SEPTEMBER: SAPPHIRE

Sapphires make stunning gifts for anyone born in September or celebrating a 5th or 45th wedding anniversary.

Although sapphire typically refers to the rich blue gemstone variety of the mineral corundum, this royal gemstone occurs in a rainbow of hues. Sapphires come in every colour except red, which earn the classification of rubies instead.

Trace elements like iron, titanium, chromium, copper, and magnesium give naturally colourless corundum a tint of blue, yellow, purple, orange or green, respectively. Sapphires in any colour but blue are called “fancies.”

Pink sapphires tow a fine line between ruby and sapphire. In the U.S., these gemstones must meet a minimum colour saturation to be considered rubies. Pinkish orange sapphires called padparadscha (from the Sri Lankan word for “lotus flower”) can draw higher prices than some blue sapphires.

The name “sapphire” comes from the Latin sapphirus and Greek sappheiros, meaning “blue stone,” though those words may have originally referred to lapis lazuli. Some believe it originated from the Sanskrit word sanipriya which meant “dear to Saturn.”

Sapphire gems are found in Australia, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, China, Brazil, Africa, and North America (mainly Montana). Their origin can affect their value as much as colour, cut, clarity, and carat size.

The remarkable hardness of sapphires, which measure 9 on the Mohs scale, is second only to diamond. They aren’t just valuable in jewellery, but also in industrial applications including scientific instruments, high-durability windows, watches, and electronics.

Sapphire gemstones symbolise loyalty, nobility, sincerity, and integrity. They are associated with focusing the mind, maintaining self-discipline, and channeling higher powers.