September Sapphires

If you were born in September - consider yourself lucky!

Who doesn't love the deep and intense blues of a well formed sapphire? But did you also know that sapphires come in a variety of luscious colours including pink, orange, and yellow?Emerald cut sapphire with mother of pearl inlay set in 18k yellow gold.

Sapphires, like rubies, are members of the corundum family, an aluminum oxide. Trace amounts of iron, chromium, or titanium lend sapphires their distinguished colour.

One of the most ancient gemstones, sapphires were being used in jewellery making prior to Roman Empire and are often referred to in the Bible.

However, because of their hardness and durability, sapphires are now found in many industrial processes such as infrared optical components, high-durability windows such as watch crystals, and as insulating substrates for some solid-state electronics.

Sapphire and diamond bracelet set in 18k white gold.

Sapphires have often been thought to cure and prevent a range of health issues from rheumatism to a sore throat. It is also believed by some to have metaphysical properties that can aid in telepathy and clairvoyance.

Golden sapphire and diamonds set in 18k yellow and white gold.

Sapphires can also have colour change properties, depending on the light source it is being viewed under. Some stones will appear blue in daylight, and violet under incandescent light.

Sapphires with tiny rutile inclusion can also display an optical quality referred to as asterism - creating a star-sapphire. Star sapphires display either a six or twelve ray star that travels along the stone as it moves - catching light at different angles.

Round cut sapphire set in 18k yellow gold.

Sapphires have been revered for their beauty for thousands of years. For more sapphire gem ideas, visit 18Karat.