September’s birthstone is sapphire, a gem best known for its rich blue but capable of dazzling in almost every color of the rainbow. At Lilliane’s Jewelry, we love showing clients in our Leawood showroom just how far sapphire’s color range extends beyond the classic royal blue.
More Than Just Blue
Like ruby, sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum. While the classic blue sapphire gets its color from traces of iron and titanium, sapphire actually occurs in nearly every color except red, including pink, yellow, green, and a rare orange-pink variety called padparadscha. Any corundum that isn’t red is technically a sapphire.
A Royal Legacy
Sapphire has long been associated with royalty and romance, most famously in Princess Diana’s, and later Kate Middleton’s, engagement ring. Ancient clergy wore sapphire to symbolize heaven, and medieval kings believed the stone protected them from harm and envy. It remains one of the most popular alternative engagement ring stones today.
Second Only to Diamond
Sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the most durable gemstones available and an excellent choice for engagement rings and other jewelry worn every day. Most sapphires are heat-treated to improve color and clarity, a stable and widely accepted practice throughout the industry.
Caring for Your Sapphire
Thanks to its hardness, sapphire is fairly low-maintenance and can typically be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Most sapphires can safely go in an ultrasonic cleaner, though we always recommend checking with your jeweler first if the stone has visible fractures or has been clarity-enhanced.
Lilliane’s Tip: While blue is the classic choice, don’t overlook a pink or yellow sapphire if you want something a little different. They offer the same exceptional durability as blue sapphire with a fresh, modern look.
Quick Facts About Sapphire
- Mohs Hardness: 9
- Color Range: Blue, pink, yellow, green, white, and padparadscha
- Symbolism: Wisdom, loyalty, and nobility
- Zodiac Connection: Virgo and Libra
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is sapphire a good stone for an engagement ring?
A: Absolutely. With a hardness of 9, sapphire is one of the most durable gemstones available, making it an excellent and popular choice for engagement rings.
Q: What is a padparadscha sapphire?
A: Padparadscha is a rare and highly prized sapphire variety with a delicate pinkish-orange color, reminiscent of a lotus blossom or sunset.
Visit Us in Leawood
Whether you were born in September or are drawn to sapphire’s timeless elegance, we invite you to visit our Leawood showroom to explore our sapphire collection in every color.
