September’s Birthstone: The Regal Splendour of Sapphires

Those with birthdays in September are no strangers to luxury—think stunning long summer days, dreamy holiday destinations, and a birthstone that truly dazzles. Sapphire, the official gem of September, enchants us with its mesmerising shades of deep blue, while also appearing in hues of yellow, pink, and even white. 

Though sapphires are a popular choice in jewellery, they remain a precious treasure that never goes out of style or loses its value. So why not celebrate a loved one’s September birthday with the timeless beauty of a sapphire? It’s the perfect way to mark their special day with a touch of elegance and meaning. If you're looking for a gift they won't forget, our incredible Sapphire Jewellery at Chisholm Hunter doesn't disappoint.

Let’s delve into everything you need to know about September’s dazzling stone, from its rich history to how it’s formed.

The birthstone for September is the sapphire. Known for its striking beauty, this gemstone has been a symbol of wisdom, nobility, and protection for centuries. Sapphires are most famous for their rich blue hue, but did you know they actually come in a variety of colours? More on that in a moment!

Sapphire is a precious gemstone that belongs to the corundum family of minerals. While most people associate sapphires with the colour blue, the name refers to any corundum gemstone that isn’t red (red corundum is, of course, a ruby!). Sapphires are second only to diamonds in terms of hardness, scoring a 9 on the Mohs scale. This makes them not only stunning but also incredibly durable – perfect for jewellery that lasts a lifetime.

The classic sapphire colour is a deep, royal blue, but these gems actually come in an impressive range of shades. Sapphires can be found in pink, yellow, green, purple, white, and even rare orange varieties. These colourful versions are called "fancy sapphires." However, it’s the iconic blue sapphire that remains the most popular and widely recognised.

Interestingly, the specific shade of blue can vary depending on where the sapphire was sourced. The most prized sapphires often boast a rich, velvety blue, which seems to glow with an inner fire.

Sapphires have been admired and treasured for thousands of years. Ancient civilisations believed that sapphires brought protection and good fortune. In ancient Greece and Rome, royalty wore sapphires as a symbol of strength and wisdom. Clergy in the Middle Ages also adopted the stone, believing it represented the heavens.

Sapphires have often been associated with royalty and romance. Perhaps the most famous sapphire in modern history is the one set in Princess Diana’s engagement ring, which is now worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. This iconic ring has only added to the sapphire’s legacy as a gemstone fit for kings and queens.

Sapphires are known to symbolise wisdom, loyalty, and faithfulness. It’s no surprise, then, that they are a popular choice for engagement rings and other meaningful gifts. In ancient times, sapphires were believed to protect the wearer from envy and harm. They were also thought to bring clarity of thought and spiritual insight.

Today, many people still believe that sapphires bring calm and focus to the mind, helping to dispel negativity and align thoughts with purpose. For those born in September, the sapphire is said to bring peace and prosperity.

Sapphires are formed deep within the Earth under intense heat and pressure. They are made from the mineral corundum, which is an aluminium oxide crystal. Trace amounts of other elements, like iron and titanium, are what give sapphires their beautiful colours. For example, the presence of iron and titanium creates the classic blue sapphire.

The process of sapphire formation takes millions of years, as crystals grow slowly in underground conditions. Once formed, they are brought closer to the surface by volcanic activity, where they can eventually be mined.

Sapphires are found in several parts of the world, with each location producing unique variations in colour and quality. Some of the most famous sapphire sources include:

• Sri Lanka – Known for producing some of the world’s finest sapphires, including stunning blue and pink varieties.
• Kashmir (India) – This region’s sapphires are highly prized for their velvety blue appearance.
• Myanmar (Burma) – Burmese sapphires are renowned for their intense colour and exceptional clarity.
• Australia – A major producer of sapphires, often darker in hue but still stunning.
• Madagascar – A newer but significant source of high-quality sapphires.
• Thailand and Cambodia – These countries are important hubs for both mining and sapphire cutting.

While natural sapphires are the most coveted, synthetic sapphires are also widely produced for industrial and jewellery purposes. These lab-grown stones share the same physical and chemical properties as natural sapphires but are created in controlled environments.