September Birthstone

Sapphire is the modern September birthstone and the gem designated for the 5th, 23rd and 45th wedding anniversary; a star sapphire is typically given on the 65th wedding anniversary.

"Sapphire" comes from the Persian word "safir", meaning "beloved of Saturn", (or Greek sapphiros).
The blue color is by far the most popular color for sapphire but orange-pink, golden, white, and even black, due to the presence of small amounts of titanium and iron within the crystal structure.

Color is noted next to birth stone name.
Modern Birthstone - Sapphire (Blue or Pink)
Traditional Birthstone - Sapphire (Blue or Pink)
Mystical Birthstone - Agate (Blue or Green)
Ayurvedic Birthstone - Moonstone (White)
15th-20th Century Birthstones - Chrsolite Other Birthstone (Elsewhere on internet)- Lapis Lazuli (Blue), Diamond (White, Clear), Chrysolite (Green)

The Sapphire is second only to the Diamond in hardness, making it a durable gemstone for setting into Sapphire jewelry. The sapphire was said to represent the purity of the soul. Before and during the Middle Ages, it was worn by priests as protection from impure thoughts and temptations of the flesh. Medieval kings of Europe valued these stones for rings and brooches, believing that it protected them from harm and envy. Warriors presented their young wives with sapphire necklaces so they would remain faithful. Sapphires were once believed to be protection against snakes. It was said that if poisonous reptiles and spiders were placed in a jar containing the stone, the creatures would immediately die.

Ancient civilizations believed that the world was set upon an enormous sapphire, which painted the sky blue with its reflection. This legend, as well as the belief that the ten commandments were inscribed upon tablets made of sapphire, gives September’s birthstone a royal place among gemstones.

The biggest source of sapphires world-wide is Australia, especially New South Wales and Queensland.

Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry | Sapphire Jewelry

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