Blue Sapphires in natural lighting

September Birthstone: Sapphire- Meaning and History

colored sapphires in a variety of shapes and colors

Sapphire is one of the most celebrated and well-known gemstones throughout history. This precious gemstone is renowned for its deep blue hues and timeless beauty, which has captivated people for centuries.


Top 3 facts about Sapphire you should know:


1. Sapphires come in every color but red

  • Sapphires aren’t just blue—this gemstone family spans pink, yellow, green, purple, orange, and even colorless. Only red corundum is called a ruby.

2. Second only to Diamond in hardness

  • Ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are one of the most durable gems, making them perfect for everyday wear (especially in engagement rings).

3. The world's most famous engagement ring is a Sapphire

  • Princess Diana’s (now Kate Middleton’s) 12-carat oval blue sapphire set in diamonds is one of the most iconic engagement rings in history.


Meaning & Symbolism of Sapphire


There’s something undeniably romantic about sapphires. A sapphire feels timeless, like a piece of the sky or sea that you can carry with you, bringing quiet confidence and grace to whoever wears it.

  • 💙 A symbol of wisdom and clarity, helping you see life with a fresh perspective

  • 💍 A token of loyalty and love, often chosen to represent lasting relationships

  • 🛡 Believed to offer protection and peace, keeping negative energy at bay

  • 🌌 A reminder of the spiritual and the eternal, grounding you while still feeling magical

colored sapphires being selected by gemstone tweezers

Fun Fact: Some of the world’s most famous sapphires aren’t blue at all! The rarest variety, called Padparadscha sapphire, glows in a dreamy blend of pink and orange—like a tropical sunset captured in a gem. 🌅

an array of pink and orange Padparadscha sapphires

🔬 The Science Behind Sapphire

At their core, sapphires are made of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), a mineral known as corundum. In its purest form, corundum is actually colorless—but nature has a way of adding her own brushstrokes. Tiny trace elements slip into the crystal as it forms, creating sapphires in a spectrum of colors:

  • 💙 Blue sapphires get their rich depth from iron and titanium.

  • 💛 Yellow sapphires owe their glow to trace amounts of iron.

  • 💗 Pink sapphires blush with the help of chromium (the same element that turns rubies red).

  • 🌅 Padparadscha sapphires, the rarest of all, shimmer with a mix of pink and orange hues thanks to both chromium and iron.

An array of sapphire gemstones in various colors

Famous sapphire Rings in History

1. Princess Diana / Kate Middleton’s Sapphire Ring

  • The 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by diamonds.

  • Became one of the most recognizable engagement rings in the world.

2. Victoria Beckham

  • Owns multiple engagement rings—one of them a stunning sapphire.

3. Elizabeth Taylor

  • Received multiple sapphires, including a Bulgari sapphire brooch later worn as a necklace pendant.

4. Penélope Cruz

  • Vintage sapphire engagement ring with a floral halo design.




Princess diana with her iconic blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring
Victoria Beckham showing her sapphire engagement ring
Kate Middleton showing her sapphire and diamond engagement ring
Princess Diana in a pink dress with diamond and sapphire jewelry
Elizabeth Taylor in diamond and sapphire jewelry
Penelope Cruz Sapphire Engagement Ring

Caring for Your Sapphire


  • Sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs scale → excellent durability for everyday wear.

  • Cleaning tips: warm water + mild soap, avoid harsh chemicals.

  • Professional cleaning once a year keeps the brilliance alive.

🔑 Key Takeaways About Sapphire

Sapphires are considered a precious gemstone

Sapphires come in a rainbow of colors, except red

Sapphires are a part of the corundum mineral family

Whether you’re celebrating a September birthday, choosing a meaningful engagement ring, or simply drawn to its rich blue hues, the sapphire is a gemstone that carries both beauty and legacy.


I love working with clients to create one-of-a-kind designs, and I can source sapphires in any shade or size to craft something that feels uniquely yours. From timeless solitaires to modern heirloom redesigns, your sapphire story deserves to be told in a piece you’ll treasure forever. ✨



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