September’s birthstone is sapphire, and there’s much more to it than the traditional royal blue. Sapphires also come in pink, peach, yellow, green and even colorless varieties. If blue isn’t your favorite, you still have plenty of sapphire colors to choose from.
An amazing range of colors
Sapphire belongs to the corundum mineral family, alongside ruby. The name sapphire is used for the non-red gem varieties, which explains its wide palette. Tiny differences in the elements within the crystals help produce everything from rich blue to delicate pastel shades.
Blue sapphire has a wonderful depth of color, while pink and peach varieties offer a warmer, lighter look. Some stones are cut to highlight sparkle, and others show special effects such as a soft star-like reflection.
Traditions and meaning
Sapphire has a long history in treasured jewelry, especially pieces associated with royalty. Across different traditions it has represented loyalty, wisdom and sincerity. It’s easy to see why it continues to be a popular choice for meaningful gifts.
Easy care for sapphire
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire has excellent resistance to scratching. It’s a versatile gemstone for earrings and necklaces, and simple habits help keep it looking lovely. Store each piece separately, wipe with a soft cloth and clean gently with mild soap and lukewarm water when appropriate for the setting.