Complete Guide for the September Birthstone

The September birthstone is sapphire, and it is one of the most precious and desirable gemstones in the world. In this article, revered author and lecturer Afshin Shaddaie will cover everything you need to know about the September birthstone.

• September Birthstone Shopping Ideas
• Shop September Birthstone Rings
• Talk to a Sapphire Expert

What is the September Birthstone?

The September birthstone is blue sapphire.

Although not officially confirmed, most experts only consider the blue sapphire to be the birthstone of September, excluding white, red (ruby), orange, pink, and purple sapphires.

Beyond its beauty, sapphire is also a symbol of loyalty and trust. These qualities have made it popular as a birthstone in engagement rings and other meaningful jewelry pieces.

As the September birthstone, sapphire is perfect for those born in this month or anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion with a gemstone that’s timeless and full of meaning. With its impressive hardness, ranking just below diamonds, it’s durable enough for everyday wear, making it a favorite for both casual and fine jewelry.

Whether you’re considering a piece of sapphire jewelry for yourself or as a gift, this gemstone’s allure is undeniable. Its captivating color and historical significance make it a truly special choice for anyone born in September.

How Much Does a September Birthstone Cost?

The price of a blue sapphire, the traditional September birthstone, can vary greatly depending on several key factors such as size, color, clarity, and origin. Natural blue sapphires, prized for their rich and vivid color, can dramatically range in cost, making them accessible at various prices.

• Smaller Sapphires (Under 1 Carat): If you’re looking for a smaller sapphire under 1 carat, prices will start at around $200 to $1,000 per carat, depending on the gemstone’s color saturation and clarity. These are ideal for those seeking elegant yet more affordable pieces.
• Mid-Size Sapphires (1–3 Carats): Mid-size sapphires typically cost between $1,000 and $5,000 per carat. Sapphires in this range offer a good balance of size and quality, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and statement jewelry.
• Larger, High-Quality Sapphires (Over 3 Carats): For larger, higher-quality sapphires over 3 carats, prices can skyrocket to $10,000 or more per carat, especially for stones with exceptional clarity and vivid royal blue hues. These stones are rarer and often highly sought after by collectors and luxury buyers. Sapphires in this category should also contain a respected certificate of authenticity.
• Investment Level Sapphires: If you’re looking for an investment-level sapphire, you’ll want to consider factors like size, rarity, and origin. Sapphires from prestigious regions like Kashmir, Burma, and Sri Lanka, known for their unique color and high quality, tend to carry premium prices. Investment-grade sapphires typically have exceptional clarity and deep, saturated color, easily commanding upwards of $60,000 per carat, making them a potential asset for collectors and investors.

With such a wide range of prices, there will be a sapphire for nearly every budget, ensuring you can find the perfect September birthstone that fits your personal taste and financial plan.

September Birthstone Shopping and Gifting Ideas

When shopping for sapphire jewelry to celebrate September birthdays, there are plenty of options to fit different styles, budgets, and personal preferences. Here are some popular ideas to consider:

• Classic Sapphire Rings: A blue sapphire ring is a timeless choice. From solitaire styles to intricate settings with diamond accents, sapphire rings make stunning statement pieces for everyday wear or special occasions. Consider choosing a smaller natural sapphire if you’re on a budget, ensuring long-term value. Shop here.
• Sapphire Pendants: Sapphire pendants are versatile and elegant, perfect for daily wear or as a meaningful gift. Look for a pendant with a deep blue natural sapphire to add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Shop here.
• Sapphire Stud Earrings: Sapphire studs are a great go-to option for something subtle yet striking. They are easy to wear and can be dressed up or down, making them an ideal gift for someone who enjoys versatile jewelry. Shop here.
• Personalized Birthstone Jewelry: Consider customizing a piece with sapphire accents, such as a name necklace, charm bracelet, or birthstone ring with an engraving. This personal touch makes the jewelry more meaningful for the recipient. Get a Quote.
• Vintage Sapphire Jewelry: If you’re shopping for someone who loves history or one-of-a-kind pieces, vintage sapphire jewelry can be an excellent option. It offers unique designs, and vintage natural sapphires also carry added value. Shop here.
• Sapphire Bracelets: For those who love jewelry with a bit of flair, sapphire tennis bracelets or bangles with sapphire accents are stylish choices. A well-chosen natural sapphire bracelet can make a beautiful birthday gift.

When buying sapphire jewelry, always consider the type of natural sapphire that fits your budget while considering long-term value.

Should You Buy Lab-Grown Sapphire Jewelry?

Absolutely not! While lab-grown sapphires might be more affordable, they are a poor investment. Natural sapphires retain value over time due to their rarity and uniqueness, making them a wiser choice if you ever plan to resell or pass down your jewelry. In contrast, lab-grown sapphires, though cheaper upfront, will lose all value as soon as you walk out the door. They lack the scarcity that makes natural sapphires valuable, meaning they will depreciate instantly, just like any other mass-producible item.

If you’re on a budget, it’s far better to invest in a smaller or lower-grade natural sapphire. Even more affordable natural stones will retain some of their worth, giving you both beauty and long-term value. Alternatively, consider using a synthetic sapphire instead if you’re not concerned with resale or future value. Synthetic sapphires will cost far less than lab-grown sapphires and will look almost as good.

In summary, if you’re purchasing September birthstone jewelry, natural stones are the clear winner for long-term value, while lab-grown sapphires will lose all their worth. For those on a budget, opt for a natural stone within your price range, or go for a synthetic sapphire if value isn’t a concern.

What Color is September Birthstone?

The September birthstone, sapphire, is most famously known for its rich blue hue. This deep, vibrant blue can range from lighter shades resembling the sky to darker tones with velvety depth. The most sought-after blue sapphires typically feature a vivid, medium to deep royal blue color, free from gray or green undertones.

While sapphires can come in various colors, including pink, yellow, and green, only the blue sapphire is traditionally recognized as the September birthstone.

Which Days in September have the Sapphire Birthstone?

Anyone born on any day in September is associated with the sapphire as their birthstone. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday on the 1st or the 30th, sapphire is the official gemstone for the entire month of September.

It’s a common misconception that different days in September, such as the 15th or 20th, might have their own unique birthstones. However, this isn’t the case. The sapphire is the sole birthstone for all September birthdays, regardless of the specific date.

Myths and History of the September Birthstone

Even though sapphires can display various colors, such as yellow, green, orange, and violet, the most recognizable color is blue. Blue sapphires have been associated with royalty, wealth, and romance for centuries.

Sapphires are often found in myths and cultures of numerous civilizations, and they have been revered for their beauty since ancient times.

It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that sapphires became a symbol of nobility. The British Royal Family has continued this tradition with the Crown Jewels. A more recent well-known example of sapphire in ownership of the British Royal Family is Princess Diana’s engagement ring, later passed onto Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. This is one of the most famous engagement rings in the world. 

Aside from being the birthstone for September, sapphire is the gem and traditional gift for the 5^th and 45^th wedding anniversaries. 

Word Meaning: The word sapphire comes from the Latin word sapphirus, or the Ancient Greek term sappirus, both carrying the meaning of “blue.”

Birthstone Style Quiz

We’ve created a user-friendly quiz to help you determine which type of birthstone-style ring you should buy for yourself or a loved one.

Shopping Tips for the September Birthstone

1. Prioritize Color: Aim for a rich, deep blue sapphire with minimal gray or green undertones.
2. Check for Certification: Always ensure the sapphire comes with a certification from reputable labs, which verifies the gemstone’s authenticity and natural origin. Ask for a certificate from the GIA, AGL, UGL, AGTA, or SSEF.
3. Focus on Cut Quality: A well-cut sapphire maximizes light reflection, enhancing brilliance and making the stone appear more vibrant and valuable.
4. Compare Origins: Sapphires from regions like Kashmir, Burma, or Sri Lanka are considered investment-grade due to their superior quality and rarity, often commanding higher prices.
5. Evaluate Clarity: While sapphires may have inclusions, fewer and less visible inclusions generally mean higher value. However, some inclusions are acceptable if they don’t affect the sapphire’s beauty.
6. Consider Carat Weight: Balance carat weight with color and clarity. A smaller, well-colored, and clean sapphire can be more valuable than a larger stone with visible flaws.
7. Review the Setting: The setting can affect the sapphire’s appearance. Simple, elegant settings allow the sapphire to stand out, while diamond or gemstone accents can add luxury without overshadowing the sapphire.
8. Beware of Treatments: Many sapphires undergo treatments to enhance color. Always ask whether the sapphire has been treated and ensure the certification reflects this information.
9. Buy from Reputable Sellers: To avoid problematic sapphires, ensure you purchase from trusted jewelers who specialize in high-quality gemstones.

Examples of September Birthstone Rings

Feel free to browse through our collection of stunning September Birthstone Rings. These rings all feature the sapphire birthstone in the center.

How to Clean Your September Birthstone Jewelry

While sapphires are the third-hardest gemstones, they are not indestructible. Additionally, the metals that are holding the sapphires may also be prone to damage.

Therefore, proper care is essential so they can last a lifetime. Clean them regularly, and don’t use harsh chemicals or soaps.

If you want to clean your sapphire, warm or lukewarm water and some mild dish soap will do. Dry them off with a soft cloth or a bristle brush. 

Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning if your sapphire has undergone oil treatment. If it hasn’t, and the ring doesn’t also contain softer stones (like emeralds or onyx), it should be safe. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Most Expensive September Birthstones? 

The most expensive types of sapphires are Kashmir sapphires, which belong to a class of their own. One-carat Kashmir sapphires can cost $5,000, while the record for the most expensive Kashmir sapphire is $200,000 per carat. They are so valuable because they are of the highest quality and display a velvet blue color, otherwise known as “cornflower blue,” inspired by the deep blue petals of cornflowers.

The sapphire mines of Kashmir have been exhausted since 1887. It’s almost impossible to find any new Kashmir sapphires. Practically all of them already belong to collectors, family heirlooms, and jewelers. Estate Diamond Jewelry has a rare private collection of Kashmir sapphires.

You can read our complete guide to buying Kashmir sapphires. 

Which Sapphire is the Rarest?

Kashmir Sapphires are of the highest value. Mining in Kashmir only began in the 19^th century, but unfortunately, by the end of the century, there was nothing left to find. All available Kashmir sapphires on the current market are exceptionally rare and expensive. What sets them apart from other sapphires is their rich “velvet” blue color. 

After Kashmir sapphires, Burma Sapphires are the most sought-after. They come from the Mogok Stone Tract in Upper Burma, the mine that produced 90% of all rubies worldwide. Mines in Burma have been producing rubies and sapphires for over a thousand years. Unlike the brighter-colored Kashmir sapphires, Burma sapphires have a deep “royal” blue color. 

Sapphires from Sri Lanka, or Ceylon Sapphires, are the oldest sapphires in the world. Some of the most famous sapphires, such as the Star of India, the Star of Bombay, the Logan Sapphire, and the Star of Adam, are all Ceylon sapphires. Sri Lanka sapphires are also the largest sapphires mined thus far. 

Since 2007, the most fruitful mine has been the Madagascar Sapphire Mine, which is located near the town of Ilakaka. 

Talk to a Jewelry Expert

Sapphires have long been the symbol of elegance, nobility, and romance. The September birthstone center is the ideal engagement ring for a fall wedding. There’s a reason sapphires are so desirable and make such wonderful presents. 

If you’re interested in shopping for a sapphire engagement ring, look at Estate Diamond Jewelry’s collection. You can contact us here with any questions about our sapphire jewelry. You can also schedule an appointment to see sapphire jewelry in person.