September’s Birthstone: Unveiling the Splendor of Sapphire

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The September birthstone is sapphire, a traditionally blue stone that also comes in virtually every color. This precious gemstone is a versatile, beloved jewel with centuries of uses and meanings.

The month of September comes from the Latin septem, meaning “seven,” because it was the seventh month in the calendar back when March started the year.

September often represents the start of autumn, a new school year, and harvesting crops. United Nations holidays in September celebrate charity, democracy, and world peace.

Today, September symbolizes abundance, service, and self-reflection.

Does the month’s birthstone reflect these ideals? Find out today as we cover the history, meanings, properties, and powers of the September birthstone sapphire. We’ll also touch on alternative September birthstones and gift ideas!

Pictured above: Faceted colored sapphire ring

Historical & Cultural Significance of September Birthstone: Sapphire

Sapphire is the main birthstone for September, but is sapphire the only birthstone for September? It’s definitely the main birthstone, but birthstones have changed over time.

The earliest birthstone lists, inspired by Biblical lists of 12 gemstones, had peridot for September and sapphire for April.

Modern formalized lists began in 1870, when Tiffany & Co published a pamphlet of birthstone poems, with sapphire for September.

The first official standardized list was created in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewellers (now Jewellers of America), followed by a 1937 list by the British National Association of Goldsmiths. Both designated sapphire for September.

However, the most recent 2013 United Kingdom list has 2 September birthstones: sapphire and lapis lazuli.

Funny enough, the word “sapphire” was originally used for lapis lazuli and other blue gemstones.

Speaking of history, let’s travel back to sapphire’s legendary past!

Pictured above: A pair of Byzantine (circa 500 to 700 AD) gold earrings with pearl and sapphire stones; Discovered in 1902 at Karavas, Cyprus; Now displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York | Image credit: Unforth, Flickr, CC-BY-SA-2.0

Sapphires in Ancient Civilizations & Mythology

The oldest known sapphire source is Sri Lanka, based on sapphire jewelry dated from 600 to 275 BC. Sri Lankans saw sapphires as celestial gifts and the mines as sacred.

An ancient Persian legend claimed Earth sat on a huge sapphire and its reflection made the sky blue. They called sapphire lazvard, meaning “having the color of clear sky.”

Sapphires were connected to the sun god Apollo in ancient Greece.

Ever heard of Prometheus, the Titan god chained to a rock while an eagle ate his liver every day? One version says the rock was sapphire, and Prometheus kept a piece of it, said to be the first sapphire gemstone, on a ring made from his chain after Hercules freed him.

Medieval clergy wore blue sapphires to represent heaven, chastity, and spiritual devotion, like the huge sapphire amulet worn by devout Roman Emperor Charlemagne.

On that topic…

Sapphires in Religious Contexts

Mentions of sapphire in Judaism and Christianity include:

Seal of Solomon: Legendary inscribed sapphire signet ring of Israelite king Solomon said to grant him supernatural powers
Ten Commandments: Fundamental principles given by God to the prophet Moses, said to be etched onto sapphire tablets in rabbinical Judaism
High Priest’s Breastplate: Sanctified “breastplate of judgment” worn by High Priest of the Israelites and adorned with 12 gems, sapphire being the fifth
New Jerusalem or Zion: Utopian afterlife society described in a prophetic vision as having twelve gem “foundation stones,” one being sapphire

Mentions of the September birthstone in Islam include:

Religious Rings: Worn traditionally by the Shi’a and Imams to indicate being a believer, inspired by the prophet Muhammad’s signet ring; Imam narrations say sapphire rings dispel poverty
Seventh Heaven: Dar-us-Salam, the level of peace, last of seven “levels” of heavenly paradise, described in the Quran as having valleys of pearls and sapphires

In Hinduism, sapphires are prominent in Vedic astrology, where certain gemstones are believed to boost the positive effects or diminish the negative effects of different planet placements in one’s birth chart.

Blue sapphire is associated with Saturn, the planet of responsibility and career. Yellow sapphire is tied to Jupiter, the planet of success and personal growth. White sapphire can substitute for diamond as a stone for Venus.

Pictured above: Hand-colored lithograph of Queen Victoria's Imperial State Crown, early-mid 19th century | Image credit: British School, Public domain

Royal Sapphire Crowns & Jewelry

Royals wearing sapphire dates back to ancient kings and queens of Rome and Greece.

Some famous examples of royal British sapphire crowns are:

Belgian (or Victorian or George VI) Sapphire Tiara: Sapphire & diamond tiara created from Princess Louise of Belgium’s necklace, purchased by Queen Elizabeth II in 1963 and converted to match George VI Victorian Suite
St. Edward’s Crown: Oldest and largest British crown, set with 444 gemstones including St. Edward’s Sapphire and Stuart Sapphire; Original crown worn by medieval king St. Edward the Confessor (with sapphire from his ring); Current version made in 1661 for Charles II (adding his Stuart Sapphire); Only worn during coronations since 1911
Imperial State Crown: Contains St. Edward’s Sapphire, part of British Crown Jewels; Made for King George VI’s coronation in 1937; Worn by new king or queen when leaving coronation and attending State Openings of Parliament

Pictured above: Replica of Lady Diana Spencer's sapphire engagement ring | Image credit: Ann Porteus from Tasmania, Australia; Flickr; CC-BY-SA-2.0

Royal Sapphire Jewelry

Some famous examples of royal British sapphire jewelry are

Prince Albert Brooch: Sapphire and diamond brooch set in gold, given to Queen Victoria II by Prince Albert in 1840; Worn by Princess Diana of Wales for wedding-day “something blue” in 1981
George VI Victorian Suite: Sapphire & diamond necklace and earrings, largest sapphire later removed and made into pendant; Created in 1850 and given by King George VI to daughter Elizabeth in 1947
Princess Diana’s Choker Necklace: Sapphire & diamond clasp with 7 pearl strands; Clasp adapted from brooch given to Princess Diana of Wales by Queen Elizabeth II
Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring: Garrard ring with sapphire center stone & diamonds, inspired by Prince Albert Brooch; Presented by Prince Charles in 1981; Presented by Prince William to Kate Middleton in 2010

Speaking of engagement rings, did you know sapphires were the norm before diamonds? Popularized by nobility in the 1400-1500s, engagement rings usually had sapphire center stones until diamonds became standard.

Geological Marvel: The Formation of Sapphires

The sapphire September birthstone is a variety of the aluminum oxide mineral corundum. The other variety is ruby, both being precious gemstones. But wait, is ruby a September birthstone? Traditionally, ruby is a July birthstone.

These minerals are the second hardest after diamond, ranking at 9 on the Mohs scale.

Corundum stones form in metamorphic rocks or aluminum-rich, silica-free igneous rocks. Impurities and inclusions present during formation lead to sapphire’s varied appearances.

So, what is the September birthstone’s color?

Pictured above: Faceted peacock / mermaid sapphire

Diverse Hues: Unraveling Sapphire's Color Spectrum

Throughout history, “sapphire” has been synonymous with “blue.” However, the September birthstone’s color actually includes every hue except red — that’s ruby.

Corundum is allochromatic, so colors come from impurities. The impurities behind each shade are listed below. You can learn more about each sapphire color at the articles linked:

White – No (or minimal) impurities
Blue – Iron & titanium (more titanium means darker shades)
Pink – Chromium (small amounts)
Purple – Vanadium or combination of chromium, titanium, & ferrous iron
Yellow – Ferric iron
Orange – Chromium & iron impurities or exposure to irradiation (natural or lab-induced)’
Green – Ferric iron & ferrous iron
Black – Iron & high titanium
Brown – Iron & sometimes titanium

Pictured above: Faceted purple sapphire

Additionally, there are some notable varieties of this September birthstone with gorgeous appearances:

Color-Change Sapphire: Usually color-changing from blue or purple in daylight to violet or reddish-purple under incandescence
Padparadscha Sapphire: Combination of pink & orange, originally from Sri Lanka; Among rarest & most valuable types
Peacock or Mermaid Sapphires: Blue and green with 50-50 hue ratio
Bi-Colored or Parti-Colored Sapphires: Distinct colors in different sections, usually green & yellow
Star Sapphires: Display multi-rayed “star” of reflected from optical effect called asterism caused by parallel inclusion bundles of rutile or diaspore
Trapiche Sapphires: Display 6-rayed star-like pattern internally that resembles wheel-spokes due to carbonaceous inclusions setting between growth zones

Color is just one factor when grading the September birthstone’s quality.

Pictured above: Faceted yellow sapphire

The 4 Cs: Assessing Sapphire Quality

The value of sapphire birthstones depends on the color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Treatments and formation (synthetic vs. natural) also play a role.

Color

The top sapphire value factor is color. Blue is most popular but also most valuable, particularly cornflower blue.

Bright saturation and medium to deep tone are best. Kashmir blue, Padparadscha, and bright pink hues are most valuable. Black is least valuable.

Cut

Sapphires must be cut to maximize pleochroism, color-zoning, sparkle, size, and optical effects (if present). The most popular faceted cuts are round, oval, and cushion. Emerald, marquise, and pear shapes are more valuable.

Optically phenomenal stones like sapphires must be cut as cabochons. The stone may be carved or beaded, too.

Pictured above: Faceted Kashmir sapphire

Clarity

Sapphires have Type II clarity, so minor visible inclusions are common, but higher value goes to stones with fewer visible inclusions. Some sapphire clarity grades follow standard diamond grading — IF for best to I3 for worst.

The best sapphires have VVS clarity, but most are VS to SI.

The exception to inclusions-lowering-value rule is when inclusions cause asterism or a velvety look (e.g. Kashmir sapphires).

Carat Weight

Different colors of sapphire September birthstones range in carat weight. Quality tends to decrease in larger sizes, so the most valuable color (blue) with good quality and high carat weight is exceptional and rare.

Price-per-carat rates will increase at each September birthstone’s size interval, and options over 5 carats are significantly pricey.

Treatments & Synthetics

Around 95 percent of sapphires are heated to improve color and clarity, so heat treatments don’t usually affect value much.

Other potential treatments include diffusion, irradiation, or flux fracture-healing. Avoid sapphire birthstones with thin-film coating, fillings, or oil treatments.

Lab-grown synthetic sapphires have gained popularity among buyers looking for more ethical or affordable gem alternatives.

Value-wise, lab-grown sapphires cost up to $10,000 less per carat than their natural counterparts.

Pictured above: Blue star sapphire ring with accent diamonds

Sapphires in Symbolism and Belief Systems

Today, the September birthstone’s meaning is often one of wisdom, loyalty, and faith. (Read more about each sapphire color’s meaning in our Sapphire Info Guide.)

Some interpretations of sapphire’s meaning have been more prominent over time:

Oracles & Magic

In ancient times, priests and magicians believed sapphires helped them make and interpret predictions about the future. Ancient Greeks wore sapphire to visit the oracle at Delphi, believing the September birthstone connected them to spirits.

Alchemists, astrologers, and sorcerers also used sapphire’s magical properties, sometimes for accessing their “third eye.”

Divine Protection

Many cultures see blue sapphire as heavenly and sacred. Interpretations of its shine range from the stone not shining on corrupt wearers to dimming if one’s partner was cheating.

Another common belief is that sapphires dispel evil and attract divine favor.

Some Muslims believe blue sapphire brings its wearer success, peace, and enlightenment and protects them from curses.

Some Christians view star sapphires (pictured above) as representing faith, hope, and destiny.

Pictured above: Blue sapphire engagement ring

Marriage & Love

One nickname for sapphire is “Stone of Commitment.” September birthstone engagement rings are thought to represent fidelity and everlasting love.

One saying goes: “Married in September’s golden glow, smooth and serene your life will go.”

Already married? Sapphire is the traditional 5th and 45th wedding anniversary gem! Plus, according to The Knot, September is currently the most common wedding month.

Healing Properties

As a healing stone, some of the September birthstone’s physical powers popular over time include:

Poison antidote
Increases strength
Benefits the eyes
Boosts immune system
Fever treatment

Emotionally, sapphires are believed to be calming, boost confidence, and facilitate peace between enemies or quarreling lovers.

Pictured above: Lapis lazuli earrings

Alternative September Birthstones

Sapphire isn’t the only September birthstone. Ancient birthstone lists actually designated peridot for September instead of August.

Another option for September birthstone jewelry is lapis lazuli, an opaque deep blue gem with golden speckling.

What is Virgo’s birthstone? Ruled by Mercury, September-born Virgos (before September 23) can benefit from planetary stones for Mercury like fluorite or aventurine.

What crystal is for Libra? Ruled by Venus, September-born Libras (from September 1 to 22) might love the Venus stone white sapphire. Other great Libra birthstones include ametrine, peridot, and morganite.

Personalized September Birthstone Gifts & Celebrations

Did you know September birthdays are the most common in the US? According to CDC and SSA data, September 9 takes the top spot.

Chances are, you have a loved one born in September if you aren’t a September baby yourself. If you are, you could even gift a September birthstone ring to celebrate Mother’s Day!

Other September birthstone gift ideas:

Personalized birthstone pendant
Necklace with their birthstone and your own
Minimalist stackable birthstone ring
Bracelet with birthstone charm
Birthstone themed candle
Trinket dish decorated with birthstone

You could even combine the September birthstone and flower — aster or morning glory — in customized jewelry. Like sapphire, aster symbolizes wisdom, love, and everlasting bonds. Morning glory also symbolizes everlasting love, along with resilience.

Pictured above: Gold earrings with orange, purple, and green sapphires with white accent diamonds

Smitten with September Birthstones?

Sapphires are one of the most enduring, legendary gemstones. Though their blue form is most popular, these crystals offer a range of hues and options perfect for any September birthstone jewelry!

Find traditional and alternative September birthstones from our hundreds of gemstones available!

A medida que los calurosos días de verano se convierten en mañanas frescas y las hojas de otoño cubren las calles, una joya azul brillante marca la transición de las estaciones. Septiembre planta las semillas del Equinoccio de Otoño, dando lugar a nuevos comienzos, restauración y enfoque. ¿Y qué mejor gema para simbolizar esta fase de transición que la piedra de nacimiento de septiembre, el zafiro?

Los zafiros son una de las joyas más queridas que existen. Durante siglos, su característico tono azul aciano adornó los pasillos de las cortes reales y las familias nobles. Es comprensible que los zafiros simbolicen sabiduría, buena fe y poder.

A juego con las profundidades del océano azul, la adoración pública por este tesoro fenomenal es bien merecida. Profundicemos en el significado, la historia y el simbolismo de la piedra natal de septiembre.

¿Qué es la piedra natal de septiembre?

¿Sabías que los zafiros son una de las cuatro piedras preciosas preciosas? Así es: son una joya en una clase prestigiosa junto con diamantes, rubíes y esmeraldas .

Estas preciosas gemas azules han existido durante siglos. El zafiro es la piedra de nacimiento oficial de septiembre reconocida por todos los calendarios de piedras de nacimiento.

¿Por qué el zafiro es la piedra de nacimiento de septiembre? Para responder a esa pregunta, necesitamos explorar el significado y el simbolismo del zafiro.

Vea, el término "Zafiro" proviene del término latino, "Septum", que se traduce como el número siete. Quizás se pregunte por qué el noveno mes del calendario gregoriano lleva el nombre del número siete, y hay una buena explicación.

Hasta la adopción del Calendario Juliano en el 45 a. C., la gente contaba sus días, según el Calendario Romano. Este sistema primitivo calculó mal la duración real de un año solar y solo tenía 10 meses. Según esta línea de tiempo, septiembre marcó el séptimo mes del año.

No fue hasta el año 703 a. C. que el rey Numa Pmpilius incorporó los dos primeros meses al calendario, lo que llevó a septiembre al noveno mes.

Dado que la palabra latina para nueve es "Novem", puede imaginarse los esfuerzos de reestructuración necesarios para cambiar el nombre por completo de los diez meses originales para mayor precisión.

Orígenes y significado de la piedra natal de septiembre

El significado de la piedra natal de septiembre proviene de la unión de dos orígenes: latín y griego. La palabra latina “saphirus” y el término griego “Sapheiros” son similares en el sentido de que ambos representan el color azul.

Dado que el color más famoso del zafiro es el azul, tiene sentido que su homónimo también represente su color. Sin embargo, los zafiros vienen en una variedad de colores. De hecho, puede encontrar un zafiro en todos los colores del arco iris con una exclusión: el rojo.

¡Eso es porque un zafiro rojo es en realidad un rubí!

Siguiendo el hilo de la historia hasta la antigüedad, vemos la prominencia de los zafiros a través de cada generación y civilización, desde los tiempos bíblicos hasta la actualidad.

Uno de los zafiros más famosos del mundo cae en la historia reciente cuando el príncipe Carlos le regaló a su hermosa novia un llamativo anillo de zafiro. La princesa Diana se ganó los corazones del mundo.

Después de su trágica muerte, su amada joya de zafiro sirvió como la intersección entre el pasado y el presente cuando el príncipe William le regaló la reliquia sagrada a su futura esposa, la duquesa Kate Middleton.

Entonces, ¿de dónde vienen los zafiros?

Hay cuatro ubicaciones responsables de obtener el suministro global de zafiros:

Australia: las minas de zafiro más grandes se encuentran en Nueva Gales del Sur y Queensland
Sri Lanka: una ubicación acuñada como el "joyero del Océano Índico" seguramente proporcionará una impresionante variedad de gemas vívidas, incluidos zafiros azules y blancos.
Myanmar: La región de Mogok ofrece la forma de zafiro más saturada llamada “Zafiros birmanos”, junto con su joya hermana, el rubí y otras gemas llamativas, como el peridoto y el jade.
Cachemira: gracias a un deslizamiento de tierra del Himalaya en 1881, los depósitos de zafiros brotaron a través de la región sur de Cachemira. Sin embargo, la producción se desaceleró y ahora el único zafiro púrpura de Cachemira

Hemos cubierto los orígenes, la historia y el significado del zafiro, pero ¿qué simbolizan estas preciosas joyas?

Simbolismo de la piedra natal de septiembre a lo largo de la historia

En la antigüedad, los zafiros representaban virtudes bondadosas deseadas en una pareja, incluidas la honestidad, la pureza y la lealtad. Es por eso que los zafiros son hermosos obsequios de compromiso o aniversario. Los guerreros creían tan firmemente en las propiedades de esta gema que se las daban a sus esposas antes de embarcarse en la batalla, con la esperanza de que el hechizo inspirara fidelidad.

Un apodo popular para el zafiro es "la piedra celestial". ¿Alguna suposición de por qué? En la antigua Persia, la gente veía los zafiros como una conexión con la divinidad y el cielo. En la mitología romana y griega, era el zafiro el que pintaba el cielo con sus pinceladas teñidas de azul.

La prevalencia de los zafiros en la religión fue tan prominente que los Diez Mandamientos fueron grabados en las Tablas de Piedra. ¿De qué estaba hecha la piedra? Zafiros, ¡por supuesto!

Signos del zodiaco de piedra de zafiro

La piedra natal de septiembre adorna dos signos del zodíaco:

Virgos con cumpleaños entre el 1 y el 22 de septiembre
Libra con cumpleaños entre el 22 y el 30 de septiembre

Los cumpleaños de septiembre reciben una protección especial del zafiro, que otorga a su portador alegría, consuelo y pensamientos positivos. Como se mencionó, los zafiros sirven como un conducto hacia la conciencia superior y la conexión celestial.

¡Una de las mejores maneras de disfrutar de estos beneficios y agregar un toque de elegancia azul a tu vida es usar joyas de zafiro!

Un zafiro para los cumpleaños de septiembre

Los zafiros son indiscutiblemente una de las piedras preciosas más queridas del mundo. Desde el dedo real de la esposa de Napoleón, Josefina, hasta la actual duquesa de Cambridge, los zafiros han ocupado durante mucho tiempo un espacio prolífico entre la realeza.

Afortunadamente, no tienes que ser una princesa o miembro de la familia real para conseguir tu propia gema azul brillante. Los zafiros están ampliamente disponibles y son hermosos regalos de cumpleaños personalizados.

¿Tiene un ser querido en septiembre al que le encantaría sorprender con un regalo bien pensado? ¿Por qué no elegir un anillo de zafiro, un colgante de collar o un par de aretes de zafiro?

¿Quieres personalizar tu regalo aún más? ¡Elija un zafiro de septiembre en el color favorito de sus seres queridos!

Los zafiros son apreciados por su vivo y fascinante tono azul. ¿Qué mejor manera de celebrar a alguien especial que combinar la profundidad de tu amor con una encantadora joya de zafiro?