Sapphire Stunners: September's Gorgeous Birthstone

Did you know sapphires actually come in almost every color of the rainbow? This is just one of the many little-known facts about sapphire, September's (and Beyonce's) birthstone. 

About Sapphire

Sapphire is one of the four precious gemstones. It is from the mineral species corundum, and although blue is the most common shade, sapphire can be found in almost every color: gray, black, white, violet, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, and all the shades in between. 

The term sapphire can apply to any corundum variety except for ruby; since true red corundum stones are so rare, they are called rubies (which are also precious gems) instead of sapphires. 

Sapphire originates from several locations around the world, including the state of Montana, a few regions in Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka, Kashmir, a few regions in Southeast Asia, and China. 

Its score on the Mohs Hardness Scale is 9 out of 10, making sapphire an ideal choice for engagement rings. It's hard enough for synthetic sapphire to be used in spacecraft. 

Symbolism & Folklore

Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the gem for 5th and 45th anniversaries. Traditionally, it symbolizes nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. 

In ancient Greece and Rome, sapphires were worn by the elite to protect their owners from danger and envy. European royalty wore sapphires for the same reasons, and even the clergy of the Middle ages wore sapphires to symbolize Heaven. 

Princess Diana's iconic engagement ring from Prince Charles featured a beautiful blue sapphire centerstone, and the same ring is now found on Kate Middleton's finger as her engagement ring. 

Famous Sapphires

Princess Diana's (and now Kate Middleton's) 12-carat blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring. 

 Pop Sugar

The Black Star of Queensland is 733 carats, making it one of the largest sapphires ever mined. 

Toronto Star

The Logan Sapphire is the size of a hen's egg at 423 carats and is now housed at the Smithsonian Institution. 

Chip Clark - Smithsonian

Color & Grading

Color: Sapphires come in a variety of colors, and the most prized gems have strong to vivid color saturation. Although sapphires are most popularly thought of as blue, all sapphire hues are equally prized. 

Clarity: Some inclusions may be seen, but sapphires generally have good clarity. 

Cut: Sapphires are usually cut in a round brilliant or cabochon cut, although many other cuts can be found as well. 

Carat: This gem can be found in both small and large carat weights. 

Value & Customization Options

When searching for the perfect sapphire, use your gut and first search for the color you most love. There are many different colors and hues available (peacock sapphire, for example) so just ask us and we can source any color for you. Then, look for the best cut, and from there adjust clarity and carat to your budget. 

As far as recommendations, so much can be done using sapphire in a piece! One of our most popular engagement rings is pictured above, utilizing custom-cut blue sapphires as a halo for the center diamond.

Another gorgeous piece, pictured below, features our 2.4 carat pink sapphire as the center of a halo engagement ring. Contact our designers today to see how your custom sapphire piece could come together! 

Start a custom design piece.

Learn more about our custom process.

See more sapphire engagement rings.

All photos are property of Joseph Jewelry unless stated otherwise in caption.