The September birthstone is sapphire, a gem famous for its blue but found in almost every colour of the rainbow. Hard, tough and long associated with truth and faithfulness, it is one of the most wearable gems there is. In this guide from Wanderlust Jewelry we look at what sapphire is, where it comes from, what people have believed about it, and how to care for it.
September birthstone: sapphire at a glance
- What it is: the mineral corundum, the same mineral as ruby.
- Colours: best known in blue, from greenish blue to violetish blue, but found in every colour except red (red corundum is ruby).
- Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale, with excellent toughness and no cleavage.
- Anniversaries: the gem for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
Where the name comes from
The word sapphire comes from the Greek sappheiros. Interestingly, GIA notes that the Greek word probably referred to lapis lazuli, another blue stone, rather than to sapphire as we know it today.
More than blue: fancy sapphires
Sapphires in colours other than blue are called fancy sapphires. A few you may see:
- Pink sapphire: after blue, pink and pinkish orange (padparadscha) sapphires command the highest prices.
- Yellow sapphire: some pale Sri Lankan sapphire, known as geuda, is heated to produce yellow or orange gems.
- Green sapphire: rich in iron.
- White sapphire: colourless corundum, once popular as a diamond look-alike.
- Star sapphire: shows a six-rayed star caused by fine, needle-like inclusions, and is cut as a rounded cabochon.
Where sapphires come from
According to GIA, Kashmir, Myanmar (formerly Burma) and Sri Lanka are three historically important sources of sapphire. Significant quantities have also been found in Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar and the United States (Montana).
Sapphire meaning and beliefs
Sapphire has traditionally symbolised nobility, truth, sincerity and faithfulness, and it has adorned the robes of royalty and clergy for centuries. Its folklore includes:
- The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed blue sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy.
- Clerics of the Middle Ages wore sapphires because they symbolised Heaven, and ordinary people believed the stone attracted heavenly blessings.
- Star sapphires were linked in folklore with the power to foresee the future.
Sapphire has a place in modern romance too: in 1981 Prince Charles gave Lady Diana Spencer a blue sapphire engagement ring, tying the gem to modern royal history.
These are traditional beliefs, not proven effects, and are no substitute for medical advice.
Sapphire treatments: what to ask
Heat treatment of sapphire is very common and widely accepted, and diffusion treatment, fracture-filling, cavity-filling and dyeing are also seen. GIA advises always asking whether a sapphire is treated and by what method, because filled or dyed stones need gentler care.
Wearing and caring for sapphire
With a hardness of 9, excellent toughness and no cleavage, sapphire resists breaking and suits rings worn every day.
- Warm, soapy water is always a safe choice.
- Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually fine for untreated, heat-treated and lattice diffusion-treated stones.
- Fracture-filled, cavity-filled or dyed stones should only be wiped with a damp cloth, and kept away from mild acids such as lemon juice.
- Star sapphires should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic machine.
See our jewellery care guide for more.
Choosing sapphire jewellery
Because sapphire is so durable, it is one of the best coloured gems for a ring, and its many colours mean you can choose a shade that suits the wearer: classic blue, soft pink, sunny yellow, or a mix of colours in one piece. It sits beautifully in silver, white metals and gold.
A few things that help when shopping with Wanderlust Jewelry South Africa:
- Use the printable ring sizer on our size guide. Rings over R2,000 include a free first resize within 30 days.
- Words and symbols are priced in the engraving box as you type; on stone-set rings we engrave inside the band. See the engraving guide.
- Schedule a video call with one of our consultants to see the exact piece before you buy (WhatsApp 068 613 6350).
Shop the September birthstone
Our founders hand-pick pieces from artisans in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Hong Kong, along with pieces made in South Africa. Browse our September birthstone collection, or explore our gemstone rings.