Sapphire, the birthstone for September, has captivated civilizations for centuries with its deep blue hues and rich history. It is often associated with wisdom, royalty, and protection. But beyond its stunning appearance, sapphire holds many fascinating stories, from ancient mythology to modern science.
Throughout history, sapphires have been treasured by royalty. Perhaps the most famous sapphire today is the engagement ring worn by the iconic Princess Diana and now by Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. Its royal connections, however, go back to ancient times when kings and queens believed that sapphires offered divine favor and protection from envy and harm.
Greek and Roman civilizations believed sapphires were symbols of the heavens. They believed their blue color gave the sky its beautiful blue shades. Some even thought the entire sky was made of one giant sapphire. In medieval times, clergy would wear enormous sapphires, hoping to attract blessings and gifts from the gods.
Regarding its scientific side, sapphires belong to the corundum family, second only to diamonds in hardness, making them incredibly durable for everyday wear. And while blue sapphires are the most well-known, the gemstone comes in various colors—except red, which is classified as well-known as ruby.
To complete, beyond its aesthetic appeal, more than in beautiful pieces of jewelry, sapphire also has a significant technological role. It is used to create scratch-resistant watch crystals and even smartphone screens.
Celebrate September by wearing sapphire, a gemstone that carries beauty and meaning through the ages.
