All About September's Birthstone: The Sapphire
September babies, rejoice! Your birthstone, the sapphire, has a long and storied history. It is not just a symbol of those born in September, but it also represents wisdom, virtue, and good fortune. In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the dazzling world of sapphires, from their history to their modern-day uses.
The Basics: What is a Sapphire?
Sapphire belongs to the corundum family of minerals. While many immediately think of a deep blue colour when they hear the word "sapphire", it's essential to note that sapphires come in a rainbow of colours except red. When corundum is red, it is instead called a ruby. The blue sapphire, which is the traditional birthstone of September, owes its colour to the presence of iron and titanium.
History of the Sapphire
The allure of sapphires stretches back for millennia:
Ancient Civilizations:
Sapphires were treasured by ancient civilizations. The ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflection coloured the sky.
Medieval Times:
In the Middle Ages, the clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven, and it was believed that the stone attracted heavenly blessings.
Asian Significance:
In ancient India, sapphires were believed to bring protection and good fortune to its owner.
Symbolism and Lore
Across different cultures and eras, the sapphire has come to represent various virtues and concepts:
Wisdom: Its deep blue hue is often likened to the depths of intelligence and insight.
Purity and Protection: Ancient Greeks wore sapphires when consulting the oracle at Delphi to gain clear understanding. They were considered a protective talisman against evil.
Love and Commitment: Royals have long chosen sapphires for engagement rings, the most famous of modern times being Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring, now worn by Duchess Kate Middleton.
Where are Sapphires Found?
Sapphires are mined in various locations worldwide, but the primary sources include:
Myanmar (Burma): Historically known for producing some of the finest quality gems.
Kashmir: Rare and highly prized sapphires with a soft, velvety blue hue.
Sri Lanka: A source for sapphires for over 2,000 years.
Madagascar and Australia: Modern sources for significant quantities of sapphires.
Uses of Sapphires
Jewellery: The primary use of sapphires is in jewellery, especially in rings, necklaces, and earrings.
Watches: Due to their hardness, they're used as the transparent protective covers on some high-end watches.
Industrial Uses: Because of their hardness (just behind diamonds), synthetic sapphires are used in various industrial applications, such as in scientific instruments, high-durability windows, and electronics.
Caring for Your Sapphire
Sapphires are sturdy, but they still require care:
Avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals or heat.
Clean them with mild soap and lukewarm water using a soft brush.
Store them separately to avoid scratches from other jewellery.
Sapphires are not just beautiful gems; they're embedded with rich history, symbolism, and practical uses in modern society. If you're a September baby, wear your sapphire with pride, knowing you have a gem that has captured the imagination of humanity for centuries. If you're thinking of gifting or buying jewellery, a sapphire's allure makes it a timeless choice.
If you are reading this blog in September, you're in luck! We have a massive 20% off all Sapphire for the month of September. Just add any Sapphire product to your basket and then enter SEPTEMBER20 in the discount code box!
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Thanks for reading jewellery makers!
-JM
