Jewellery & Watch News
The stunning rich blue shades of Sapphire are fated for those who celebrate their birthday in September. Known as the blue variety of corundum, with the red variety being ruby, the September birthstone has been extensively connected with royalty, nobility and romance. Despite its most common shade being blue, rare variations of sapphire have also been found in green, yellow, orange and pink providing those with birthdays in September elegant options for birthstone jewellery.
History of Sapphire
September’s birthstone, the sapphire, has been a widely coveted gemstone since the Middle Ages with its heavenly blue hues largely associated with the heavens and divine favour. It’s name is believed to come from the Greek word “sappheiros” which is likely to refer to lapis lazuli, another stunning blue gemstone. Over time, its majestic blue tones have become cemented within royalty. Famously, in ancient Greece, kings and queens would use blue sapphires to protect themselves from enemies and harm. Clergy would also wear the September birthstone as a symbol of heaven and to attract heavenly blessings.
Famously, sapphire jewellery was brought to the centre of everyone’s attention when Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer with a gorgeous sapphire engagement ring. The stone was breathtaking, totalling 12 carats in total and set on a white gold band with 14 solitaire white diamonds. It charmed and captivated the world and linked modern events with the fictious magic of fairy tales. The ring is now worn by her daughter in law, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge.
Where is Sapphire found?
The September birthstone can be found in several spots around the globe including Thailand, Cambodia, Tanzania, Madagascar and Australia but it’s three most historically important sources are Kashmir, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. They were first discovered in Kashmir in 1881 when a landslide up in the Himalayas exposed a large pocket of blue crystals. From then until 1887, the September birthstone was mined heavily from the area revealing thousands of large, breathtaking crystals. Production has been intermittent ever since, but Kashmir still remains one of the most coveted sources of the gem. Sri Lanka has also been a source for the September birthstone for a long time, in fact for more than 2,000 years, sourcing some of the richest blue in colour.
Properties of Sapphire
Sapphire belongs to the mineral corundum which as we mentioned comes in a variety of different colours. While the red variant of corundum is ruby, sapphire can be found in orange, pink, green, yellow and of course, its most famous shade, blue. Dark blue sapphires are some of the most expensive, often nicknamed Kashmir variants named after their source. Meanwhile, the rarest type of sapphire is the Padparadscha, an extremely rare pink and orange stone. The September birthstone is counted among some of the strongest gemstones on the planet, ranking a 9 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness making it a perfect option for jewellery.
Sapphire Jewellery
Whether you’re celebrating a September birthday, buying for a partner for your 45th wedding anniversary or you’re simply in love with the enchanting royal blue hues of the gemstone, Sapphire jewellery is a must-have every lady’s jewellery collection. Its wonderfully versatile properties means it can be worn for all occasions and when paired with other gemstones like diamond its contrasting composition looks truly extraordinary.
You can shop a huge range of Sapphire jewellery and September birthstone jewellery on the C W Sellors website including Sapphire necklaces, Sapphire pendants, Sapphire bracelets, Sapphire earrings, Sapphire rings, Sapphire brooches and Sapphire cufflinks. Get in touch with the team today for more information on the Sapphire gemstone and the interest free finance and free next day delivery available.
