When Princess Diana chose her stunning sapphire engagement ring over a traditional diamond, she unknowingly sparked a renaissance in coloured gemstone jewellery that continues today. That iconic 12-carat Ceylon sapphire, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, perfectly embodies why sapphires have remained the September birthstone of choice for royalty throughout millennia.
At Diamondport, we’ve witnessed this royal fascination firsthand through our clients who seek the same timeless elegance that has captivated monarchs for centuries. September birthstone jewellery represents far more than mere tradition—it’s a testament to enduring sophistication and uncompromising quality.
Sapphires, along with rubies, are part of the corundum gemstone family. The word ‘sapphire’ comes from the Greek word for blue, ‘sapphirus’. They are a fantastic stone for daily wear as it is nine on the Mohs scale; only diamonds and moissanites are harder. Sapphires come in a variety of blue hues, from sky blue all the way to a deep royal blue, but did you know that sapphires come in almost every colour of the rainbow?
From pink and purple, to green, orange, and yellow, there are so many different colour combinations, with some even having more than one colour in the same stone. We call these special stones ‘parti’ sapphires, and many come from right here in Queensland, Australia. Sapphires are also found in many other places, including Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Thailand.
Like most coloured gemstones, sapphire owes its rainbow of hues to different ‘colouring elements’. Colouring elements interact with the atomic structure of the crystal to cause light waves to be absorbed or transmitted differently.
Iron or titanium is responsible for most other colours, like traditional blue sapphires. Chromium will cause pink or red. The highly sought-after peachy pink Padparadscha sapphires result from a unique combination of iron and chromium.
For thousands of years, sapphires have been associated with royalty and wealth. By wearing a sapphire, a royal was to be protected from fraud and bad decisions. It was believed that they could enhance spiritual connection and help with health ailments. Supposedly, placing a sapphire on one’s forehead would stop a nosebleed!
Sapphires are the September birthstone, but also the traditional stone for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
Modern birthstones were carefully selected to align with zodiac symbolism, and sapphires perfectly complement the characteristics of Virgo and Libra signs that dominate September. The National Association of Jewellers recognises sapphires as both the traditional and contemporary birthstone for September, cementing their status in the gemstone hierarchy.
Throughout history, legendary sapphires have captured imaginations and influenced royal courts. The Blue Giant of the Orient, weighing an astounding 486.52 carats, represents the largest faceted sapphire globally.
It is purported that before cutting, the sapphire weighed more than 600 carats – that’s a similar weight to an apple! The gemstone is currently set in a platinum brooch with a halo of pave diamonds. It last sold in 2004 at auction for $1 million, and is again in a private collection.
The Logan Sapphire, resembling a large egg at its impressive size, ranks as the world’s second-largest blue sapphire. Named after Washington socialite Polly Logan, this remarkable gem now resides in the Smithsonian Institution, surrounded by a diamond halo that accentuates its natural brilliance.
Modern couples increasingly choose sapphires for engagement rings, appreciating their durability, uniqueness, and symbolic significance. Unlike diamonds, which follow standardised grading criteria, sapphires offer endless customisation possibilities through their spectrum of colours and cuts.
Sapphire pendant necklaces offer versatile alternatives to rings, allowing the gemstone’s natural beauty to take centre stage in silver and gold pieces. Three-stone designs incorporating sapphires alongside diamonds create stunning combinations that honour both tradition and personal preference. Tennis bracelets featuring graduated sapphires provide understated elegance suitable for professional and social settings.
At Diamondport, we specialise in creating bespoke September birthstone jewellery that reflects individual personalities and love stories. While we may not have the Logan Sapphire or Blue Giant of the Orient on hand, we have a fantastic array of contacts to be able to source your dream sapphire. Book your private consultation today, and let our skilled jewellers create an engagement ring as unique as your love story.
