Sapphire

Sapphire is the September birthstone.

Sapphires – most popular in its deepest blue – are known as the celestial gemstone. Ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflection was what gave the sky its bright blue color. The sapphire is found in all colors of the skies; a deep midnight blue, the bright blue of a tropical mid-day sky, a golden sunrise and the fiery pink sunsets at the end of a beautiful day. The most popular and valued sapphires are an intense, royal blue.

Sapphire has long been recognized as a symbol of truth, sincerity and faithfulness – making it an excellent choice for an engagement ring. Prince Charles chose a sapphire engagement ring for Princess Diana prompting couples all over the world to adopt the sapphire as the preferred engagement stone.

Ancient priests and sorcerers honored the sapphire above all other gemstones. The sapphire was used as an aid to interpret oracles and foretell the future. Ancient writings claim the Ten Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet, making it a most sacred and divine gemstone. Because sapphires represent divine favor, they were the stone of choice for both kings and high priests. The British Crown Jewels are full of large blue sapphires, worn as the symbol of pure and wise rulers.

Married couples of ages past also put great faith in the stone. If its luster dimmed, it was believed the wearers spouse had been unfaithful. It was also believed that the sapphire would not shine when worn by the wicked or impure. Sapphires were worn as protective amulets. The sapphires protection was considered to be so powerful, it was believed that they continued to protect the original owner even after being given away or sold.

Sapphires were once reported to cure disorders of the eye, stop bleeding and were believed to be an effective antidote against poison.

Luckily, sapphires are still plentiful – September is the month when the most babies are born.