Birthstone for September: Sapphire

Sapphires, like Rubies are precious gemstones formed from the mineral Corundum.

It is one of the naturally clear transparent materials, but can have an array of different colours when different impurities are present; sapphires are found in a wide spectrum of colours, from Pink to Yellow, Green and Orange. It is these colours which make Sapphires popular gemstones in a variety of jewellery across the ages. Blue sapphires are the colour which most people are familiar with. Gem quality stones are transparent and are most desirable when fond in rich colours, whether this is deep red rubies or rich blue sapphires.

Sapphires are the second hardest material after Diamond, which makes them ideal for long-term and even everyday wear as they are durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear whilst keeping their brilliance with simple care.

Sapphire Popularity

The Queen of Sheba and Helen of Troy are both said to have been the owners of magnificent Star Sapphires and Murghal emperors, Kings and Popes have all been the proud and infamous owner of this most coveted of jewels. A 337 carat Sapphire was once owned by Catherine the Great of Russia and remained as part of the Romanov jewels until word War I. Hollywood legend Jean Harlow was given a 150 carat Sapphire engagement ring by William Powell and was a keen collector of large Sapphires as were Joan Crawford and Elizabeth Taylor.

One of the most famous engagement rings in the world must be the ring given to Kate Middleton upon her engagement to Prince William in 2010; a huge Sapphire engagement ring once belonging to William’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

The Sapphire and Diamond ring was created by British jewellers, Garrard in 1980, personally selected by Prince Charles after he consulted the Queen and was presented to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, the Lady Diana Spencer, upon her engagement to Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace in February 1981.

Sapphires as a gemstone

Sapphires are valued on the purity of their colour. Hues of, purple, violet and green hues can be found in Blue Sapphires, Pink Sapphires can be any colour from a light red to almost lavender. Sapphire jewellery can also be found in shades of green, yellow and orange.

Sapphire Gifts

Sapphires are commonly given as gifts to celebrate a 45th wedding anniversary or an anniversary occurring in September as sapphire is the birthstone for this month. Here are our top picks of sapphire pieces to choose as gifts: