A Moment for September’s Stone: Sapphire

By Annie Davidson Watson | August 28, 2023

While many look forward to the turning of leaves and returning to sweater weather come next month, September is also a time for celebrating the month’s beautiful birthstone: sapphire. Commonly thought to come only in a deep blue hue, sapphires range in color, giving them widespread appeal.

Beyond their aesthetic allure, sapphires hold deep historical and cultural significance. They’ve been cherished for centuries and adorned the crowns and jewelry of royals (think: Kate Middleton’s sapphire engagement ring that once belonged to Princess Diana). The gemstone is associated with such qualities as loyalty, trust, and sincerity, lending it emotional value.

Sapphires are also loved for their durability. Ranking just below diamonds on the Mohs scale of hardness, sapphires are ideal for everyday wear. Attractive, symbolic, and resilient, sapphires make the perfect gift for the lucky September-born—or anyone else.

Here are a few sapphire pieces that do the gem justice—as a large single stone on a strand of diamonds, by the dozens in a vintage brooch, and in other settings.