Sapphire: September’s birthstone

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral Corundum and measures 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which is pretty high, only one down from diamond. Sapphires are most often found in Sri Lanka, however they are also mined in Madagascar, Tanzania, Thailand and Burma. Sapphire is September’s birthstone but alternatives are also moonstone and agate.

Sapphire is a beautiful gemstone that is traditionally used in engagement rings and other pieces of fine jewellery. Although traditionally associated with a rich blue colour, sapphire is available in most colours under the rainbow. However, if it is red it’s a ruby, or pink and orange it’s known as a Padparadscha. So if you’re looking for a piece of jewellery featuring a gemstone it’s worthwhile considering sapphires considering their wide colour choice. Not to mention they do tend to be quite a sparkly stone, making them a really beautiful gemstone for any piece of jewellery!

Sapphire engagement rings

Sapphire is a brilliant choice for an engagement ring (even if it isn’t your birthstone) as it is one of the most hardwearing gemstones (with only diamond being more hardwearing). So if you want to wear your engagement ring everyday it is a sensible choice.

It is worth remembering that although sapphire is a more durable gemstone, it is still a natural material, so you should remove your ring if you are doing anything hands on

Traditional Blue sapphire

When we think of sapphire most of us think of the traditional deep blue colour, much like the 12ct sapphire set in the Duchess of Cambridge’s beautiful engagement ring. Sapphire is also available in various different shades of blue, everything from pale to a very dark almost black colour.

This means that sapphire is a great choice if you are looking for a graduation of blue tones for the side stones of your engagement ring, like in this stunning wedding ring.

Sapphire is also available in green- teal is super popular these days!

Pink sapphires tend to be a mid pink; however here is a stunning example of a hot pink.

Yellow sapphire can be really vibrant like the canary yellow in this engagement ring.

Peach sapphires can be a little more difficult to find. They’re a beautiful stone and can be more on the pink or yellow/brown side, like these.

Sapphires can also come in purple, however it is worth noting that this can be a little bit trickier to find! Despite this, we’ve previously sourced vibrant deep purple and paler lilac sapphires.

Unsurprisingly, sapphires look amazing when paired with diamonds in an engagement ring. The stones complement each other perfectly and create extra sparkle within a design.

Birthday or special occasion presents

If you’re looking for the perfect present for someone special with a September birthday, there’s a wealth of birthstone inspiration including customisable options. You can choose to have any sapphire set within a piece of jewellery and choose the colour that matches their personality or style! You could also choose to add a personal message with hand engraving too. Consider bangles, pendants, cufflinks and signet rings or a full bespoke commission.