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What Is the Birthstone for September?
Sapphire is the official birthstone for September. This stunning birthstone, a variety of the mineral corundum, has been treasured for thousands of years. Sapphire embodies elegance, sophistication, and enduring beauty. Its rich history, vibrant color, and symbolic meanings make it a cherished choice for those with September birthdays or anyone who appreciates this stunning birthstone's timeless allure.
The name "sapphire" derives from both the Latin word "sapphirus" and the Greek word "sappheiros," both of which mean "blue stone." This etymology reflects the birthstone's most celebrated characteristic — its captivating blue color that has symbolized nobility and wisdom across many cultures.
Popular September Birthstone Jewelry
September Birthstone History & Meaning
The September birthstone has been treasured for thousands of years, serving as a symbol of wisdom, virtue, and good fortune. With a history dating back to ancient civilizations, sapphires were revered for their protective qualities. Their enduring popularity persists, evidenced by iconic pieces such as Princess Diana's engagement ring. Culturally significant across many societies and traditions, sapphires have inspired literature and art, embodying themes of truth, fidelity, and divine favor.
For centuries, sapphires have carried symbolic meanings of nobility, honesty, integrity, and loyalty across various cultures. In ancient Greece and Rome, rulers believed that blue sapphires had protective qualities and would shield them from danger. During the Middle Ages, sapphires represented heaven. Now, sapphires are widely recognized as symbols of royalty, making them a meaningful gemstone for those born in September.
September Birthstone Color
Sapphires are a type of corundum mineral and are most famous for their deep blue shades, though they can also be found in other colors such as pink, yellow, and green. The classic blue coloration results from iron and titanium within the corundum crystal structure. The finest sapphires display a rich, velvety blue with excellent saturation. These birthstones exhibit a brilliant luster when properly cut and polished, allowing light to dance through the crystal and create a mesmerizing display of color. While the deep blue variety is most associated with September birthdays, those seeking something unique might appreciate the full spectrum of sapphire colors, including the rare and highly prized "padparadscha" variety with its delicate pink-orange hue.
September Birthstone Durability
Sapphires are prized for their remarkable hardness, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamonds. This exceptional durability makes them an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that experience daily wear. Their outstanding durability makes them perfect for heirloom pieces that can be passed down through generations with minimal signs of wear when properly cared for.
September Birthstone Origin
Brilliant Earth sources sapphires from Australia and Sri Lanka, but they can also be found in Madagascar, India, and Colombia.
September Birthstone Care & Maintenance
Sapphires are relatively low-maintenance birthstones but they still require gentle handling and occasional cleaning to maintain their brilliance. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures and regularly clean your sapphire jewelry with a soft brush and mild soap solution.
