Sapphires are precious gemstones that have captivated us for centuries with their vibrant colors, deep symbolism, and unmatched beauty. As the birthstone for September, sapphires are cherished for their brooding elegance and are believed to hold unique healing properties. Something you might not know is that this versatile gemstone appears in a spectrum of colors beyond its classic deep blue, making it a stone that goes well with a multitude of both moods and looks. Today we will explore the origins of sapphires, their significance as a birthstone and the wide range of colors they come in.
The Origins of Sapphires
Sapphires are mined in several parts of the world, with some of the most notable sources being Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Madagascar, Australia, and Montana (right here in the US!). Sri Lanka, known for producing the finest quality sapphires, is famous for its rich blue sapphires and rare pink, orange, and yellow varieties. Meanwhile, Kashmir in India was historically renowned for its cornflower blue sapphires, though the mines there have been mostly depleted.
Once mined, sapphires are cut and polished into various shapes, such as round, oval, pear, cushion, and emerald cuts, to enhance their natural brilliance and color. Like with other precious gemstones, the art of fashioning sapphires into jewelry pieces is a delicate process, requiring skilled artisans who understand the gemstone's unique characteristics, such as its hardness (second only to diamonds) and its pleochroism—a property that causes the stone to display different colors from different angles.
Sapphires in September
Sapphires are the birthstone for those born in September, symbolizing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. In ancient times, sapphires were believed to protect their wearers from envy and harm. Today, they are still associated with protection, good fortune, and spiritual insight. The deep blue sapphire is said to bring peace and calm to the wearer, fostering mental clarity and self-discipline.
Sapphire jewelry makes an excellent gift for September babies. From fabulous Mid-Century sapphire rings to bold Art Deco sapphire bracelets, there are endless options for incorporating this extraordinary stone into everyday wear or for special events.
The Spectrum of Sapphire: A Rainbow of Possibilities
While blue is the most iconic color associated with sapphires, sapphires come in nearly every color of the rainbow. Each hue offers a unique appeal and can be paired with different metals, settings, and styles to create stunning jewelry pieces.
Pink Sapphires: Romantic and feminine, pink sapphires range from pale blush to vibrant magenta. They make exquisite, unique choices for engagement rings and create a blushing, graceful touch when worn in soft, delicate pieces.
Yellow Sapphires: With their sunny hues, yellow sapphires symbolize prosperity and joy. Often set in yellow gold to enhance their warm glow, yellow sapphire jewelry pairs beautifully with earth-toned clothing and can add a pop of color to neutral palettes.
White Sapphires: Often used as a diamond alternative, white (or colorless) sapphires offer a brilliant, affordable option for jewelry. White sapphire jewelry provides a sophisticated, understated elegance, making it suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Padparadscha Sapphires: A rare and unique variety, padparadscha sapphires exhibit a mesmerizing blend of pink and orange hues, reminiscent of a tropical sunset. Padparadscha comes from the Sanskrit word which means “lotus flower” and these stones are highly sought after for their rarity and distinctive color. Perhaps the most famous modern padparadscha sapphire sits on the engagement ring of Princess Eugenie - seen below. The ring features a padparadscha sapphire of between three and four carats surrounded by a halo of brilliant cut diamonds and two pear shaped diamonds.
(Photo: Getty)
Violet Sapphires: Violet or lavender sapphires exude a sense of mystery and elegance. They are perfect for vintage sapphire jewelry, adding a touch of regal charm to any piece.
Green Sapphires: These gems are prized for their earthy, calming tones and are ideal for nature-inspired jewelry designs. Green sapphires can range from pale mint to deep forest green, providing a unique alternative to more traditional gemstones.
Sapphire Jewelry: The Options are Neverending
Sapphire jewelry offers endless design possibilities, from classic to contemporary styles. We've taken a look at how you can incorporate this stunning gemstone into various types of jewelry.
Sapphire Rings
Sapphire rings are a timeless choice, often set in white gold, platinum, or yellow gold to enhance the stone’s color. From minimalist bands to elaborate vintage designs, sapphire rings can be worn as engagement rings, fashion statements, or birthstone rings. They pair beautifully with both bold, bright looks and soft, neutral tones, offering versatility for various occasions.
Sapphire Necklaces
A vintage sapphire necklace can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. Sapphires can be set in pendants, chokers, or long chains, with various cuts and sizes to match different styles.
Above: Icons past and present show the versatility of sapphire necklaces
Sapphire Bracelets
From delicate sapphire tennis bracelets to bold cuff designs, sapphire bracelets offer a chic way to accessorize. A sapphire bracelet can be a standalone statement piece or layered with other jewelry for a more eclectic look. Pair these with simple, classic clothing to allow the bracelet’s color and sparkle to stand out.
Sapphire Earrings
Sapphire earrings range from subtle studs to dramatic chandelier designs. Sapphire jewelry earrings can add a pop of color and sophistication to any ensemble. For a classic look, opt for sapphire studs or small hoops; for a bolder statement, choose drop earrings or vintage designs. With their cool, dynamic glow, sapphires enhance the wearers natural beauty.
Above: Katherine, Princess of Wales is a huge fan of Sapphire earrings and shows how dynamic they can be depending on the style (photos: Getty)
Sapphire Brooches
Sapphire brooches offer a vintage charm that is hard to replicate. Often adorned with intricate detailing, antique sapphire jewelry brooches can be pinned to lapels, scarves, hats, or bags, adding a unique flair to any outfit. These pieces are perfect for those who love to make a statement with their accessories.
Sapphire Jewelry for Men
Sapphire jewelry isn't just for women; it's an excellent choice for men’s accessories as well. Sapphire jewelry for men, such as rings, cufflinks, tie pins, and bracelets, offers a sophisticated, understated elegance. A sapphire ring, for example, can be a striking alternative to the traditional men's signet ring, especially when set in white gold or platinum. Sapphire cufflinks add a touch of luxury to formal attire, while a sapphire bracelet can provide a modern edge to casual or business-casual outfits.
Styling Tips: How to Wear Sapphire Jewelry
As we've said a million times in this post - sapphire jewelry is incredibly versatile. We truly believe that no matter your personal style, sapphires always fit. They can be styled in various ways to suit different occasions and outfits.
Neutrals and Contrast: Sapphires, especially blue sapphires, stand out best against neutral colors like white, black, and gray. Pair a sapphire necklace or earrings with a classic black dress or a white blouse to let the gemstones shine.
Metal Pairings: Choose the metal that complements the sapphire’s color. White gold and platinum settings enhance the cool tones of blue and white sapphires, while yellow and rose gold bring out the warmth in pink, yellow, and orange sapphires.
Mixing and Matching: Don't be afraid to mix sapphire jewelry with other gemstones or metals. For example, pairing a sapphire ring with a diamond bracelet can create a stunning contrast, while layering different sapphire necklaces can add a ton of interesting depth to your look.
Whether you are looking for sapphire rings, sapphire jewelry necklaces, or sapphire jewelry earrings, this precious gemstone offers endless possibilities for every style and occasion. From vintage sapphire necklaces that exude classic elegance to modern sapphire suited for everyday wear, the appeal of sapphires goes far beyond their status as a birthstone. With their rich colors, deep symbolism, and timeless beauty, sapphires are a gemstone that will never go out of style.
