September Birthstone Spotlight: Sapphire

September’s birthstone is the sapphire. Although this gemstone is typically blue, it can be found in a variety of colors.

Sapphire Background

Sapphire has long been linked to royalty and romance. Princess Diana (and now Kate Middleton) famously had a sapphire engagement ring. This gemstone has also been said to symbolize sincerity and faithfulness.

Throughout history, this birthstone was considered a protective gemstone, protecting its wearer from physical harm along with bad intentions and envy. Many also believed sapphires could serve as an antidote to poison and heal eye injuries/issues.

This gemstone has ties to various religious groups as well. Buddhists believed sapphires brought spiritual enlightenment, Hindu’s used sapphires during worship, and Christian kings used sapphires in ecclesiastical rings.

Ancient Greeks associated this birthstone with the God Apollo, the son of Zeus.