The September Birthstone - Sapphire
It is said that wearing one's birthstone can bring balance and potential cosmic powers to the wearer; alternatively, some wear their birthstones in hope of instilling some of the qualities associated with the stone in themselves. Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September, a gem that is known for its deep blue hue. Found in only a few countries around the world this stone is precious to many. Sapphires come in many shades and colours but are mostly associated with the colour blue. It is a stone that many are attracted to and is thought to be a stone of mystery, with many different variants of the stone available. The durability of this gemstone is an impressive attribute with a 9 on Moh's scale of hardness. This means that the only precious gem that is harder than sapphire is the diamond.
Sapphires are formed under extreme pressure just like diamonds, however, they are made closer to the earth's surface. Sapphires are created where there is tension near the earth's crust, in other words when there is a movement in the tectonic plates. This is the reason as to why sapphires are only found in certain places in the world such as Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Thailand. Sapphires and Rubies are very closely related as they are both variations of a substance called Corundum.
Sapphires have been admired throughout the ages. They have been associated with Nobility, Royalty and Romance. In ancient times wearing a Sapphire was thought to have the ability to protect the wearer from envy or harm. The tablets inscribed with the ten commandments were thought to have been made of Sapphire. Since the middle ages, Sapphires have been thought to symbolize a heavenly connection, be it to angels or guardians.
There are also healing properties that are known to be associated with Sapphires. A Sapphire has the ability to clear the mind of the wearer and releasing mental tension. Wearing sapphires can bring many benefits to the wearer, a stone of fairness and purity this stone is said to be able to help soothe the mind and help you achieve success without compromising values. A stone that can turn a negative thought into a positive.
At Weir & Sons, the Sapphire can also be a romantic stone as it is one of the few stones other than a Diamond that is durable enough to be worn on an engagement ring. One of the most famous engagement rings is that of Princess Diana, who was gifted with a 12 carat sapphire by Prince Charles for their engagement. Today this sapphire is now also known for being the ring that Prince William gave to Kate Middleton when he proposed.
Alternative Birthstone: Lapiz Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a semi-precious alternative to the Sapphire, also a brilliant blue in colour however this semi-precious gem is also adorned with specks of gold. Whereas the Sapphire is known as the Wisdom Stone, Lapis Lazuli is known to be the Wisdom Keeper. Both stones symbolise wisdom and truth. The colour blue which is similar in both stones is associated with self-awareness and expression. These stones are both beautiful birthstones which are suited to those born in September. This beautiful stone was a favourite of the ancient Egyptians and was even used in crushed form by Cleopatra to use as an eyeshadow.
Regardless of the traditional birthstones, we recommend you follow your heart with choosing your jewellery that suits your style best. Be sure to check our website regularly as we are adding new pieces all the time.