The fresh blue sapphire is the birthstone for September. Evoking nature and blue skies, this natural gem is a perfect present for those celebrating their birthdays during this month. It also symbolizes the gift of awareness.
If you or a family member or special friend has a birthday in September, why not think about purchasing jewelry featuring a sapphire to celebrate?
Sapphire derives from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning ‘precious stone’. Historically regarded as very important, the stone has a proud and long tradition in culture.
One of the most precious sapphires was given by Prince Charles to Lady Diana on their engagement and the world-famous ring is now of course worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, the wife of her son Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.
What is not widely known is that sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum and a red corundum is a ruby. The corundum is defined by the hardness and all corundum is registered at 9 on the Mohs scale, which is used to categorize the hardness of gems.
Sapphires can be divided into three broad categories: classic metamorphic, non-classic metamorphic or magmatic, and classic magmatic. They are ideal for use in necklaces, earrings and rings.
While most people associate sapphires with the color blue, they may also be colorless and are also found in many different shades including black and grey. However, most sapphires range from a light blue color to a deeper purple. This sapphire is the most valuable and prized and used most in jewelry.
Ground sapphires were once actually prized as medicine. A sapphire was also believed to protect the wearer from evil. The sapphire is also the traditional gift for a 45th wedding anniversary.
The elegant September birthstone Claddagh ring with blue sapphire is available from Rings from Ireland in silver, 10k and 14k yellow gold and also in 10k and 14k white gold.
Nowadays the sapphire stands for a clear mind, peace and purity. There’s no better way to mark a September birthday!