September Birthstone: Sapphire

Sapphire, the September birthstone, has been popular since the Middle Ages and, according to folklore, will protect your loved ones from envy and harm.  Medieval clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven, while commoners thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings.

Blue sapphire engagement represent loyalty and devotion. As such, sapphires are a stunning and particularly meaningful choice for bridal jewelry. September’s birthstone is formed in a wide range of colors, from the popular blue to more unusual pink, yellow and purple. Blue sapphires range from very light to very dark greenish or violetish blue, as well as various shades of pure blue.  The most prized colors are a medium to medium dark blue or slightly violetish blue. At 9 on the Mohs scale, diamonds are at 10, they are the third hardest mineral and are therefore durable. This means they can be worn daily, as long as they are cared for over time.

Each centering a heart-shaped sapphire within a lozenge-shaped surround of tapered baguette and round brilliant-cut diamonds; each signed Van Cleef & Arpels; estimated total sapphire weight: 3.20 carats; estimated total diamond weight: 2.30 carats; mounted in eighteen karat gold; length: 11/16in.

A beautiful diamonds, sapphire, rubies and 18 k yellow gold ring. Signed Mauboussin. Sapphire weight: 3,74 cts.

Designed as a flower, the petals of invisibly-set sapphires, with round brilliant-cut diamond cluster stamen, baguette-cut diamond stem and pavé-set diamond leaves; signed Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimated total sapphire weight: 15.75 carats; estimated total diamond weight: 3.30 carats; mounted in platinum and eighteen karat gold; length: 2 1/8in.

With true elegance, a vivid blue sapphire, 0,30 cts, is set in a dazzling platinum and diamond halo.

Centering a cut-cornered rectangular-cut sapphire, weighing 24.16 carats, with baguette and single-cut diamond scrolling shoulders and a bifurcated mount; mounted in fourteen karat white gold

Sapphire is a variety of the gem species corundum and occurs in all colors of the  rainbow.  Pink, purple, green, orange, or yellow corundum are known by their color (pink sapphire, green sapphire).  Ruby is the red variety of corundum.

by Jean Amr

Birthstones by Month

Traditionally, a birthstone is associated with each month of the year. For example, the birthstone for January is a garnet, while lucky babies born in April get a diamond as their birthstone. The origin of birthstones is believed to date back to the breastplate of Aaron which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

Verdura 18kt Yellow Gold ‘Pebble’ Amethyst Bracelet

It’s uncertain how the specific months became connected with the various stones. However, some speculate that their origins date back to biblical times when the breastplate belonging to a priest was decorated with 12 assorted colored gems. As time wore on, the 12 gems became associated with the zodiac and the months connected to it.

This started the tradition of wearing a colored stone each month as a sort of good luck charm. Initially people wore all twelve stones, rotating according to the month of the year to derive the greatest benefit of each stone. Believing that the various gems held magical powers for the individual born within a given month, people started to wear the stone associated with their birth month for the entire year. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers designed a list dedicating different gems to various months. What was once thought to be controversial based on its commercialism is now widely accepted as the official birthstone list.

 

 

A vintage 14kt white gold, turquoise, emerald, blue sapphire and diamond necklace, the clasp of which can be worn as a brooch.

The current list dates back to 1912 with only one addition since then, the tanzanite was added to December. There are numerous legends and myths about birthstone healing powers and their therapeutic influence. According to these legends, wearing a gemstone during its assigned month heightened its healing powers.

For the full effect, individuals needed to own all twelve and alternate them monthly.

More on birthstones and their fabulous jewels here at Yakymour at the first of every forth comming month….

by Jean Amr