Sell With a Story: September Birthstone Guide
Immerse yourself in the vibrant rainbow of possibilities with Sapphire.
As September rolls in, we turn our attention to one of the most beloved and versatile gemstones: Sapphire. Known for its deep blue hue, Sapphire is a classic choice for fine jewelry that appeals to both traditional and contemporary tastes. The September birthstone has a rich history, vibrant symbolism, and a durability that makes it ideal for everyday wear. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Sapphire and uncover the mysteries that make for the best conversation starters with customers.
The History and Meaning of Sapphire
Sapphire, a gemstone of the corundum family, has been prized for centuries across various cultures. The name Sapphire originates from the Greek word sappheiros, referring to the blue stone. Historically, Sapphire is seen as a symbol of faithfulness, wisdom, royalty, and divine favor. Ancient Persians believed that the sky was painted blue by the reflection of Sapphire stones, and medieval clergy wore Sapphire to symbolize heaven. Romance has also been associated with Sapphire, particularly after King Charles proposed to Princess Diana in 1981 with a stunning Blue Sapphire engagement ring. Additionally, Sapphire is known for its protective properties and is thought to guard against envy and harm.
While blue is the most recognized color for Sapphire, this gemstone comes in a spectrum of hues — except red, as red corundum is classified as Ruby. Each color carries its own symbolism, making Sapphire a versatile and meaningful gemstone. For example, Yellow Sapphire is believed to attract wealth, while Pink Sapphire symbolizes love and compassion.
Did You Know?
Not only is Sapphire the September birthstone, but it is the zodiac birthstone for Capricorn as well as the traditional symbol for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
How to Care for Sapphire
Sapphire’s durability is one of its standout features. Ranking at 9 on the Mohs hardness scale and possessing an excellent toughness rating, it’s nearly as durable as a diamond, making it an excellent choice for everyday jewelry like rings and bracelets. However, while it’s highly resistant to scratching and chipping, Sapphire still requires proper care to maintain its brilliance.
When it comes to cleaning, Sapphire is usually safe to use with ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners. However, it’s always a good idea to check for any inclusions or fractures that could be exacerbated by high-pressure cleaning methods. Avoid exposing Sapphire to harsh chemicals or extreme heat, as these can potentially alter the stone’s color.
Gemstone Education
Want to learn more about the colorful world of gemstones? Visit Stuller’s Gemstone Information Center to see a rainbow of options along with fun facts, care tips, and helpful resources.
Options With Sapphires
The most popular and often the most valuable Sapphires exhibit a deep, vibrant blue hue. However, the variety of Sapphire is exhibited in the many colors of the rainbow it can show, including pink, yellow, green, purple, champagne, and more. Sapphire comes in a variety of sizes and cuts, so it’s perfect for any creative design.
Along with the stunning color options, rare Sapphires may possess asterism — a fascinating star-like phenomenon in some cabochon stones. There are also some Sapphires that show color-changing abilities, such as blue to violet, in certain lighting scenarios.
Choosing Sapphire Jewelry
Sapphire’s color variety means that it’s perfect for just about any design, season, mood, and outfit. Blue Sapphire pops in a birthstone ring. White Sapphire is used as a diamond alternative in engagement rings. Other forms of fancy-colored Sapphires can make any statement necklace draw the eye. With such a desirable durability, Sapphire will shine as a lasting stone choice — one worth handing down as an heirloom.
Sapphire: Glimmering in Memorable Color
Sapphire is not just the birthstone for September — it is a timeless choice for all types of jewelry. Its rich history, vibrant color options, and durability makes it a standout gemstone that appeals to a broad range of customers. Strike up a conversation and watch your customers fall in love with Sapphire’s personality and beauty.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristen Chauvin
Senior Product Manager, Gemstones
Kristen holds degrees in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and has multiple certifications from GIA. Her experience with interior design and jewelry merchandising aids her in curating a diverse gemstone assortment.