Birthstone for the month September

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month September.  They say that it is the gemstone of wisdom, loyalty and nobility.  Blue sapphire has been the symbol for nobility and faithfulness for centuries.  The garments of the nobility were adorned with blue Sapphires.

A little gemmological info on the birthstone of September

Sapphire is a popular gemstone, which comes in a variation of colours. Best known is the rich deep blue colour.  The Sapphire can also be violet, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple and intermediate hues.  The Sapphire belongs to the mineral species corundum.  It is colourless, but trace elements or colour centres can turn colourless corundum into colourful sapphire. Red corundum is the only colour not called sapphire, but ruby.

The Sapphire is present throughout history.  It dates back to Ancient Greece. It’s most famous is the Kashmir Sapphire, discovered in the Himalayas during the mid 18^th century. Romantically described by explorers, as being found “beyond the snows”.  It is in these remote mountains that some to the world’s most beautiful sapphires were unearthed.  It is rare to find a Kashmir Sapphire for sale.  The remoteness and weather conditions are the main factor in it’s rarity. Other countries of origin are Myanmar, Czech Republic, Brazil, Kenya, India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Australia.  Commercial-grade sapphire is also found in Montana.

Famous sapphires

The Rockefeller Sapphire is undoubtedly the most famous of Sapphires at 62.02 ct.  Burma (modern-day Myanmar) is where this Sapphire originates.

The Starry Night Sapphire was a star sapphire in cut as a tribute to mark the 125th anniversary of the passing of Van Gogh

Commissions and gift ideas

If this article has inspired you to purchase a jewel with a sapphire, why not have something bespoke made.  Read through my commissions and remodelling page to find out more about bespoke jewellery.  Such and not sure how to realise your dream jewel?  Just contact me by email or phone and I can walk you through all your ideas.