09/16/2026
Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the gem of the 5th and 45th anniversaries, but they are so beautiful you really shouldn’t need an occasion.
Sapphires are so stunning; it is a conundrum deciding which vibrant color of this corundum mineral is the most beautiful. The most know colors are typically blue, but natural "fancy" sapphires also occur in yellow, purple, orange, and green colors; "parti sapphires" showing two or more colors. They is a wide variation even within the same color.
Because of the remarkable hardness and strength of sapphires (9 on the Mohs scale which characterizes scratch resistance), sapphires are also used in some non-ornamental applications. You may have known they are used for infrared optical components, on wrist watches for crystals and movements, high durability windows, and very thin electronic wafers. They are the third hardest mineral, after diamond at 10 and moissanite at 9.5.
For centuries, sapphires have been known to be a symbol of innocence, longevity, and a talisman for good health. The stone represents prosperity, beauty, and inner peace – all of which are wonderfully symbolic gifts to wish upon a couple after 45 years of marriage.
February 6, 1981, Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer without an engagement ring. He allowed her to choose her own. She chose a sapphire-and-diamond cluster Marguerite ring, which was inspired by a sapphire-and-diamond brooch Prince Albert had asked Garrard Jewelers of England to create as a present for his future wife, Queen Victoria, in 1840. It was worn on her wedding day to keep up with the tradition of something blue.
November 16, 2010, Prince William announced the big news that he and Kate were engaged, showing off the 12-carat sapphire ring.
Significant sapphire deposits are found in Australia, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Cameroon, China Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam. Madagascar is the world leader in sapphire production before that it was Australia. Some of the most notable sapphires were mined in Sri Lanka. They are generally found in the same deposits are ruby, although rubies form in marble, while the sapphire forms in granite.
As with diamonds, the price of the sapphire depends on the color (hue), clarity, size, cut, geographical origin, and overall quality.
A star sapphire is a type of sapphire that exhibits an asterism, a star-like phenomenon. Star sapphires contain intersecting needle-like inclusions following the underlying crystal structure that causes the appearance of a six-rayed "star"-shaped pattern when viewed with a single overhead light source. Absolutely fascinating!
Looking for a stunning September sapphire or another special piece of jewelry?
Call us today at 732-361-5828 to make a private appointment with The Jeweler of Asbury, Michael Green.
We look forward to hearing from you!
