Spotlight on our September Birthstone – Sapphire
When most people think of September’s birthstone, they think of that quintessential, rich, royal blue (à la Princess Diana’s famous engagement ring), but did you know sapphires come in nearly every colour of the rainbow? Read on below to get to know September’s birthstone – its history, what it represents, and how to wear and care for these colourful stones.
History & Meaning
Throughout history, sapphires have been worn by nobles and clergy as a symbol of royalty, fidelity and truth. Ancient Greeks wore sapphires to protect themselves from harm and to access their intuition. In medieval times, they were thought to cure plague boils and eye disease, and work as an antidote for poison. The ancient Persians so revered the stone that they believed the sky was blue because the earth sat on a giant sapphire!
While we don’t expect sapphires to cure our ills or colour our sky today, it’s still a very much loved gem: representing our September babies, and acting as a symbol of love and faith for many.
Wearability
Sapphires (like their corundum cousin rubies) score a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, with excellent toughness and no cleavage, making them a great choice for rings and other daily wear jewellery. While blue is the traditional hue, the wide range of colours, from yellows to greens and pinks and purples, also make sapphires a versatile choice for anyone’s wardrobe.
Care
Warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush is often all that’s needed for sapphires and their settings. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners may also be used, so long as your stones don't have any chips or fractures.
It’s no secret that we at Era are BIG sapphire fans! From engagement rings to earrings and pendants, you’ll find them throughout our store. With their rich range of colours and durability, whether you’re going for timeless or a unique design, there really is nothing like a sapphire!
Looking to add some sapphires to your jewellery box? Check out our Sapphire Engagement Rings for stunning custom designs!
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