With its mesmerizing color, unquestionable beauty and centuries of symbolism, September’s birthstone has stolen the hearts of jewelry lovers for thousands of years. As September's official birthstone, sapphire strongly represents loyalty and love. Whether you’re drawn to its deep royal blue or one of sapphire’s many unexpected hues, each gift has extraordinary meaning.

Why is the sapphire September's birthstone?

Sapphire is September's primary birthstone, a tradition that dates back centuries and is rooted in sapphire’s connection with the tenets of truth, sincerity and nobility. Its rich history and enduring symbolism make sapphire a brilliant choice for September, a month often associated with new beginnings and the transition into a new season. While classic blue sapphire is the most well known, sapphire occurs in nearly every color of the rainbow, from soft pink and vibrant yellow to rich green and rare pink-orange shades. Sapphire is also one of the most durable gemstones. Ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, its strength makes sapphire perfect for pieces worn and adored every day.

The history of the sapphire birthstone

Sapphire has long been intertwined with royalty, spirituality and everlasting love. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed blue sapphires would protect them from envy and harm. Across Europe, medieval clergy and high-ranking church officials wore the gemstone as an earthly connection to heaven.

Over the centuries, Kings and Queens have celebrated their love stories with this prized gemstone. In 1981, Princess Diana’s 12-carat oval sapphire engagement ring made headlines. Today, it graces the hand of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.

The name sapphire comes from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning a precious blue stone. Yet, sapphire's place in history extends far beyond its traditional rich blue color. Many have treasured sapphires for their extraordinary range of natural hues and distinct characteristics.

What makes sapphire so exceptional?

Beautiful gemstones are everywhere, but few capture sapphire's brilliant combination of color, longevity and history.

Admired for their color

Blue sapphire may be the most recognizable shade, but September’s birthstone exists in an extraordinary spectrum of colors. Depending on its trace elements and natural formation, you can find sapphire in shades of pink, yellow, orange, green, purple and more.

Some sapphires shift in color depending on the light. The rare pink-orange variety known as padparadscha is beloved for its tropical lotus-blossom hue.

No two sapphires are exactly alike, making color one of the most unique ways to personalize this gem for someone truly unordinary.

Sapphire rings and necklaces from the gemstone builder

Desired for their natural beauty

Sapphire's elegance comes from more than its color. Each gemstone has its own geological story told through a combination of hue, saturation, clarity and inclusions.

A widely accepted practice, many sapphires are heat treated after mining to enhance their color. The precious few mined with exceptional color and clarity are left untreated and treasured for their extreme rarity.

Noted for their meaning

Few gemstones carry as much symbolism as sapphire. Traditionally associated with allegiance, honesty and faithfulness, sapphire is fitting for jewelry that celebrates the people, promises and moments you want to carry with you.

Appreciated for their rarity

The sapphire is found in locations around the world, including Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar and the United States. Every source produces distinctly different sapphires giving this gemstone an extraordinary sense of place.

The magic of Montana sapphires

A one-of-a-kine Montana sapphire ring from the Voyage collection stacked with the Flora Montana Band and the Aster Oval Band.

For Sarah O. Jewelry, Montana has become a majestic backdrop for the American sapphire. For more than 150 years, Montana sapphires have been mined along the Missouri River at Rock Creek and at Yogo Gulch.

With purpose and minimal environmental impact, we source Montana sapphires for their captivating range of color including blues, greens, yellows, pinks and other beautiful hues.

What makes Montana sapphire especially remarkable is its sense of place. These gems are formed by the same rugged landscape that inspires so much of the West, giving each stone a connection to the land and a story that feels legendary.

How to choose a sapphire

Here are a few details to think about.

Prioritize the color you’re drawn to

Color is personal and paramount when you’re selecting a sapphire. Look for a gem that makes you feel alive and has a strong color saturation.

For blue variety sapphires, deep, vivid blues are especially coveted. But there is no single “right” sapphire color. Pink, yellow, green and Montana's landscaped palette are equally stunning depending on your style.

One of a kind rings from the Voyage collection.

Pair sapphire with your favorite jewelry type  

Each sapphire has its own personality. From a spectrum of color to unique natural inclusions, every stone tells a story of where it came from and where it’s meant to live—whether set in an engagement ring, striking pendant or colorful tennis bracelet.

Sometimes a sapphire’s jewelry design is inspired by history, a dot on a map or a family member who lived generations before you. No matter what your vision is, you can find a sapphire that moves you. You can even browse our selection of one-of-a-kind loose sapphires and build your own signature ring or necklace.

Montana sapphire gemstone stud earrings and the Montana Sapphire Aster Band paired with diamond hoops from the Diamond Classics collection.

Consider its origin and what that means to you

Where a gemstone is unearthed can be just as meaningful as how it looks.

Montana sapphires offer a special connection to adventure and the West, while sapphires sourced from places like Sri Lanka and Kashmir have their own dreamy stories to tell. 

Sarah in Montana searching for rough Montana sapphires

How to style sapphire jewelry

From everyday sparkle to timeless statement pieces, sapphire weaves its way into your unique style.

Tell your story with sapphire

Fine jewelry should be deeply personal. Sometimes it’s a reminder of someone you love or marks a special moment in time. Whether you wear sapphire as a September birthstone or as an emblem of an experience, this gemstone is a beautiful way to keep a meaningful story close to your heart.

Combine with your favorite pieces

Sapphire is multifaceted and easy to pair with pieces you already adore. Blue sapphires feature a classic pop of color, while Montana sapphires and other colored varieties add an unexpected dimension to your look.

Pair a sapphire necklace with delicate gold chains, stack a sapphire ring alongside an everyday favorite or add sapphire earrings into the mix for a hint of eye-catching sparkle.

Add a pop of color

Want to introduce extraordinary color into your jewelry collection? A brilliant blue sapphire can feel timeless and sophisticated, while pink, yellow or green sapphire amplifies your style in an unexpected way. 

Choose one color or mix several to create a collection that's entirely your own.

September birthstone: When to give this beautiful gem

Sapphire is meaningful no matter what day of the year it is. In other words, sapphire jewelry makes a thoughtful gift beyond celebrating a September baby.

Birthdays

Love someone born in September? Cherish their individuality with the month's iconic birthstone. Personalize a sapphire piece as a moving reminder of their story that continues to unfold.

Anniversaries

Sapphire is traditionally associated with the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, making it a beautiful symbol of everlasting love and commitment.

Milestones

With its rich history and grand symbolism, sapphire elegantly marks a new chapter, celebrates an achievement or honors a point in time worth remembering.

Just Because

Some of the best gifts don't need a reason. Give sapphire as a reminder that everyone you love is worth celebrating every day.

Caring for sapphire jewelry

With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is one of the most substantial gemstones around, making it ideal for pieces you want to wear often.

How to keep this gorgeous gem looking its best:

- Clean by hand with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush.

- Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners.

- If your sapphire has been fracture-filled, cavity-filled or dyed, avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners and polish it with a soft, damp cloth instead.

- Store pieces separately to help prevent scratches from harder gemstones.

You can also look to our care and cleaning guide for expert guidelines and other care advice.

Give September's birthstone

Sapphire is a gemstone that's easy to love and even more meaningful to give. Whether you're celebrating a September birthday, honoring a milestone, marking an anniversary, you can find something beyond ordinary from our Voyage Collection. If creating a personalized piece is the best way to capture someone's story, you can customize a sapphire piece with meaning that lasts beyond the moment.

For even more inspiration, explore our blog and discover more about one of the world's most precious and prized gemstones.