SEPTEMBER BIRTHSTONES

September. A unique month associated with rebirth and renewal, as well as aging and autumn. (As long as you're in the Northern Hemisphere). September is the beginning of fall. As the first signs of the year's waning emerge we transition from the exuberance of summer to the forthcoming winter months. However, September is also the start of the school year. A fresh chance for children and young love-struck adults to return to their institutions of learning with a new opportunity to make something of themselves.

With such a unique and varied set of connotations, it’s no surprise that September has one of the most unique and vivid gemstones. One of the few months with a singular, predominant modern gemstone, September is characterized by the vibrant Sapphire. Derived from the Greek word sappheiros, which means "blue stone." The Sapphire, a transparent corundum stone, is much more than just a blue gemstone. It is a rich and deep gem with varying colors. Initially and most famously found in Asia, Sapphires have predominantly been harvested from Kashmir, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. However, additional deposits are located in the United States, Australia, and other select Asian and African countries.

We'll take a deeper look at the Sapphire and its meaning below, but before we do, September also has a midcentury and British birthstone. (Click here for our complete list of Birthstones). In Britain, the September birthstone is Lapis lazuli. Lapis, as it is known, shares a deep blue tint with the Sapphire but is an entirely separate stone with its own unique properties. Additionally, midcentury lists have Chrysolite as the September birthstone.

SAPPHIRE'S COMPOSITION

The Sapphire is a transparent corundum stone. The mineral corundum comes in many colors, although red hues are classified as Rubies. As such, a Sapphire can come in any color, except for red. The colorization of the stone is due to tiny deposits of elements, including chromium, iron, titanium, copper, and more. This combination gives the Sapphire a tough surface, coming in at a 9 on the Mohs scale. It is the second hardest gemstone after a Diamond. Sapphires are also slightly heavier than a Diamond. On a Carat to Carat basis, Sapphires will be slightly smaller. Luckily, they are more affordable. Pink Sapphires, a blend of a typical Sapphire and a Ruby, can be very desirable and expensive. Beyond that, though, most Sapphires fall within the deep blue range, which has proven to be people's historical preference.

While generally used as a birthstone ring or just decorative jewelry, Sapphire’s can be used in engagement rings. A beautiful example of a blue Sapphire ring can be seen in this Oval Sapphire and Diamond Halo Split Shank Ring from Blue Nile. Some famous Sapphire engagement rings include Kate Middleton’s, Elizabeth Taylor’s, and Victoria Beckham. The gem’s deep and luscious color makes it an ideal focal point for an engagement ring featuring a large stone.

While most Sapphires can be purchased untreated, many, if not most, are heat-treated to improve their color. Other treatments can be applied but will not be as long-lasting. Given this, if a Sapphire has been anything but heat-treated, it should be noted as it will not be as durable. Under normal circumstances, though, a Sapphire will last lifetimes and can be cleaned with an assortment of jewelry and ultrasonic cleaners.

BENEFITS OF THE SAPPHIRE Gem

With a presence since the middle ages, the earliest Sapphires came from India. Cherished by all, the Sapphire's deep blue hue has been associated with tranquility, faithfulness, and celestial divinity. Some early cultures believed the Earth was a Sapphire, thus giving the sky its transparent bluish tint. This combination of attributes has made the Sapphire a favorite of nobility, elites, and many religions' clergy.

Other cultures have believed that the Sapphire has healing properties, and it has been used to fend off a plethora of diseases. More often than not, though, it is used to bring about tranquility. Few can argue that the deep blue depths do not inspire self-reflection. Just like looking at a clear blue summer sky allows us all to take a deep breath and shed our worries. This sensation is the blessing of a Sapphire and the cause of its worth.

The spiritual and emotional benefits associated with a Sapphire all stem from its blue tranquility. They are said to help in mental acuity by bringing about clarity and eliminating confusion. Sapphires are used in spiritual healing and can bless the wearer, allowing them to reach more profound and precise levels of self-consciousness. The sum effect is that Sapphires calm you, bringing about all the benefits of a tranquil mind.

LAPIS LAZULI

Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious metamorphic stone mostly comprised of the mineral lazurite. While it is now mined almost worldwide, it is historically and presently found in Northern Afghanistan. The stone has been used by the nobility and religious groups for thousands of years. Historically it has been used as the basis of jewelry, sculptures, and other artistic endeavors. Renaissance artists used a ground-up version of Lapis as the basis of the blue tint aquamarine, a favorite in pieces depicting the Virgin Mary. And, it has even been shown that Cleopatra used ground Lapis for her eyeshadow.

While Lapis is not abundant in modern jewelry, it is still used and can be a focal point for a classically elegant piece. This Lapis Necklace example from Blue Nile is undoubtedly beautiful and pleasantly affordable at under $100.

Lapis has a Mohs scale rating between 5 and 6. While not too soft for daily use in jewelry, it can easily be chipped and ground down. However, Lapis can be polished with little to no fuss, so it can last a lifetime with proper care. Given that the stone is sometimes treated with dyes and other sealers, it should be strictly and carefully cleaned with soapy water.

CHRYSOLITE

Chrysolite, the midcentury September birthstone, is a yellow/gold/green Peridot. However, the reference to Chrysolite does not necessarily point to Peridot, the modern August birthstone. The word Chrysolite can be used to describe a Topaz, Sapphire, or Tourmaline. The importance of the midcentury reference is the Color. Appearing in many instances within the text from the ancient world, including the Bible and the New Testament, Chrysolite is still in demand. However, it is simply referred to as Peridot in regards to modern jewelry.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHSTONE JEWELRY

For purposes of jewelry, and especially engagement rings, we will focus on Sapphires. When choosing a Sapphire ring, many of the same attributes found in a Diamond can and should be used. You want to focus and the Cut and Clarity.

Ultimately Color has less meaning since Sapphires can range in their hue. As such, that becomes an area of personal choice. The benefit is that Carat can be maximized as the cost of a Sapphires can be 25% or less than a Diamond. Thus, choosing a Sapphire ring can result in a beautiful and unique ring, which is simultaneously more affordable.

As previously mentioned, Sapphires have been used to create exceptional engagement rings for hundreds of years. The unique style and depth of the stone and the variability of its color spectrum can be dazzling. Ultimately, there is something special about a large four or five Carat blue Sapphire as the central point of a stunning engagement ring. It is elegant, classic, and unique all at once. The fact that many of the highest-profile women throughout the ages have worn a Sapphire engagement ring is a testament to the gem’s enduring presence.

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