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The sapphire - September’s birthstone story

The Sapphire – September’s Birthstone Story

Do you know your birthstone? If you were born in September, then your stone is the beautiful, rich blue sapphire – a stone that is associated with wisdom, loyalty and nobility. Here is what you need to know about this breathtaking stone.

The History Of The Sapphire

Sapphires have always been associated with royalty. For centuries, they were worn by kings and queens, as well as lower ranking nobility and the clergy. Going further back, wearers believed that sapphires protected their owners against jealousy and envy. Medieval Catholic bishops wore the gemstone because they believed it symbolised heaven. Most notably, the ancient Persians actually believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire, from which the sky got its colour. At various stages in history, the stone has also been believed to be an antidote to poison and a cure for boils and diseases of the eye. 

There are many well-known sapphires in history, including the Rockefeller sapphire, a 62ct rectangular stone that John D. Rockefeller acquired from an Indian maharajah in 1934, as well as the 12ct stone that formed the centerpiece of Princess Diana’s wedding ring.

Where Are They Found?

Sapphires are most prevalent in Myanmar and Sri Lanka. There have also been significant discoveries in Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar and the United States. Several countries in Africa have also yielded some fine examples. The region that is most closely associated with sapphires is Kashmir. In 1881, a massive landslide high in the Himalayas exposed a large pocket of blue crystals. More of these stones started to appear further south, prompting the Maharajah of Kashmir to take control of the locality and begin mining and gathering them. Between 1882 and 1887, thousands of these large crystals were recovered, and several gorgeous sapphires were facted from them. The supply from this region has since become very scarce, but fine pieces of Kashmir jewellery are still sold to this day. 

Caring For Your Sapphires

If you are lucky enough to own a sapphire, you will find that caring for it is relatively easy. It is extremely tough and hard and has no cleavage (i.e. a tendency to break when struck). Warm, soapy water is always a good means to clean your sapphire. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are also commonly used for both untreated and treated sapphires.

If sapphires are your stone of choice, particularly if you were born in September, it is great idea to find earrings that feature them prominently. It is possible to find a pair of sapphire earrings that are also nickel-free and hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic jewellery ensures that people with sensitive skin can wear the gems of their dreams. Ear Sense specialises in the creation of nickel-free earrings, designed particularly for wearers with allergies to nickel and other materials commonly used in the widescale production of earrings. If you would like to know more about our earrings, or perhaps find a pair that features the September birthstone, shop in our online store, or contact us for more information. 

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