Sapphire – Birthstone for the month of September
Believed to be responsible for painting the heavens blue with its reflection, the Sapphire gets its name from the Latin word ‘sapphirus’, meaning blue. Known widely for its brilliant blue hue, the sapphire comes in almost every colour other than red. Ranked the second hardest gems, after the diamond, this Mohs scale indicates that the Sapphire is a durable gem, making it a great choice for jewellery such as rings and bracelets.
When judging the value of a sapphire, the colour plays the most important role. Dark or pale variations of the blue sapphire are less valuable, while the purer blue stones fetch high prices on the market. Likewise, the cut of the stone and its clarity also add to its cost, including its carat weight.
Sapphires are believed to attract divine favour to its owner. It is commonly used as a talisman to protect travellers, ward off illnesses as well as bring around peace, joy and wisdom. Known as the stone of prosperity, Sapphires figure even in the Book of Exodus. It is mentioned that when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments he gave them on tablets of sapphire.
The most famous sapphire sits at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. – the Logan Sapphire, a 423 carat cushion-cut stone from Sri Lanka set in a brooch surrounded by diamonds. The second most famous sapphire in the world is from the Russian crown. It is
kept in the Diamond Fund in Moscow.
In addition to being the birthstone for the month of September, sapphires are also a recommended gift for couples celebrating their 5th or 45th wedding anniversary.