September Birthstone – Blue Sapphire

Where Do Blue Sapphires Come From?

The blue sapphire comes from the island country of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, approximately 250 miles off the coast of East Africa. The gemstone also originates from the former Burmese country, now known as Myanmar, and from Sri Lanka. The gemstone can take several forms. We find them as “fancy sapphire” stones, ranging in beautiful color combinations from warm yellow and rosy pink to deep purple and the enchanting royal blue of the September birthstone.

Most noted for its favor among royalty, the sapphire’s long and beloved history dates back to ancient Rome and spans four centuries of the British Empire. Renowned for its place on the hand of Princess Diana, and more recently, Kate Middleton, as an iconic royal engagement ring.

September Birthstone - Blue Sapphire — Cabochon Cut Sapphire Stone

We revere this variety of colors for its amazing, ever-changing character and the visual shifts in hue under varying lighting. These stones can go from blushing blue in daylight to violet under the indoor light of a common household lamp. Notably, it rates a 9 on the Mohs Scale of hardness, second only to the resilient diamond, which is rated 10.

Sapphire Shades And Varieties

As a variety of the mineral corundum, it owes its magnificent chromatic coloration to the elements: aluminum oxide, iron, and magnesium. Sharing many similarities with the ruby, which is its sister birthstone, sapphires are distinguished from their sibling primarily by color. We regard a red gemstone as a ruby, while we identify all other hues as sapphires.

But one of the best-known stones (and one of the most beautiful) is the dazzling royal blue.

Sapphire Birthstone: Its History

As early as 1,800 years ago, the blue variety of the September sapphire was among the most coveted natural gemstones. It was frequently sewn onto the robes and fixed to the fingers of affluent nobility. Some were as notorious as Rome’s ruthless emperor Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (more infamously known as Caligula), and, more notably, others, such as new cardinals, who received sapphire ecclesiastical rings as a gift from the Pope.

September Birthstone Sapphire Roman Ring — Roman Emperor Ring

September Birthstone Sapphire Cardinal Ring — Catholic Cardinal Ring

Through the ages, the stone’s well-established association with nobility is also reflected in its appearance on the robes of clergy and royalty.

One amazing example of the sapphire’s travels through royal houses is Saint Edward’s Sapphire, which dates back to 1066. Along with the burial of the patron saint of kings in Westminster Abbey came the inclusion of his ring’s sapphire into the British Crown Jewels. The gemstone is one of the most famous sapphires. The oldest gemstone in the royal collection.

September Birthstone Sapphire Crown of Queen Victoria — Imperial State Crown of Queen Victoria

Sapphire: Philosophy Of The Stone

Across the globe, the beauty of the sapphire gemstone has attracted deep meaning in several cultures. Many held it for its physical allure. Others regarded it for the deeper meaning their philosophies projected onto it. Past European cultures believed that possessing the gemstone protected against the plague and eye illnesses.

Still others believed the stone could counteract toxins, serving as an antidote to poison. There were also beliefs that the gemstone gave the owner the ability to see the future. In fact, the ancient Romans widely believed that sapphires granted them protection from harm or envy.

Sapphire Care

As a durable gemstone with excellent toughness, the sapphire birthstone is relatively easy to maintain. To keep your sapphire birthstone jewelry looking brilliant as the day it was “born” to you, a little warm water and a gentle cleaning with a very mild soap will keep it gleaming for birthdays to come.

If you were born in September, happy birthday, and congratulations on being so well represented by one of the most glamorous and eye-catching gemstones, the blue sapphire.

As a perfect gift in honor of the September Birthstone – Blue Sapphire, here are a few gorgeous September blue gemstone and crystal birthstone jewelry alternatives.