September Birthstone: Sapphire Meaning, Color & Jewelry

The meaning of September's birthstone

Sapphire has long been read as a stone of the heavens, its deep blue calling to mind the sky and, to many old cultures, divine favor. That association gave it lasting meanings of wisdom, loyalty, nobility, and truth, and it was worn by clergy as a sign of devotion and by royalty as a mark of faithfulness and good judgment. Sapphire has crowned some of the most famous rings in the world, carrying its promise of constancy into a token of commitment. As the September birthstone, it brings that sense of steadiness and depth to a gift.

The colors of sapphire

Sapphire is corundum, the same mineral species as ruby, and its famous blue comes from traces of iron and titanium. The classic and most sought after color is a vivid, medium to deep blue that stays bright rather than turning inky or too dark. What surprises many people is that sapphire is not only blue: it occurs in nearly every color, including pink, yellow, green, and white, with the rare pinkish orange padparadscha among the most prized of all. The only color it cannot be is red, because a red corundum is a ruby instead. Color leads, then clarity, with eye clean stones common in better material, and most sapphires are heated to improve color and clarity, a long accepted treatment. For a closer look at color and clarity, the guide to evaluating sapphire quality covers each factor.

Choosing sapphire jewelry

For a blue sapphire, look for an even, vivid color that holds its brightness and does not slip toward too dark or grayish, since color carries the stone more than anything else. Eye clean clarity is achievable and worth holding out for. If blue feels expected, a fancy color sapphire in pink, yellow, or green offers the same toughness in something less common. The metal sets the tone, with white gold and platinum keeping the blue cool and classic and yellow gold giving a warmer, slightly vintage contrast. Sapphire's hardness makes it a confident choice for rings as well as earrings and pendants. The sapphire jewelry at Oath includes pendants, hoops, and bracelets in gold and sterling silver.

Blue Sapphire Double Charm Pendant

An oval blue sapphire paired with diamond on white gold, classic and easy to wear.

Sapphire and Diamond Hoops

White gold hoops set with sapphire and diamond, a little blue with every turn.

Mens Sapphire Tennis Bracelet

A line of blue sapphires in sterling silver, a bold band of color for the wrist.

Caring for sapphire jewelry

At 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is one of the hardest gems there is, second only to diamond, which makes it a reliable everyday stone for rings as well as earrings and pendants. Warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush keep it bright, and ultrasonic cleaning is usually safe for an ordinary heat treated sapphire. As with ruby, the exception is a stone that has been fracture filled, which calls for gentler cleaning, so it helps to know how a sapphire was treated. Protect a ring from sharp knocks and store sapphires apart from softer stones they could scratch. The fine jewelry care guide covers cleaning and storage for every stone and metal in more detail.

Frequently asked questions

What is the birthstone for September?

Sapphire is the birthstone for September, the corundum gem that has held the month in the modern birthstone list for well over a century.

What color is a sapphire?

Sapphire is best known for a vivid blue, but it also occurs in pink, yellow, green, white, and the rare padparadscha, in fact every color except red, which would be a ruby.

Is sapphire good for everyday jewelry?

Sapphire rates 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond, which makes it one of the best and most hard wearing choices for rings and daily jewelry.

What does a sapphire symbolize?

Sapphire stands for wisdom, loyalty, and truth, a meaning drawn from its sky blue color and its long history as a stone of devotion and faithfulness.

How can I tell a real sapphire from a fake?

Genuine sapphire has a hardness and clarity that glass and spinel imitations struggle to match. The guide to telling a real sapphire from a fake walks through the checks to use.

Sapphire is a deep, hard wearing way to mark a September birthday, with wisdom and loyalty behind its blue. Every order ships free with a 30-day return policy.