September Birthstone: the Sumptuous Sapphire

Sumptuous Sapphires…look out for these stunning pieces, and more on our website!

The cool, clear blue of a crisp September night sky calls to mind the striking richness of a quality Sapphire, birthstone of September babies.

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, which can be found in any color seen in the sky, except red, which is designated as ruby. All other hues including yellow, black, white, orange, pink, brown and even an orange-pink type called padparadsha, which means “lotus flower”, are considered Sapphires.

Named after the Greek word “sapphirus”, meaning blue, Sapphire, of course, exists in all shades of blue. Purply cornflower is a popular color but the most prized stones are a clear, deep royal blue.

One of the hardest minerals, second only to diamond, sapphires are durable gemstones ideal for setting into jewellery; highly prized since ancient times for their beauty, strength and symbolic significance.

Historically, this gem was thought to protect against evil, envy and poisoning, and when ground into a powder and consumed, to cure colic, rheumatism and mental illness, and to strengthen eyesight.

Some ancient civilizations even believed that the world was actually an enormous sapphire, which tinted the sky blue with its reflection. This legend, as well as the belief that the Ten Commandments were inscribed upon tablets made of Sapphire, has given September’s birthstone a royal place among gemstones.

Indeed, Sapphire is prominent among the British Crown Jewels, and Prince Charles chose it as the engagement stone for Princess Diana.

Long considered symbolic of wisdom and purity, a gift of Sapphire represents truth, honesty, sincerity and faithfulness. This tradition makes them perfect for engagement or friendship rings to be given to a well-loved companion.

To browse and shop our fine selection of Sapphire jewellery click the following link.

www.cynthiafindlay.com/sapphire