September Birthstone: Sapphire Meaning, Colors & Guide

Deep, velvety blue — that's the sapphire everyone pictures. But September's birthstone has a secret: it comes in nearly every color of the rainbow. Beloved by royalty and clergy for its symbolism of wisdom and faith, and second only to diamond in hardness, sapphire is one of the most beautiful and practical gems you can own. Here's the complete guide.

What Is September's Birthstone?

The wise and noble sapphire.

September's birthstone is sapphire, the gem variety of the mineral corundum best known for its rich blue. According to the GIA, sapphire has been associated with royalty, wisdom, and divine favor for thousands of years. Its combination of stunning color, deep meaning, and remarkable durability makes it one of the world's most treasured gems. Explore it in our September birthstone jewelry.

Sapphire Meaning & Symbolism

The stone of wisdom and loyalty.

For centuries, sapphire's calm blue has stood for the heavens and higher truth. Its meanings include:

• Wisdom and truth — worn by scholars, priests, and kings for clear thinking.
• Loyalty and faithfulness — which is why it's a favorite for engagement rings.
• Nobility and royalty — long a stone of monarchs and the divine.
• Protection and good fortune — believed to guard against harm and envy.

That symbolism of steadfast, faithful love is a big part of why the sapphire is such a meaningful choice for both birthdays and betrothals.

What Sapphire Actually Is

Ruby's more colorful sibling.

Sapphire is a variety of corundum (aluminium oxide) — the very same mineral as ruby. In fact, the two are the same species: red corundum is ruby, and every other color of gem corundum is a sapphire. Classic blue comes from traces of iron and titanium interacting in the crystal. At Mohs 9, sapphire is the third-hardest material after diamond and moissanite — one of the toughest, most wearable gems in the world.

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Sapphire Jewelry

Handcrafted, made-to-order sapphire rings and necklaces in blue and beyond — a wise, lasting gift for September.

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Sapphire Comes in Every Color

Not just blue — a whole rainbow.

Here's what surprises most people: while blue is the classic, sapphire occurs in nearly every color. Any corundum that isn't red is a sapphire, so the "fancy sapphire" family is vast:

• Blue — the timeless classic, from cornflower to deep royal blue.
• Pink — romantic and modern, a soft alternative to ruby.
• Teal — the trending blue-green shade, endlessly unique.
• White — colorless and brilliant, a durable diamond alternative.
• Padparadscha — the rare, coveted pink-orange, named for a lotus blossom.
• Yellow, green & purple — sunny to regal, for something different.

The only thing a sapphire can't be is red — because red corundum is, by definition, a ruby. That range makes sapphire one of the most versatile birthstones there is.

Is There a Second September Birthstone?

Sapphire leads, with an ancient companion.

In modern lists, sapphire is September's official birthstone. Some older, traditional lists also link lapis lazuli — the deep blue stone of the ancient world, flecked with golden pyrite — and occasionally kyanite to September. Today sapphire is the recognized stone, with lapis lazuli treated as a lovely historical alternative. Compare the months in our August birthstone guide.

History & Lore

A stone of heaven and crowns.

Ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire whose reflection colored the sky blue. Medieval clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven, and monarchs prized them for protection and wisdom. Sapphire adorns royal crowns and famous engagement rings alike — most famously the blue sapphire worn by Princess Diana and now Catherine, Princess of Wales. Trace more of these stories in our history of gemstones.

Quality & Value: What to Look For

Color and origin lead.

• Color — the most prized blue is a vivid, velvety medium-to-deep blue; too dark or too pale lowers value.
• Clarity — some inclusions are normal; a fine sapphire is eye-clean with rich, even color.
• Cut — a good cut maximizes color and brilliance across the stone.
• Origin — legendary sources like Kashmir and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) can carry a premium, alongside Myanmar, Madagascar, and Montana.

An honest note on treatment: most sapphires are heat treated to improve color and clarity — a standard, accepted practice that keeps them affordable. Untreated stones of fine natural color command a premium. Rare star sapphires show a floating six-rayed star (asterism) when cut as a cabochon. Reputable sellers always disclose treatment, so ask.

Durability & Care

One of the easiest gems to live with.

At Mohs 9, sapphire is superbly durable and among the best choices for an everyday engagement ring. Caring for it is simple:

1. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; rinse and dry. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for untreated and heat-treated sapphires (but not for fracture-filled stones).
2. Avoid harsh chemicals — remove sapphire jewelry before heavy cleaning or chlorinated pools.
3. Store separately — at Mohs 9, sapphire can scratch softer gems, so give it its own space.

See our full ring care guide and how to clean jewelry at home.

September Birthstone FAQ