September Birthstones: Celebrate the Timeless Beauty of September’s Sapphire
Sapphire, September’s birthstone, is renowned for its blue hue, symbolizing wisdom and nobility. This precious gemstone, part of the corundum family, can also be found in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, and green, which are known as “fancy colored sapphires.” Its name originates from the Greek word “sappheiros,” which means “blue” and reflects its historical association with the color of celestial realms. At Levy’s Fine Jewelry, each vintage and antique jewel showcases craftsmanship and grace. Cherish your milestones with the radiant charm of sapphire birthstone jewelry, where classic elegance harmonizes with design.
Throughout history, sapphires have been adored by the likes of royalty and the elite, often adorning crowns, robes, and jewelry as a sign of power and protection. In ancient times, it was believed that sapphires could protect against envy and harm, and bring spiritual enlightenment. Today’s gem enthusiasts value sapphires not only for their beauty, but also for their remarkable durability, ranking just below diamonds in hardness. Celebrating a September birthday with a sapphire encapsulates the rich history and timeless allure of this exquisite gemstone, making it a perfect symbol of enduring love and commitment.
Art Deco Inspired Platinum Ring
This exquisite platinum ring seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern elegance. At its center, a captivating old mine cut diamond sparkles with timeless beauty. The Art Deco inspired design is further enhanced by 28 calibre cut sapphires, which add a vibrant blue contrast to the diamond’s brilliance. Additional European cut diamonds adorn the setting, creating a dazzling display of light and color. This ring is a perfect choice for those who appreciate the intricate craftsmanship and sophisticated style of the Art Deco era.
Vintage Platinum Dangle Earrings
These stunning vintage platinum dangle earrings feature a matched pair of pear-shaped sapphires, exuding a rich, deep blue hue. The sapphires are elegantly complemented by a cascade of round brilliant cut diamonds, adding a touch of sparkle and sophistication. The delicate design and impeccable craftsmanship make these earrings a timeless accessory, perfect for adding a touch of vintage glamor to any ensemble.
Vintage Diamond and Sapphire Stud Earrings
A beautiful blend of old-world charm and refined elegance, these vintage stud earrings feature a pair of old European cut diamonds. Each diamond is surrounded by a rim of baguette cut sapphires, creating a stunning contrast between the brilliant white of the diamonds and the deep blue of the sapphires. These earrings are a perfect choice for those who appreciate classic beauty and timeless sophistication.
Vintage 14K White Gold Brooch/Pendant Combo
This versatile vintage piece can be worn as either a brooch or a pendant, making it a unique and adaptable addition to any jewelry collection. Crafted in 14K white gold, it features an array of round diamonds and long baguette cut sapphires. The combination of sparkling diamonds and rich blue sapphires creates a striking visual effect, while the intricate design adds a touch of elegance and refinement.
Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
This stunning ring features a magnificent oval Ceylon sapphire, renowned for its vibrant blue color and exceptional clarity. The sapphire is set in 14K white gold and accented by a halo of round brilliant cut diamonds, adding an extra layer of sparkle and elegance. This ring is a true statement piece, perfect for those who appreciate the beauty and rarity of fine gemstones.
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
These elegant earrings feature a matched pair of pear-shaped blue sapphires, set in 18K white gold. The sapphires are surrounded by a halo of round brilliant cut diamonds, enhancing their vibrant blue color and adding a touch of sparkle. Additional smaller diamonds complete the design, creating a luxurious and sophisticated look. These earrings are perfect for adding a touch of glamor to any outfit.
Art Deco Dangle Earrings
These Art Deco dangle earrings are a stunning example of the era’s distinctive style. Crafted in platinum and topped with 14K yellow gold, they feature 34 calibre cut blue sapphires and a combination of old rose and European cut diamonds. The intricate design and beautiful contrast between the sapphires and diamonds make these earrings a true work of art, perfect for those who appreciate the sophistication of Art Deco.
This unique pendant necklace features a pear-shaped color change sapphire, set in 14K white gold. The sapphire’s ability to change color adds a fascinating element to the piece, while round diamond accents enhance its overall sparkle. This pendant is a perfect choice for those who appreciate rare and unusual gemstones.
Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Necklace
A striking combination of vibrant color and brilliant sparkle, this necklace features a pear-shaped yellow sapphire set in 14K white gold. The sapphire is surrounded by a mix of round and baguette cut diamonds, creating a dazzling display of light and color. A perfect statement piece, it combines the warmth of the yellow sapphire with the brilliance of the diamonds for a stunning effect.
Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Necklace
This elegant 18K yellow gold line style necklace features 48 links, each containing an oval blue sapphire and 10 round diamonds. The combination of the deep blue sapphires and sparkling diamonds creates a luxurious look, adding a touch of glamor. The meticulous craftsmanship makes this necklace a treasured addition.
Antique Edwardian Belle Époque Brooch/Pendant
This magnificent antique Edwardian Belle Époque brooch/pendant is a true masterpiece of design. Crafted in platinum and 14K yellow gold, it features a shield shape adorned with two round Ceylon sapphires. The intricate detailing and exquisite craftsmanship make this piece a stunning example of Edwardian elegance and sophistication, perfect for those who appreciate the history of antique jewelry.
At Levy’s Fine Jewelry, our sapphire jewels showcase a blend of timeless allure and elegance. Each piece is meticulously crafted to reflect the beauty and sophistication and designed to be as unique and treasured as the individual who wears it.
On the Enigmatic Sapphire, September’s Birthstone
By Joseph Denaburg of Levy’s Fine Jewelry
The sapphire, September’s birthstone, is renowned for symbolizing truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. Known for attracting wealth, easing social interactions, and providing protection from envy and infidelity, the sapphire has long captivated wearers with its rich cultural significance and stunning beauty.
The term “sapphire” originates from the Latin word “sapphirus,” meaning “blue.” While blue is the most iconic color associated with this gemstone, sapphires are available in a variety of hues except for red, which is classified as ruby. Sapphire stones can be found in white, black, orange, yellow, green, brown, purple, and pink. These precious gems are mined in countries such as Australia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tanzania, Thailand, and the United States.
Sapphire in Buddhist Tradition
Throughout history, sapphires have held great significance in various cultures, especially in Asia. In Buddhist tradition, the sapphire is considered the “Stone of Stones” and is believed to offer Spiritual Light. It is said to encourage prayer and promote peace and love to its wearer, provided they live a virtuous life.
Sapphire in Judeo-Christian History
Sapphires hold a prominent place in Judeo-Christian lore. According to scripture, King Solomon’s seal-stone was a sapphire, and the prophet Abraham wore a magnificent sapphire amulet, which, upon his death, is said to have risen into the sun. Sapphires are also one of the twelve stones mentioned in the breastplate of Aaron in the Old Testament. Additionally, it was believed that the Ten Commandments given to Moses were engraved on sapphire tablets.
In early Christianity, bishops would design rings according to their tastes. However, Pope Innocent III decreed in the 12th century that all bishop’s rings should be crafted from pure gold and set with an unengraved stone, selecting the sapphire to represent the kingdom of heaven.
Greek Myths Surrounding Sapphires
In ancient Greece, sapphires were closely associated with the god Apollo, representing wisdom, healing, and knowledge. Greeks would often wear sapphire rings when consulting oracles, including the famed Oracle of Delphi, to gain insight and clarity from the gods.
Sapphires in the Middle Ages
Sapphires also played a significant role in the Middle Ages. Pope Innocent III, known for introducing a waiting period before marriage, further reinforced the sapphire’s importance in purity. It was widely believed that a sapphire’s color would fade if worn by someone impure before a wedding. Similarly, it was said that knights returning from crusades would test their wives’ fidelity by observing the brilliance of their sapphires.
Mystical and Healing Properties of Sapphire
In medieval times, sapphires were believed to offer spiritual protection, preserving chastity, exposing fraud, and warding off disease. They were thought to guard against poison, plague, fevers, and even black magic. In addition, sapphires were often used to treat eye conditions, with some even rubbing the stones on the eyes of smallpox patients to prevent damage.
The Mystique of Star Sapphires
Star sapphires, known for their six-pointed star-like appearance, have long been revered for their mystical powers. These cabochon-cut stones were thought to bring good fortune, grant favors, and protect against witchcraft. In ancient times, star sapphires were considered powerful talismans.
Star sapphires also became symbols of love. Emperor Charlemagne’s wife famously wore a talisman composed of two sapphires and a piece of the Holy Cross to ensure the emperor’s enduring affection, which persisted long after her death.
Color-Enhanced Sapphires
Most sapphires on the market undergo heat treatment to enhance their color and remove inclusions, which can reduce the stone’s value compared to untreated counterparts. Certified gem labs frequently offer heat treatment and origin reports, which can significantly boost a sapphire’s worth. Since about 99% of sapphires have been treated, untreated ones are particularly rare and valuable.
Synthetic Sapphires
First developed in 1902, synthetic sapphires can closely resemble their natural counterparts. To determine the authenticity of a sapphire, it’s always best to consult with a certified gemologist for an accurate assessment.
Fun Sapphire Facts
- The Padparadscha is a rare and valuable pinkish-orange sapphire, primarily found in Sri Lanka. Its name means “lotus blossom.”
- It is said that Cleopatra’s crown was adorned with an enormous sapphire.
- Alexander the Great wore a sapphire ring during his legendary conquests.
- Ancient Persian rulers believed that the sky’s blue color was a reflection of the sapphire.
Sapphires remain one of the most captivating and culturally rich gemstones, admired for their beauty and mystical properties across time and continents.
