Sapphire: September Birthstone Meaning, History, and Buying Guide

September 16, 2025

Sapphire, a gem-quality form of corundum (aluminum oxide), is extremely durable (the only material harder than sapphires is diamond). While blue sapphire is the most well-known and popular, sapphires can actually be many colors including yellow, pink, green, black, and many more. Only red corundum can be called ruby.

Meaning and Symbolism
History
How Sapphires Are Graded
Quality Factor: What to Look For
Care & Maintenance Suggestions
Personal Buying Guide
- Stonex Jewellers: Birthstone Jewellery
- Final Thoughts

Meaning and Symbolism

Sapphire represents a variety of symbolic meanings across cultures:

Loyalty, faithfulness, and sincerity: Often related to committed and trustworthy.

Wisdom and mental clarity: Seen as a stone of understanding and insight.

Protection: Historically believed to help protect the wearer from harm, envy, or negative energies.

Royalty and status: Having formed a part of crowns, regalia, and significant jewelry throughout history- iconic in its association with royalty.

History

Historical Uses: Sapphires have had a long-valued history. The deep blue color of sapphire was particularly coveted in ancient Greece and Rome, and its value to represent the heavens was thought to be shared with the sapphire. Blue sapphires were worn by the clergy in the medieval traditions of Christianity as a heavenly connection, and remembrance of divine favor.

Famous Sapphires: There are many famous sapphires displayed in museums and in royal jewelry.

How Sapphires Are Graded

When purchasing a sapphire, the most common quality factors to concern yourself with are what is often called “Four Cs” but as far as sapphires are concerned, there are some differences from diamonds.

Quality Factor: What to Look For

Colour: The most important factor. Good saturation (colour that is vivid but not too dark/black), an even tone, and not too many unwanted secondary hues, unless you want a fancy colour. Ideally, blues are not too light and not too black.

Clarity: Inclusions are common. What matters is whether those inclusions are visible to the naked eye. Some inclusions, such as ‘silks’, may diffuse light and are very pleasing on the eye. Extra large or very obvious internal flaws may pose durability issues.

Cut & Shape: A well-cut sapphire will show the colour evenly, will maximize brilliance and will hide inclusions the best it can. Shapes can include round shape, cushioned, oval, emerald and more. For special effects, or if special effects are essential, the cabochon cutting style is used (e.g., if it’s a star sapphire).

Carat / Size: Larger stones are rare – particularly in the top colours. Size does add value, but not when there has been a sacrifice made in colour, clarity, and cut. A large sapphire of dull colour or heavy inclusions may be less appealing than a smaller sapphire with more vivid colour and clarity.

Origin & Treatments: The origin can drive value (think Kashmir, Ceylon vs unknown sources). Generally, sapphires undergo heat treatment ultimately to maximize colour/clarity making this an acceptable treatment option. Other treatments (i.e. diffusion, coatings) may limit the value and/or durability of the sapphire. Always ask for certificates/reports.

Care & Maintenance Suggestions

Clean with mild soap, warm water and soft brush.

Ultrasonic cleaning is generally acceptable for heat-treated sapphires. Avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners with treatments or inclusions.

When storing your sapphires, store separately from harder stones (e.g. diamonds) to avoid scratching your sapphire.

Periodic inspections of your sapphire’s setting (i.e. prongs) = make sure your stone is secure/free-moving.

Personal Buying Guide

Choose the colour first: Which colour/hue or tone appeals to you (deep blue, pastel, fancy colours, black, etc.).

Know approximate budget ranges and what types of sapphires you can get in each.

Ask for transparency: obtain origin, clarity info, treatments information, and certify the stones as necessary.

Consider size Vs quality: An average size stone having the best colour (e.g. vivid blue or deep blue) may offer significantly better beauty than an oversized stone with flat colour or uneven colour.

Choose metal and setting carefully: The way a stone is set can impact its overall appearance or durability.

Stonex Jewellers: Birthstone Jewellery

The Birthstone Jewellery September collection is great showcasing different styles, price ranges, and elements to look for. The statement ring has multiple colours of sapphire plus diamonds, bezel setting to protect edges. Great when you’re looking for something bold and making a statement.

A halo of diamond makes the sapphire centrepiece look larger. It is a great balance between wearable and elegant look. Functional as a gift or everyday wear.

Earrings with multiple sapphires, perfect for a person looking for colour or variation. Hoops are classic style but done a bit differently by having multi-coloured sapphires in them. They are giftable or great for a fashion statement.

Final Thoughts

Sapphire is not just beautiful; it carries deep history, symbolism, and meaning. Whether you choose a classic blue sapphire or fancy colour variety, whether you go for natural or lab-created, what matters is combining quality with what you love. Use the buying guide above to make sure you get good value, durability, and beauty.

If you’re going shopping, try visiting Stonex Jewellers online to buy sapphire rings or necklaces. Happy shopping!

AUTHOR BIO

Utkarsha

Utkarsha is a skilled content writer with over three years of experience in the fashion industry. She currently contributes to Stonex Jewellers, where she has developed a deep understanding of effectively capturing the essence of the jewellery sector. With a versatile background in fashion and lifestyle writing, she brings a keen eye for market trends and audience preferences. A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication, Utkarsha is adept at conveying the cultural and emotional nuances behind style choices and their timing.