Among the most famous sapphires is the Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat rectangular step-cut gem from Myanmar (Burma). Purchased in 1934 by financier John D. Rockefeller Jr., it has been recut and remounted, first as a brooch and later as a ring adorned with diamond side stones. Another renowned sapphire is the 12-carat blue gem encircled by diamonds, which was famously worn by Princess Diana and is now cherished by Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Sapphires continue to dazzle and inspire, making them a perfect gem to celebrate this September.