The History & Mystery of Sapphires - The September Birthstone

Sapphires get their name from the latin word "sapphirus" which means blue.

Sapphires are often referred to as "the gem of the heavens" or the "celestial gem".

Sapphires mirror the colour of the sky at certain times of day.

Rubies are the red version of the mineral corundum - just like sapphire!

Psychologically, blue is linked to sympathy, calmness and loyalty.

Legend has it that Prometheus (the rival of Zeus) was the first to wear sapphires.

The bible mentions sapphire as being one of the twelve "stones of fire" given to Moses.

Sapphire is also one of the twelve gemstones set into the foundation of the city walls of Jerusalem and is associated with the Apostle Paul.

In India, it was believed if a sapphire was immersed in water, it made an elixir that would cure scorpion and snake bites and that wearing sapphires protected one against evil spirits.

Ancient Persians believed sapphire was a chip from the pedestal that supported the earth and that the reflection was what made the sky blue.

Ancient Persians also believed that wearing sapphire was a protection against evil spirits.

For several hundred years, sapphires were a popular choice for engagement rings.

Remember Princess Diana's gorgeous sapphire?

In ancient times, a gift of sapphire was a pledge of trust, honesty, purity and loyalty. This may be why sapphires were traditionally a popular choice for engagement rings.

The Sapphires and rubies are identical but for their colour. They are both versions of the mineral corundum.

Sapphires range in colour from pastel to deep midnight blue.

Sapphires from Sri Lanka were mentioned in the Tales of the Arabian Nights as well as in the Travels of Marco Polo.

During the Middle Ages, it was thought that sapphires preserved chastity, discovered fraud and treachery, protected the wearer from plague, fever and skin diseases and resisted Black Magic.

Quite a lot to expect from one gemstone!

The word corundum is derived from three ancient Tamil, Hindi and Sanskrit words for rubies and sapphires - kurundum, kurund and kuruvinda.

Sapphires have been associated with royalty for over 2,000 years.

At one time, only the extremely wealthy could afford them.

Each month, we will feature a birthstone gem on sale.

Don't forget to sign up for our updates to enjoy special offers, discounts and featured sales.

Updates are a great way to keep up to date with our discount coupon offers. You won't want to miss one!