For as long as it could be traced, many cultures have attached a special significance to birthstones. An example of symbolism is the emblem of good fortune and safeguarding unique characters. In the same regard, a designated gemstone is attributed to September birthdays, the sapphire.
Being September’s birthstone, sapphire is believed to bring special fortune to those born in this month. It reflects traits such as loyalty, sincerity, and wisdom. These qualities are often associated with September-born individuals. Gifting a sapphire to someone with a September birthday is considered a meaningful gesture of love and protection.
This extraordinary stone has been used to decorate the crowns of royalty and has been a focal point in exquisite jewellery for ages. With the help of this blog, we’ll investigate the newer relevance, the varieties, the meaning, and the history of the sapphire as a birthstone for September.
The History and Lore of Sapphire

The sapphire is well-known, and its magnificence is often recognized in many different cultures. In Rome and Greece in earlier civilizations, monarchs adorned themselves with sapphires because they were linked to a higher sense of reason and divine consideration. Sapphires are so iconic and powerful that the Persians were convinced that the reason the skies are blue is that the huge sapphire on which the Earth rests is reflecting that colour.
As for the Middle Ages, the clergy wore sapphires in an effort to symbolize heaven, while the royalty believed that the stone would protect them from harm and envy. Even today, sapphires are believed to offer protection, which is why the stone is associated with faith and devotion. This stone continues to blend beautiful aesthetics with spiritual symbolism.
Meaning and Symbolism
Sapphires have long been significant in many cultures, as their meanings include:
Wisdom and Knowledge: As sapphires are believed to bring clarity of thought and enhance mental focus, they are associated with wisdom.
Loyalty and Faithfulness: As engagement or anniversary gifts, sapphires are traditionally given to represent long-lasting relationships.
Spiritual Protection: Numerous civilizations believed sapphires had the power to protect against malevolent spirits and negative forces.
Nobility and Royalty: Sapphires represent power and prestige as they are known to be associated with kings, queens, and sacred traditions.
The Famous Blue of Sapphire
Most of the time, people picture the deep royal blue of sapphires when they hear the word. While sapphires do come in myriad colours, the iconic cornflower blue is considered the most valuable. This colour is treasured for being rare, pure, and intense. This makes it one of the most expensive gemstones in the world.
The best blue sapphires are known to come from Kashmir, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Their mines have been yielding world-class gems for ages.
Beyond Blue: Other Colors of Sapphire
Despite the fact that the blue sapphires are the most well-known, sapphires can be found in every other color. Each color brings a unique charm, allowing sapphire to suit different styles and preferences. These varieties include:
Pink Sapphires: Having a gentle and romantic shade, which stand for love.
Yellow Sapphires: Linked with prosperity and wisdom. Green Sapphires: Symbolize calmness and equilibrium. White Sapphires: An economical substitute for diamonds.
Padparadscha Sapphires: These are pink-orange in color and are very rare and are considered the most valuable sapphires.
Sapphires in Modern Jewelry
These days, sapphires are no longer the exclusive preserve of the elite. They are commonly featured in engagement and fine rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. A classic example is Princess Diana’s blue sapphire engagement ring, which is now worn by Kate Middleton. The brilliance of this piece made sapphires fashionable as engagement jewels. This also made sapphire a symbol of timeless passion and sophistication.
Sapphires also display impressive durability, with a Mohs hardness of 9. This makes them one of the few gemstones, apart from diamonds, that can be crafted for daily use without much concern. The pairing of aesthetic beauty with functionality significantly enhances their appeal.
Healing and Metaphysical Properties
Moreover, in addition to their good looks, sapphires are also recognized to have healing properties in crystal therapy and astrology:
● Encourages sharper focus and soothes the mind
● Encourages discipline and focus, especially in studies or work.
● Strengthens intuition and spiritual connection.
● In Vedic astrology, the Blue Sapphire (Neelam) is linked to Saturn and is believed to bring prosperity, discipline, and protection when worn under proper guidance.
How to Care for Your Sapphire
Proper care ensures that your sapphire remains a timeless treasure for generations. To maintain the brilliance and longevity of your sapphire jewelry:
● Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
● Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners for treated stones.
● Store separately to prevent scratches from harder gems like diamonds.
Sapphire Mining and Global Sources
Sapphires are mined in several parts of the world, each producing stones with distinct characteristics:
● Kashmir, India: Famous for velvety cornflower blue sapphires, though rare today.
● Myanmar (Burma): Known for deep royal blue sapphires.
● Sri Lanka (Ceylon): Produces vibrant, light-to-medium blue sapphires.
● Madagascar & Thailand: Emerging as major suppliers of high-quality sapphires.
Conclusion
The sapphire, with its timeless beauty, rich symbolism, and lasting durability, truly earns its place as September’s birthstone. From ancient legends to modern-day jewelry, it continues to inspire awe and admiration. Whether worn for fashion, astrology, or sentiment, sapphires remain an everlasting symbol of wisdom, loyalty, and nobility.
If the elegance of sapphires has captured your imagination, why not take a step further? Explore the world of gemstones with IIG’s gemology programs, learn to identify and grade them, and understand their market value. Discover how these treasures of the Earth shape cultures, traditions, and industries worldwide.






