Introducing Precious Sapphire: The Birthstone of September

Calling all Virgos & Librans!

The month of September celebrates the gentle Virgos and charming Librans and a gemstone that outshines many others! The precious sapphire for September birthdays is the second most durable stone after diamonds, and is used in many high-quality jewellery pieces. It’s highly prized for engagement rings and is also the gift of choice for a 5^th or 45^th wedding anniversary.

The Sapphire Birthstone

Sapphires are said to be named after the Greek word “sapphirus” meaning blue and have been revered as one of the most precious gemstones for many hundreds of years. The royalty of ancient Greece and Rome believed that sapphires protected them from envy and harm. In fact, many ancient Greeks believed that the world was made of sapphire and the blue of the sky was merely a reflection of the sapphire earth.

History of the Sapphire

During the Middle Ages, the clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolise heaven and many thought the sapphires offered health, protection, wisdom and good fortune. Buddhists believe the sapphire creates a calming presence that facilitates meditation and spiritual enlightenment.

The precious sapphire is still revered today as a colourful alternative to a diamond engagement ring as it symbolises fulfilment, sincerity and joy.

Where does the sapphire come from?

Australia was the largest producer of sapphires until the early 1990s when large deposits were discovered in Madagascar. Many famous sapphires, such as the Star of India and the Star of Adam came from Sri Lanka (Ceylon). And the sapphire deposits of Kashmir are admired for their velvety blue hue.

As a general rule, the closer the sapphire is to a true blue, i.e. a medium to medium dark velvety or cornflower blue, the more valuable the stone will be. However this precious gem rewards us with every colour of the rainbow, except red (which is a ruby). This stunning pink sapphire ring is one of our favourites.

Famous sapphire wearers

Napoleon Bonaparte presented his bride to be, Josephine, with a beautiful sapphire and diamond engagement ring in 1795.

When Princess Diana became engaged to Charles in 1981, her engagement ring made headlines with a striking sapphire set in white gold. Prince William later gave this ring to Kate Middleton in 2010. This stunning 9ct white gold and sapphire diamond flower ring is a beautiful update on that classic style.

Spanish actress and wife of Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, also wears a sapphire engagement ring which looks a little like this Created Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring.

Oh, and when Warnie proposed to Liz Hurley in 2011, he did it with a $65,000, 9-carat sapphire!

Sapphire appears regularly at red-carpet events with celebrities like Keira Knightley, Katie Holmes and Helen Mirren using sapphires to complement their designer looks. Even Johnny Depp loves his sapphire pendant that looks a lot like our white gold, sapphire and diamond pendant.

What to look for when buying a sapphire

Like diamonds, sapphires are graded by their size, clarity, cut and also by their colour. When it comes to size, big isn’t always better! Just look at these 9ct yellow gold threads with black sapphire drops. Exquisite! 

Although commonly used for engagement rings, sapphires make great birthday and anniversary gifts. This elegant white gold created sapphire and diamond pendant is a perfect gift for that special woman in your life.

Of course, it’s not fair to let the girls have all the fun. If your man has a September birthday, take a look at this Roamer Swiss watch with sapphire crystal.

If you’re looking for the perfect sapphire gift and can’t find what you want in these suggestions, click here browse the Hoskings website for more precious sapphire jewellery.

Written by Niamh Hislop