Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September

Sapphire is a member of the corundum mineral group and is the second hardest mineral on earth, just below the hardest mineral, diamond
Sapphire's name comes from the Greek word sappheiros, which most likely referred to lapis lazuli
Both blue and fancy sapphires come from a variety of exotic sources including Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, Australia, Songea, Tunduru, Indian/Pakistani, Kashmir, Australia, Thailand and Vietnam
Besides blue sapphire, the corundum mineral group also includes fancy-colored sapphires. Sapphire comes in violet, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, and intermediate hues
Some sapphires exhibit the phenomenon known as color change, most often going from blue in daylight or fluorescent lighting to purple under incandescent light. Sapphires can even be gray, black, or brown. Songea Sapphires are bright and come in shades of orange, red, tangerine, saffron, golden yellow and green
Kashmir blue is intensely saturated and velvety. Extremely rare, sapphires from Kashmir set the highest standard for blue sapphires worldwide. "I've had the pleasure of designing and handcrafting fine jewelry featuring Kashmir sapphire, and I must confess, the gem is mesmerizing" -Thomas Cooper
Sapphires can exhibit a phenomenon called asterism, or the star effect. This phenomenon usually appears as a six-ray star pattern across a cabochon-cut sapphire's curved surface
For centuries, sapphire has been associated with royalty and romance. The association was reinforced in 1981, when Britain’s Prince Charles gave a blue sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana Spencer. Sapphire symbolizes nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. Sapphire has decorated the robes of royalty and clergy members for centuries
In ancient Greece and Rome, kings and queens were convinced that blue sapphires protected their owners from envy and harm
During the Middle Ages, the clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolize Heaven, and ordinary folks thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings. Throughout history people instilled sapphires with the power to guard chastity, make peace between enemies, influence spirits, and reveal the secrets of oracles
Your birthstone is personal and affordable to collect. Birthstone jewelry creates a cherished gifting experience