September Birthstone: Sapphire Meaning, Colours & Gift Inspiration

Vintage Gold Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring — Shop this piece →

Sapphire is the birthstone for September, a beautiful and enduring gemstone traditionally associated with wisdom, loyalty and sincerity. While best known for its classic blue hues, Sapphires actually occur in an extraordinary range of colours — making them a wonderfully varied choice for a meaningful September birthday gift.

At Cavendish Jewellers, we curate an ever-changing collection of antique and vintage Sapphire jewellery, from unusual Sapphire rings to earrings, necklaces and bracelets. In this guide, discover the meaning, colours and fascinating history of September’s birthstone, along with inspiration for choosing a one-of-a-kind Sapphire gift.

September Birthstone at a Glance:

Birthstone: Sapphire
Traditional colour: Blue
Other colours: Pink, yellow, green, white and more
Meaning: Wisdom, loyalty, sincerity and truth
Mohs hardness: 9
Also associated with: 45th wedding anniversaries

Sapphire is the traditional birthstone for anyone born in September, from September 1st to September 30th.

Antique Art Deco White Gold Sapphire & Diamond Tablet Ring — Shop this piece →

What Is Sapphire? The Science Behind the Sparkle

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, composed of aluminium oxide. What gives sapphire its signature blue hue are trace elements like iron and titanium. Though blue is the best-known variety, sapphires come in almost every colour except red (red corundum is classified as ruby).

Thanks to a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are second only to diamonds in durability, making them ideal for everyday wear in rings, earrings, and bracelets.

Iconic Sapphires in History: From Heaven to Royalty

Sapphires have been revered for over 2,500 years. In ancient Persia, people believed the sky was blue because it reflected the vast sapphires that lay beneath the Earth’s surface. Medieval clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolise heaven, while kings and queens used them as protection from envy and harm.

In modern times, the most iconic example is Princess Diana’s engagement ring, a 12 carat sapphire ring now worn by her daughter-in-law, Catherine. This single ring rekindled global interest in sapphire engagement rings and helped secure sapphire’s place in the jewellery world’s hall of fame.

Among the most iconic sapphire is the Star of India, a 563-carat, star-patterned marvel housed in the American Museum of Natural History. Equally mesmerising is the Logan Sapphire, a dazzling 422.99-carat Ceylon gem set in a brooch and displayed at the Smithsonian. Royal watchers will recognise the Stuart Sapphire as one of the most legendary gems in the British Crown Jewels, steeped in royal intrigue and centuries of history. Weighing around 104 carats, this deep blue oval-shaped sapphire is believed to have originated in Sri Lanka and was once owned by Charles II or possibly James II of England, members of the House of Stuart – hence its name. After James II fled to France in 1688 during the Glorious Revolution, the sapphire journeyed through European courts before returning to Britain in the 19th century under Queen Victoria. Today, the Stuart Sapphire is set prominently on the back of the Imperial State Crown.

Symbolism and Meaning of the September Birthstone

Those born in September are said to embody the best qualities associated with sapphire: wisdom, loyalty, and calm. The gemstone is thought to promote mental clarity, protect against negative energies, and encourage truthfulness in relationships.

Sapphires are also traditionally given as gifts for 45th wedding anniversaries, symbolising enduring commitment and trust.

What Colour Is September’s Birthstone?

While classic deep blue remains the most popular, sapphires occur in a spectrum of colours. These are known as fancy sapphires and include:

• Pink sapphires – Delicate and romantic
• Yellow sapphires – Warm and joyful
• Green sapphires – Earthy and rare
• Padparadscha sapphires – A unique blend of orange and pink, named after the lotus flower

Where Do the Finest Sapphires Come From?

Some of the most renowned sapphires originate from:

• Sri Lanka (Ceylon) – Known for light to medium vibrant blue tones
• Kashmir – Extremely rare and prized for a velvety cornflower blue
• Myanmar (Burma) – Deep, rich blue stones with exceptional clarity
• Madagascar and Australia – More recent sources with diverse colour offerings

Diamond & Pink Sapphire Floral Cluster Bracelet — Shop this piece →

Why Choose Sapphire Jewellery?

Sapphires are a superb choice not only for their beauty but for their symbolism and durability. They are a thoughtful and luxurious option for:

• September birthday gifts
• Engagement rings (a romantic alternative to diamonds)
• Anniversary presents
• Statement jewellery for everyday elegance

Sapphire pairs beautifully with diamonds, and settings in platinum, yellow gold, or white gold each bring out different aspects of its beauty.

Caring for Your Sapphire Jewellery

Sapphire is a durable gemstone, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, which makes it well suited to jewellery that can be worn regularly. To keep Sapphire jewellery looking its best:

• Clean gently with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush
• Store separately from harder gemstones such as diamonds to help prevent scratching
• Take particular care with antique and vintage settings, having them checked professionally if needed

For older pieces or Sapphires with particular treatments, specialist care may be recommended.

Gold Multi-Coloured Sapphire Ring — Shop this piece →

September Birthstone Gift Ideas

Looking for a meaningful gift for someone born in September? Sapphire jewellery offers far more choice than the traditional blue gemstone might suggest. From romantic antique rings and delicate earrings to unusual necklaces and vintage bracelets, there are beautiful options to suit different tastes, styles and budgets.

For something a little different, look beyond classic blue to pink, yellow, green and other fancy Sapphires, or choose a vintage or antique piece with a story all its own.

Vintage Sapphire & Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring — Shop this piece →

Find Your Perfect Sapphire with Cavendish

From classic blue to unexpected shades, antique treasures to distinctive vintage designs, every Sapphire has a character of its own.

Explore our ever-changing Sapphire Jewellery Collection and discover rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets chosen for their beauty, quality and individuality.

Whether it’s a September birthday gift, a special piece for someone you love — or a Sapphire you simply can’t resist — discover one-of-a-kind antique and vintage pieces you won’t find everywhere else.

Shop Antique & Vintage Sapphire Jewellery →

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Discover More Birthstones

From classic blue Sapphire to its many unexpected colours, September’s birthstone is a beautiful example of just how varied birthstone jewellery can be. Explore our complete Birthstone Jewellery Guide for expert advice and inspiration on choosing one-off Vintage & Antique jewellery throughout the year.

Explore Birthstone Jewellery by Month →