September Birthstone - Sapphire
Fascinating and enduring, Sapphire has long been cherished for its rich hues and deep symbolism. Known as the birthstone for September, this remarkable gemstone represents wisdom, loyalty, and strength. Once worn by royalty and spiritual leaders, sapphires continue to captivate with their brilliant colours—from classic royal blue to rare parti hues—making them a timeless centrepiece in fine jewellery. At Waldemar Jewellers, we create bespoke sapphire pieces that celebrate life’s meaningful milestones—whether for birthdays, engagements, or personal expressions of elegance.
The Beauty of Sapphire
There’s something undeniably captivating about Sapphire – a gemstone that has long been treasured for its rich colour, enduring strength, and powerful symbolism. As the official birthstone for September, Sapphire embodies wisdom, loyalty, and inner strength, making it a meaningful gift and a timeless choice for fine jewellery.
Renowned for its deep, velvety blue tones, Sapphire is a stone steeped in history, favoured by royalty and sought-after by those who value elegance with lasting significance. It’s no wonder this remarkable gemstone remains one of the most popular choices for both birthstone jewellery and bespoke engagement rings.
At Waldemar Jewellers, we specialise in crafting Sapphire jewellery that celebrates not only the beauty of this precious stone, but the personal stories it represents. Whether you’re searching for a birthday gift with sentimental value or a custom Sapphire engagement ring, our Sydney-based studio offers heirloom-quality designs tailored to your unique vision.
In this guide, we explore the fascinating meaning, history, and variety of Sapphires-from traditional deep blue hues to rare Australian parti Sapphires. Discover why Sapphire continues to enchant, and why it holds a special place as the birthstone for September.
What Is The September Birthstone?
Sapphire is the birthstone of September. Every month is symbolised by a gemstone that holds a particular meaning for those dates. There’s something undeniably captivating about Sapphire – a gemstone that has long been treasured for its rich colour, enduring strength, and powerful symbolism. As the official birthstone for September, Sapphire embodies wisdom, loyalty, and inner strength, making it a meaningful gift and a timeless choice for fine jewellery.
Renowned for its deep, velvety blue tones, Sapphire is a stone steeped in history, favoured by royalty and sought-after by those who value elegance with lasting significance. It’s no wonder this remarkable gemstone remains one of the most popular choices for both birthstone jewellery and bespoke engagement rings.
Those who wear these gemstones are believed to acquire diverse abilities and results associated with each stone. At Waldemar Jewellers, we can make your sapphire birthstone into a beautiful custom piece of jewellery that can hold a special significance to someone born in September.
In this guide, we explore the fascinating meaning, history, and variety of Sapphires-from traditional deep blue hues to rare Australian parti Sapphires. Discover why Sapphire continues to enchant, and why it holds a special place as the birthstone for September.
The Meaning & Symbolism of Sapphire
Sapphires have long revered not only for their beauty and durability but also for their deep symbolic meaning. Traditionally, Sapphire has been associated with wisdom, loyalty, and protection. These qualities have made it a popular choice for romantic gifts and heirloom jewellery, particularly in the form of Sapphire engagement rings and wedding bands.
Throughout history, Sapphires have carried cultural and spiritual significance across civilisations. In ancient times, clergy wore blue Sapphires to symbolise heaven, while royalty used them as a symbol of divine favour and strength. The gemstone was believed to protect its wearer from harm, attract blessings, and offer spiritual clarity. This rich cultural symbolism adds to the enduring allure of natural sapphire jewellery.
Today, Sapphires continue to hold powerful meaning in modern life. As the birthstone for September, they are often gifted as meaningful birthday presents that symbolise sincerity and truth. Their timeless appeal also makes them a thoughtful choice for milestone anniversaries or personal achievements. Whether chosen for their historical depth or contemporary sentiment, Sapphires remain one of the most emotionally resonant and durable gemstones available.
A Brief History of Sapphires
Sapphires have a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. Some of the earliest Sapphire discoveries were made in Sri Lanka, which remains one of the most respected sources of natural Sapphires today. Other historically significant deposits were found in Kashmir and Myanmar (Burma), with Australia also becoming a notable source in more recent centuries.
Throughout history, Sapphires have been revered for their beauty, rarity and perceived spiritual power. They were often worn by royalty and nobility as symbols of virtue, wisdom, and divine favour. In medieval Europe, it was common for both clergy and kings to wear blue Sapphires, believing the gemstone offered protection and insight from the heavens.
One of the most iconic moments in sapphire history is tied to the British royal family. In 1981, Princess Diana received a striking 12-carat Ceylon Sapphire engagement ring, surrounded by diamonds- a piece that captured the world’s attention. Today, this same ring is worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales (formerly Kate Middleton), continuing its legacy as one of the most recognisable Sapphire rings in modern times.
From ancient civilisations to contemporary royalty, Sapphires have maintained their status as one of the most admired and enduring gemstones in the world-both for their meaning and their timeless appeal.
Types and Colours of Sapphire
While blue Sapphire remains the most recognised and iconic variety, Sapphires actually form in a spectrum of vibrant natural colours, known collectively as fancy Sapphires. This includes pink, yellow, green, white, violet, orange, and peach, each coloured by trace elements within the mineral corundum. For example, the presence of chromium produces pink sapphires, while iron and titanium create classic blue tones.
Blue Sapphire
The classic blue sapphire owes its colour to a combination of iron and titanium. These gems can range from a pale sky blue to an intense royal or navy hue. Ceylon (Sri Lanka) sapphires are prized for their vivid medium blue, while Kashmir sapphires-now exceedingly rare – are famed for their velvety, cornflower-like tone. In contrast, Australian blue sapphires, particularly those mine in Central Queensland and New South Wales, typically display a darker, more saturated appearance, sometimes with hints of green or teal. These stones are celebrated for their durability, rich character, and ethical local sourcing.
Fancy Sapphires
- Pink Sapphires, coloured by chromium, range from soft blush to hot magenta and are increasingly favoured as romantic alternatives to diamonds.
- Yellow Sapphires, created by traces of iron, are associated with happiness and optimism.
- Green Sapphires, a more unusual variety, may feature mossy tones or vibrant olive shades.
- Orange Sapphires, including the rare Padparadscha. Offer a delicate blend of pink and orange – highly prized and often collector-grade
- White Sapphires (colourless corundum) are valued as a natural, ethical alternative to diamonds.
Each colour variation holds its own symbolic meaning and emotional resonance, offering buyers the opportunity to choose a stone that reflects both style and sentiment.
Parti Sapphire
One of the most unique and naturally mesmering types is the Parti Sapphire. Formed when trace elements separate unevenly during crystal growth, parti sapphires feature two or more colours – typically blue, green, and yellow-within a single gemstone. Unlike treated stones, parti sapphires are completely natural, and no two are ever the same.
Australia is globally recognised as the leading source of high-quality Parti Sapphires. Their distinctive colour zoning and ethical origin make them a sought-after option for one-of-a-kind engagement rings and statement jewellery.
Why Choose Sapphire for Jewellery?
Sapphire, the chosen birthstone for September, establishes a unique bond between this precious gem and those born within this month. The tradition of designating sapphire as September’s birthstone dates back to antiquity when people subscribed to the belief that individual gemstones possessed distinct attributes and strengths that were amplified when worn during their corresponding months. For individuals born in September, Sapphire is thought to bestow qualities of wisdom, safeguarding, and inner serenity. Adorning this gem is said to enrich cognitive clarity and foster spiritual maturation, imbuing it with profound significance as a beloved and treasured birthstone.
Sapphire is a gemstone that seamlessly blends enduring strength with timeless beauty, making it a highly sought-after choice for both daily wear and meaningful occasions. Ranking 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, it is second only to diamond in durability. This exceptional resilience means Sapphire jewellery is perfectly suited to stand the test of time, whether worn every day or reserved for life’s most significant moments.
One of Sapphire’s greatest qualities is its versatility in design. From classic solitaire rings to intricately set pendants and timeless stud earrings, Sapphires offer unmatched adaptability. Their wide range of natural colours-from the iconic deep blue to vibrant yellows, romantic pinks, and rare parti tones- makes them ideal for creating jewellery that is as personal as it is beautiful.
Sapphire is also the birthstone for September, symbolising loyalty, wisdom, and sincerity. As such, it makes a deeply meaningful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or milestone celebrations. In addition, Sapphire engagement rings have become increasingly popular, offering a sophisticated and unique alternative to traditional diamond rings.
Whether chosen for its brilliance, significance, or enduring style, Sapphire remains one of the most compelling gemstones for fine jewellery. For those seeking pieces that combine beauty with lasting value, Sapphire is an exceptional choice.
Australian Sapphires: A Unique Local Treasure
Australia is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary sapphires-treasured not only for their natural beauty, but also for their ethical provenance and exceptional quality. Mined primarily in New South Wales and Central Queensland, Australian sapphires are renowned for their striking colour profiles, often exhibiting rich, deep blues and captivating teal-green hues. Many also feature bi- or tri-colour zoning, known as Parti Sapphires, which are entirely unique to each stone and highly sought after for bespoke designs.
What sets Australian sapphires apart is more than their aesthetic appeal. Their traceable origin and responsible sourcing make them a preferred choice for those who value sustainability and conscious luxury. Unlike many global mining regions, Australia’s sapphire fields are regulated and environmentally monitored, ensuring a more transparent and ethical supply chain.
Choosing an Australian sapphire also supports local craftsmanship and artisanal jewellery design. At Waldemar Jewellers, we work closely with master jewellers to handcraft each piece in our Sydney studio, ensuring not only the finest quality, but a deep connection between the gem, the maker, and the wearer.
From timeless blue sapphires to one-of-a-kind parti stones, Australian sapphires offer a rare opportunity to celebrate local heritage through beautifully crafted, meaningful jewellery.
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