September Birthstone: Sapphire

Meaning

The September birthstone has traditionally symbolised sincerity, truth, faithfulness and nobility. For countless centuries, sapphire has adorned royalty and the robes of the clergy. The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed that blue sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy. The clergy of the Middle Ages wore sapphires because they symbolised Heaven, they also were believed to represent loyalty and trust.

The September birthstone was also reputed to have healing powers. Medieval Europeans believed that sapphire cured plague boils and diseases of the eye. It also was thought to be an antidote to poison. Still today many also believe it can cure physical ailments, especially eye infections, headaches, ear ache and thyroid problems.

Astrologists consider the sapphire to be a gem with healing properties. It’s said to encourage truth, loyalty, wisdom and clear thinking. Especially when worn by those born in September or under the star sign of Virgo.

The word ‘sapphire’ derives from the Greek word ‘sappheiros’, which may originally have referred to another blue gemstone, lapis lazuli.

Colour and Durability

Sapphires get their colours from trace elements in the mineral corundum. It is turned to blue sapphire when it contains iron and titanium, and trace elements of chromium can turn corundum pink, while more chromium turns it into a ruby. Deep blue sapphires have long been associated with royalty (which may have contributed to the naming of the colour “royal blue”). The rarest type of sapphire is a pinkish orange variety called padparadscha, a name that comes from the Sanskrit word for lotus flower.

Sapphires are among the most durable naturally occurring elements in the world. Gemstones are rated on their ability to withstand scratching based on a system called the Mohs Scale of Hardness, and sapphires score a 9 out of 10. The only natural item that can scratch a sapphire is a diamond. The durability of sapphires makes them an excellent choice for engagement rings and other pieces of jewellery that you plan to wear every day.

Corundum is stable under normal wearing conditions, which means it’s resistant to the effects of heat, light and common chemicals. Boric acid powder will etch the surface of even untreated stones. Fracture-filled, cavity-filled and dyed stones can be damaged by even mild acids like lemon juice. Ensure you visit a reputable supplier such as Lumbers; to ensure you are aware of your sapphire’s qualities.

Because of its resilience, sapphire also has industrial uses. The Apple Watch features lab-created sapphire glass in its screen. You will also notice a lot of our luxury timepieces are protected by sapphire crystal to avoid scratches and boast protection.

Famous Sapphires

The most famous royal sapphire today is the engagement ring given by England’s Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, and now worn by Princess Catherine. It features an 18carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds.

Another renowned sapphire is The Star of Bombay, which is a 182carat sapphire from Sri Lanka. It was given to silent film star Mary Pickford by her Husband Douglas Fairbanks. She bequeathed the gem to the Smithsonian Institute in 1981.

The Rockefeller sapphire is a 62.02carat internally flawless cornflower blue sapphire. It gained its name from the one-time proprietor John D Rockefeller Jr.

Finally, The Stuart Sapphire in the Imperial Crown. This famous sapphire weighs in at 104carats and is set into the Imperial State Crown. This sapphire’s past is somewhat unclear, it was most likely owned by Charles II. It was among one of the many jewels that James II took with him when he fled France. Passed down through the royal families it came into the hands of Henry Benedict Stuart where the stone received its name. With his passing he left the stone among other relics to King George III. The stone was set into Queen Victoria’s State Crown, just below the Black Prince’s Ruby.  In 1937 the crown was replaced, a nearly identical crown was produced except the Stuart Sapphire was placed in the back of the crown and in its place the Cullinan II Diamond was placed in the sapphires old positioning.

Taking Care of your Sapphire

To take care of your sapphire Lumbers suggests cleaning them in warm, soapy water. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe for untreated, heat-treated and lattice-diffusion-treated stones as long as the gems are set securely. Treated sapphires such as fracture-filled, cavity-filled or dyed material should only be cleaned with a damp cloth to avoid damage.

If you are looking for a particular type sapphire be it colour or cut… Lumbers are able to source the market for you and we can create bespoke jewellery around this stone. Why not take a look at our exceptional range of sapphire jewellery in-store, there is something for everyone - tailored to different budgets. Lumbers have been trading since 1881 and have many years of experience working with gemstones and jewellery. Check out our Facebook reviews to see for yourself what our customers think!