Well this lovely month of September gets the Birthstone of Sapphire.
Let’s get right down to it. The most sought out color for this stone is the rich blue but sapphire also comes in pink, yellow and green, actually almost all colors except for red which is classified as Ruby.
This stone stands for wisdom, loyalty and nobility.
It has been said that this stone helps to focus the mind, encourages self-discipline and channel higher powers.
The name “sapphire” comes from the Latin sapphirus and Greek meaning “blue stone”.
Sapphires are found in many places…Africa, Australia, Brazil, China, India, Myanmar, North America-mainly Montana, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. The origin can affect their value as much as cut, clarity color and carat size.
The sapphire is remarkably hard , measuring 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to a Diamond.
Interestingly enough, the sapphire isn’t valuable only in jewelry circles but also in industrial applications including scientific instruments, high-durability windows, watches and electronics.
September’s birthstone has been popular since the Middles Ages. Back then, the celestial blue color of this gem symbolized heaven and attracted divine favor and wise judgement. Also back then the sapphire was believed to protect those close to you from harm and represented loyalty and trust.
Greeks wore sapphire for guidance when seeking answers from the oracle. Buddhists believe it bought spiritual enlightenment, and Hindus used it for worship. Early Christian kings cherished Sapphires powers of protection by using it in ecclesiastical rings. Ancient Hebrews believed that the Ten Commandments were engraved on tablets of sapphire.
This gem became the symbol of love when Prince Charles gave Lady Diana a 12-carat blue sapphire ring. Prince William later gave this ring to Catherine Middleton when he proposed in 2010.
Astrologically, August 23-September 22 is the sign of Virgo and September 23-October 22 is Libra.
Mary Elizabeth
