September only has a singular birthstones, and that is the classic Sapphire. However, don’t be fooled, despite only having one stone – this month still offers a variety of colours to choose from!
The months that are lucky enough to have more than a singular birthstone, these are separated into two lists: Modern and Traditional. The more common of the two is the modern birthstones, which were defined in 1912 by the Jewelers of America in an attempt to standardise (and commercialise) birthstones. This was further updated in the 1950s, to include gemstones such as Citrine for November, or Alexandrite for June. Modern stones are based on what’s easier to sell in large quantities (making it the more affordable choice).
Grey Sapphire
On average Sapphire typically refers to deep rich blue gemstones variety of the mineral corundum, and is available in every single colour except red (the red variety of mineral corundum is reserved for Rubies). Sapphires that come in any colour that isn’t blue are entitled “fancies”. It is trace elements such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper, and magnesium that give naturally colourless corundum a tint of blue, yellow, purple, orange, or green. Hence, the rainbow variety of Sapphires that can be found.
There is a very fine line between sapphires and rubies though, and pink sapphires very carefully tread that line. In the U.S. these guys have to meet a minimum colour saturation to be considered a ruby! Despite this, the pinkish/orange sapphires can actually draw in higher prices than the classic blue sapphire.
White Sapphire
Traditionally, Sapphire has been a symbol for faithfulness, truth, and nobility, and for centuries has been adorned by royalties the Robes of the Clergy. It was even believed by the Elite of Ancient Greece and Rome that Sapphire protected their owners from harm and envy! The name “sapphire” comes from the Latin word sapphirus and the Greek word sappheiros, meaning “blue stone” (although those words may have originally referred to lapis lazuli). Some actually believe it may have originated from the Sanskrit word sanipriya which meant “dear to Saturn.”
There are three historically important sources for the September birthstone, which are Sri Lanka, Kashmir and Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) the Mogok area of Myanmar is a local place famed for the production of Sapphire. , however significant quantities of Sapphire can also be found in Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar and the United States as well as many countries across Asia and Africa.
White Sapphire
Sapphire is a remarkably hard stone, scaling at a 9 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, ranking it second to Diamond. It is incredibly tough with no cleavage (which is tendency to break when struck). All of this information makes it an excellent stone for everyday wear. This stone isn’t often treated to improve colour or clarity, but when they are heat treatment is the most common. Warm, soapy water is always the safest method to clean your jewellery, however ultrasonics and steam cleaners can be used for non-treated sapphires. If the stone has been dyed or fracture-filled, then a damp cloth only should be used for cleaning.
We stock jewellery from brands from across the world, and can source items in all birthstones imaginable! If you would like to treat yourself to some meaningful pieces, just get in contact with us.
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