September Birthstones

Sapphire

Sapphire is the September birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary gem for the fifth and 45th years of marriage.

A variety of corundum, sapphire comes in all colors except red (the red variety being known as ruby), but is especially popular in deep blue. Fancy colored sapphires - including pink, green, orange and golden yellow - are magnificent when combined in a necklace or bracelet.

The stone's durability, combined with its beauty, makes it the perfect alternative for an engagement ring.

Ancient priests and sorcerers honored sapphire above all gems. Ancients believed the Ten Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet. Marriage partners put great faith in the stone.

As part of the customary fashioning process, virtually all blue, yellow and golden sapphires are heated to permanently produce or intensify their color.

As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

Sapphire is found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China and the United States.