All About Sapphire: September’s Birthstone

Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is what first comes to mind when people think of blue gemstones. Its rich royal blue color variant is beloved by royalty and, well, everyone! But sapphires are not limited just to blue. Any color of the rainbow except for red is a part of the sapphire family. With so many colors to choose from, choosing a birthstone that matches your unique look has never been easier.

Here are answers to more frequently asked questions about September's birthstone:

Sapphire is mined all over the world. Depending on the region, one can find all different colors and styles of sapphires. For example, in Kashmir, a gem-rich area in the Middle East, one could find traditional deep blue sapphires. In another place, such as Madagascar, Tanzania or Myanmar, you’d be more likely to find other color variants of sapphire. It all depends on the minerals present during the formation of the sapphire.

Sapphires are quite valuable and among blue gemstones are one of the rarest out there. The pricing for a sapphire can range from 25 dollars per carat to over 11,000 dollars. All of this depends on the clarity, carat size and color of the individual sapphire. Padparadscha sapphires, along with certain blues, yellows and pinks, are highly praised in the gem community, which translates to higher prices on the market.

While most sapphires have lovely clarity alongside bright and bold colors, not all of them look exactly the same. Star sapphires are sapphires but they feature an asterism in the center, which has a white star like appearance. If these gemstones were transparent like most other stones, these star-shaped beauties would not be visible. For this reason, star sapphires are most likely to be translucent or opaque, with their natural color dimmed just slightly, allowing it to be the star of the show.

For more facts and information about the characteristics of the September birthstone, check out the Sapphire Gemopedia page.

Sapphire is a 9 on the Mohs Scale, rivaling diamond for the highest hardness of 10. This makes sapphires and rubies, both part of the corundum family, ideal for jewelry that’s worn frequently. It’s important to be cautious, but you don’t have to be quite as nervous with this tough September gemstone. 

Many say sapphire has an energy that promotes and guides transformative energy through the body. Sapphire is an ideal stone for focus and peace simultaneously and we agree that this birthstone for September will make you the focus of the room at your next party. The power of sapphire can’t be contained.

If you hear someone say “sapphire,” it’s likely that they’re talking about blue sapphire. People think of the exquisite royal blue and sapphires of Kashmir before any other. But here's a few shades and styles of sapphire that may have never seen before.

Orange and yellow sapphires have a colorful array similar to the falling leaves in autumn. An interesting addition to any collection, orange sapphires are slightly rarer than yellow sapphires, but both color varieties tend to have a warm yellow glow.

Pink and purple sapphires have a powerful femininity to them that makes a statement when worn in jewelry. While pink sapphires are quite easy to find in Madagascar, purple or violet sapphires are slightly rarer and are found in places like Sri Lanka and Tanzania.

These sapphires are a rare blend of orange and pink tones that never fail to impress. In Sinhalese, padparadscha means “lotus blossom." And it's true that this sapphire is as pretty as a flower in bloom.

Since sapphires are allochromatic and receive their colors from impurities, it's challenging to find a white sapphire in the wild. The conditions must be near perfect for this beautiful gemstone to form. White sapphires are unlikely to be cut into gems over a carat, because the larger the gemstone, the more likely it has some coloration. 

September birthstone jewelry is a great way to show that special someone in your life that you care. Shop bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings and more. With countless styles to choose from, we’re confident that you won’t leave disappointed. 

Sapphire is a stunning birthstone worthy of praise, but it's also a gemstone everyone can enjoy. Shop sapphire jewelry to find something that puts a sparkle in your eye and joy in your heart. Decorate yourself with beautiful sapphire necklaces, rings, earrings, pendants... trust us. You won't regret shining bright with sapphire jewelry.

If you're not feeling like sapphire is right for you, look no further than lapis lazuli, the alternative September birthstone. As the birthstone for all the Libras out there, lapis lazuli might just be the perfect birthstone for you if you were born in the latter half of September. Lapis lazuli has a rich dark blue color with flecks of pyrite that give it an additional sparkle. Try it out for yourself and see the wonder of this gemstone as an alternative to sapphire.