September – Sapphire
September’s birthstone is sapphire – a gem of wisdom, loyalty and nobility. This stone is said to focus the mind and encourage self-discipline. As with other gemstones, there are lots myths surrounding sapphire. Greeks wore sapphire for guidance when seeking answers from the oracle. Buddhists believed it brings spiritual enlightenment and Hindus used it during worship. It is also believed to be a powerful antidepressant.
One usually associates sapphire with blue colour. However, sapphires can occur in a variety of colours with the exception of red, which is then classified as ruby. Trace elements like iron, titanium, chromium, copper and magnesium give naturally colourless corundum a tint of blue, yellow, purple, orange or green, respectively.
Up until recently, the majority of engagements rings came with sapphire instead of diamond. In 1981, Britain’s Prince Charles gave Lady Diana a 12-carat blue sapphire engagement ring. To keep the tradition, Prince William later gave this ring to Catherine Middleton in 2010. Sapphire is also gifted for 5th and 45th wedding anniversary.
