September Birthstone - Sapphire

Sapphire is one of the most popular coloured stones because of its beautiful blues. Sapphires do not only come in the colour blue but in a rainbow of other colours.

The September birthstone has traditionally symbolized sincerity, truth, faithfulness and nobility. For countless centuries, sapphire has adorned royalty and the robes of the clergy. The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed that blue sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy. The clergy of the Middle Ages wore sapphires because they symbolized Heaven.

One of the oldest known sapphires is the 104 carat Stuart Sapphire which dates back to 1214. This fine blue, but somewhat flawed gem passed through the hands of several kings and cardinals before being mounted in Queen Victoria's State Crown. Eventually replaced by the Star of Africa Diamond, the Stuart Sapphire now rests on the back side of the British Imperial State Crown. It is currently on public display as part of the British Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.