September babies are lucky. Their birthstone has been treasured by kings, queens, and collectors for centuries. It’s a gem known for its striking color, incredible strength, and symbolism tied to loyalty and wisdom.
Most people think they know what it looks like, but here’s the fun part, it comes in more than just one shade. This stone hides surprises that make it one of the most fascinating gems in the world of jewelry.
Curious? Let’s take a closer look at the September birthstone and why it continues to steal the spotlight year after year.
What Is the September Birthstone
The September birthstone is sapphire. It belongs to the corundum family, the same mineral group as ruby. The only difference? When corundum is red, it’s called ruby. Every other color falls under sapphire.
Sapphire has always had a reputation as a stone of wisdom, loyalty, and truth. It’s no wonder kings, queens, and priests wore it as a sign of power and protection. Today, it’s just as treasured for engagement rings and fine jewelry because it balances beauty with serious durability.
September Birthstone Color
When people think of the September birthstone, they usually picture that rich royal blue. And yes, blue sapphires are the classic choice. But here’s the twist, sapphires come in almost every color you can imagine. Pink, yellow, green, purple, even orange. Basically, everything except red.
Collectors go wild for padparadscha sapphires. They’re a dreamy mix of pink and orange, like a sunset you wish you could bottle. Rare, pricey, and definitely a showstopper if you can get your hands on one.
At Barkev’s, we love pairing the deep blues with diamonds, but fancy colored sapphires open the door for one-of-a-kind jewelry that feels personal.
Meaning and History of the September Birthstone
Sapphires have always been more than just pretty stones. In ancient times, people believed they protected wearers from envy and harm. They were also symbols of honesty and faithfulness, which made them a favorite among royalty and clergy.
Kings wore sapphires to show strength and wisdom. Priests used them to connect with the divine. Fast forward a few centuries, and they’re still a symbol of loyalty, think Princess Diana’s famous sapphire engagement ring, now worn by Kate Middleton.
The history of sapphire shows it’s not just a gem. It’s a stone that carries meaning across cultures and generations.
Where Sapphires Come From
Sapphires are found all over the world, but a few places stand out. The legendary Kashmir sapphires are prized for their velvety blue color, though they’re incredibly rare today. Myanmar and Sri Lanka have supplied beautiful stones for centuries, each with their own distinct character.
Modern favorites often come from Madagascar, which produces a wide range of colors. Australia and Thailand are also major sources, while the United States has its own supply in Montana.
Where a sapphire comes from can influence its value, but beauty isn’t limited to one country. Every source brings something different to the table.
How Durable Is the September Birthstone
Sapphires are tough. On the Mohs scale of hardness, they score a 9 out of 10. That means they resist scratches better than almost every other gemstone except diamond.
They also have excellent toughness and no cleavage, which in gem-speak means they don’t break easily. Put simply, sapphire can handle daily wear without stressing you out.
It’s one of the reasons people choose sapphire engagement rings. A stone that’s both stunning and strong is a rare find.
Buying Guide for September Birthstone Jewelry
When shopping for sapphire jewelry, color comes first. The most valuable stones have a vivid medium to medium-dark blue. Too light and the stone can look washed out, too dark and it may look almost black.
Cut is next. A well-cut sapphire reflects light evenly and looks bright from every angle. Poor cuts can make even a good stone look dull.
Treatments are common. Heat treatment is widely accepted and improves color and clarity. But other treatments like diffusion or fracture filling should always be disclosed. These can affect value and how you care for the gem.
For fine sapphires, it’s smart to ask for a lab report from a trusted gemological lab. It gives you peace of mind that you’re getting what you paid for.
Are There Other September Birthstones
Officially, September has one birthstone, and that’s sapphire. It’s the stone recognized by the modern birthstone list in the United States.
In some older or regional lists, lapis lazuli also shows up as a September birthstone. While not nearly as popular as sapphire, lapis has a deep blue color flecked with golden pyrite that gives it a starry-night look.
Still, sapphire holds the crown as the true September birthstone today.
Anniversary and Gift Ideas
Sapphire isn’t just for birthdays. It’s also the traditional gift for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries. That makes it a stone with staying power in more ways than one.
Gift ideas can be as simple or as grand as you like. Sapphire stud earrings are timeless and easy to wear every day. A sapphire pendant adds a pop of color without being too bold. For a big celebration, sapphire tennis bracelets and engagement rings make unforgettable statements.
Men’s sapphire bands are also growing in popularity. They bring a sleek, modern touch that still feels classic.
September Birthstone FAQ
What is the September birthstone?
Sapphire. It’s a variety of corundum admired for durability, brilliance, and a wide range of colors.
What color is the September birthstone?
Blue is the classic choice, but sapphires also come in pink, yellow, green, purple, and even orange.
Does September have two birthstones?
Officially, sapphire is the only September birthstone. Some older lists also mention lapis lazuli.
Is sapphire good for everyday wear?
Yes. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is built to last.
Is lab grown sapphire a real sapphire?
Absolutely. It has the same chemistry and crystal structure as natural sapphire. The difference is in how it’s created and priced.
What are the sapphire anniversary years?
The 5th and the 45th. Both perfect excuses for new jewelry.
Where do the best sapphires come from?
Kashmir, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar are known for producing top-quality sapphires.
The September birthstone has it all, beauty, strength, and a history that stretches across centuries. Whether you love the classic royal blue or the rarer fancy colors, sapphire is a gem that never goes out of style. It’s meaningful for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply as a gift that lasts a lifetime.
If you’re ready to explore sapphire for yourself, take a look at our collection of sapphire jewelry. You might just find the piece that feels like it was made for you.