Know your Sapphire - The Special September Birthstone

September is associated with many things: cooler weather, festivities and much more! And surprisingly, another thing that September is famous for is the number of people born this month. Chances are that most of the people in your close-knit circle are september-born. This obviously means that you would have to do a lot of thinking about gifts. However, you can save yourself from all the hassles and make their September worth remembering by gifting something made up of their precious birthstone, i.e. Sapphire. Read on to learn more about this birthstone.

Sapphire: Meaning and History

Known for its deep blue hue, Sapphire is a beloved gemstone that has been associated with royalty, romance and divineness for countless centuries. The term ‘sapphire’ comes from the Greek word ‘sappheiros’, meaning a blue stone. The elite class of ancient Rome and Greece that the stone protected their owners from all kinds of harm and envy. The Greeks used sapphire to please god Apollo and made sure to wear it when they visit the Oracle of Delphi. During that period, this gemstone was thought to hold mysterious powers, including the properties of protection, bringing good fortune and spiritual insights.

The stone is even known to be the wisdom stone that enhances creativity and stimulates concentration while promoting purity of thoughts. Though a sapphire originally comes in deep, vivid royal blue, it is available in a range of arresting colours including green, black, white, pink, yellow and purple. Due to this, and many other reasons, Sapphires are used widely in engagement rings and other brilliant jewellery pieces.

Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Kashmir are three important sources for Sapphire. Other than these three places, Sapphire can also be found in significant numbers in Australia, Madagascar, Thailand and Cambodia.

Sapphire: Symbolism & Folklore

• The Sapphire has been long associated with sincerity, truth and nobility.
• Sapphire has a romantic appeal and thus, is most sought after to use in engagement rings.
• According to the ancient Persians’ brief, the earth rested on a giant sapphire, giving the sky its blue colour.
• The stone is also associated with Abraham in the Judeo-Christian tradition. It was among the twelve precious stones that were on the breastplate of the High Priest of Israel.
• It was once believed that Sapphire could improve one’s overall health and strength. It contained healing powers to provide cures against poisons and diseases of the eye.
• Apart from being the September birthstone, Sapphire also makes an exquisite gift to be given on the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.