September Birthstone: Sapphire
September marks the beginning of the fall season, and as the summer starts to wind down and the weather starts to cool, deeper colors begin to make their way back into our wardrobes.
That switch to darker colors helps to make sapphire a pretty fitting birthstone for the month.
Best known for its rich blue color, sapphire has been loved for centuries for its beauty, symbolism, and durability. In addition, it’s also a gemstone that can feel equally at home in a traditional heirloom ring, a modern custom design, or a piece you can wear every day.
Sapphire Comes in More Colors Than You Might Think
Most people associate sapphire with deep royal blue, but they can actually come in a wide range of colors.
Pink, yellow, green, purple, orange, and even colorless sapphires can all occur naturally and are often referred to as “fancy sapphires”.
This diverse range of colors makes sapphires especially versatile for use in custom jewelry. If you love the durability and character of sapphire but blue isn’t really your color, there are plenty of other options to choose from to help add a unique feeling to your piece.
Pink sapphires can feel soft and romantic, yellow sapphires can add a bright pop of color, and green sapphires can offer a more subtle, earthy look.
With so many colors to choose from, sapphire gives you plenty of room to create a piece that feels personal rather than predictable.
Chocolate Earrings, by Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair
Sapphire and Ruby Are More Closely Related Than You Might Expect
Another interesting fact about sapphires is that they belong to the same mineral family as rubies, since both gemstones are varieties of corundum.
When corundum takes on a reddish hue, it is classified as a ruby. However, when it appears in almost any other color, it’s generally considered a sapphire.
The different colors come from trace elements within the stone, which can dramatically change the final appearance of the gemstone, and play a key role in how the gems are later classified.
Why Sapphire Has Been Popular for So Long
Sapphires have been valued for thousands of years and have long been associated with royalty, wisdom, loyalty, and protection. This sense of tradition is part of what makes the gemstone feel so timeless.
In addition, sapphires have also been used in engagement rings for generations, as they offer a colorful alternative to diamonds while still feeling classic enough to avoid looking tied to a particular trend. For those looking for an engagement ring that feels distinctive without being overly unusual, sapphire can be a great middle ground.
Sapphire Is a Great Choice for Everyday Jewelry
One of sapphire’s biggest advantages is its durability. The gemstone sits at a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it one of the hardest natural gemstones used in jewelry. This durability also makes it a popular option for pieces that see regular daily wear, especially rings.
Of course, no gemstone is indestructible. A sapphire can still chip or become damaged if it takes a hard enough hit, and the metal holding the stone can wear down over time. That’s why regular inspections are still important, especially for rings you wear every day. A durable gemstone can only stay secure if the setting around it is in good condition.
How to Care for Sapphire Jewelry
While sapphires are relatively durable, they can still benefit from regular care. If you wear a sapphire ring often, keep an eye on the prongs and setting around the stone. Worn metal can eventually allow the stone to loosen, even if the sapphire itself is still in perfect condition.
If you ever notice a stone moving in its setting, stop wearing the piece until you can have it inspected. Catching a small issue early is usually much easier than replacing a stone after it falls out.
Peach Earrings, by Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair
A Birthstone That Goes Beyond September
Sapphire may be September’s birthstone, but you definitely don’t need a September birthday to wear one. Its durability, range of colors, and long history have created a legacy as one of the most versatile gemstones available.
Whether you love the classic look of a deep blue sapphire, want something unexpected like pink or green, or are thinking about incorporating a sapphire into a sentimental piece, there are plenty of ways to make the gemstone feel personal.
At Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair, we can help you explore options for integrating sapphires into custom jewelry, engagement rings, repairs, or redesigns. If you have a sapphire piece that needs some attention or an idea for a brand new piece to incorporate the gem into, we’d be happy to help you figure out the next step.
Hey there, I’m Nina!
I’m a Seattle-based jeweler specializing in custom designs, heirloom restorations, and thoughtful repairs, all done by hand, start to finish, right here in my studio. Every piece I work on carries a story, and I take pride in preserving that story through craftsmanship, care, and attention to detail.
Whether you’re dreaming up a one-of-a-kind creation, bringing new life to a family treasure, or simply fixing a favorite everyday piece, my goal is to make the experience personal, collaborative, and meaningful.
If you have an idea, or even just a feeling, about what you want, let’s bring it to life together.
