Birthstones · September
The September Birthstone: Sapphire
The September birthstone is sapphire — the deep, velvety blue gem that has crowned antique engagement rings and royal jewels for centuries. Here is what it means, what makes one sapphire worth more than another, and where to find fine antique sapphire jewellery.
- Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the gem of the 45th wedding anniversary.
- Blue is the classic colour, but sapphires also occur in pink, yellow, green and rare padparadscha.
- Value is led by colour, then clarity, cut and carat (ct) weight; origin and antique craftsmanship add a premium.
- Explore antique sapphire jewellery and sapphire engagement rings at Mozeris.
What is the September birthstone?
The September birthstone is the sapphire, a gem variety of the mineral corundum. The same mineral produces ruby in its red form; every other colour of corundum is classed as a sapphire. The deep cornflower and royal blues are the most recognised, but sapphires also occur in pink, yellow, green, violet and the rare salmon-pink padparadscha.
Sapphire is also the gem traditionally given for a 45th wedding anniversary. Its hardness — 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond — is part of why it has survived so well in antique jewellery worn daily across generations.
Meaning & history
Sapphire has long been linked with wisdom, loyalty and truth. Medieval clergy wore it as a symbol of heaven, and it was believed to protect the wearer from envy and harm. In the Victorian and Edwardian periods it became a favourite for engagement and sentimental rings, often paired with old-cut diamonds in cluster and three-stone designs.
Royal sapphire-and-diamond cluster rings revived global demand for the style, and that design remains one of the most sought-after looks in antique jewellery today. You will find the era's craftsmanship across our Victorian and Edwardian jewellery collections.
What gives a sapphire its value
A sapphire is not valued by weight alone. Four qualities do most of the work, with colour by far the most important.
| Factor | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Colour | Even, saturated blue — "cornflower" or "royal" blue is most prized. Too dark or too pale reduces value. |
| Clarity | Eye-clean stones are best, though fine silk can soften colour attractively. Heavy inclusions lower value. |
| Cut | A well-proportioned cut returns light evenly. Antique stones often show charming hand-cutting. |
| Carat (ct) | Larger stones rise sharply in price per carat, especially above 3–5 ct. |
| Origin & treatment | Unheated stones, and Kashmir, Burmese or Ceylon origin, command a strong premium. |
The antique premium
With antique sapphire jewellery the mount matters as much as the stone. Original Victorian, Edwardian or Art Deco craftsmanship, intact hallmarks and a period-correct setting can lift a piece well above the value of the gem alone.
Explore Antique Sapphire Jewellery
A curated collection of antique and vintage sapphire rings, necklaces and earrings.
Antique sapphire jewellery at Mozeris
Sapphire suits almost every form of antique jewellery. Across our collection you will find it in:
- Sapphire engagement rings — clusters, three-stone and solitaire designs.
- Sapphire necklaces, pendants and bracelets — Victorian through to mid-century.
- Brooches and earrings set with blue and fancy-colour sapphires.
Prefer to explore by stone more widely? Browse our full antique gemstone jewellery and antique rings collections.
Choosing & styling sapphire
Blue sapphire is wonderfully versatile. It sits beautifully against both yellow gold, which warms the stone, and cool platinum or white gold, which sharpens its blue. For a birthday piece, a cluster or three-stone ring makes a striking everyday choice, while sapphire drop earrings or a pendant offer an easier first step into coloured stones.
Fancy-colour sapphires — pink, yellow and green — are an elegant, less expected alternative, and pair naturally with antique gemstone jewellery of the same era.
Frequently asked questions
The September birthstone is sapphire, a variety of the mineral corundum. Blue is the classic colour, but sapphires also occur in pink, yellow, green and the rare orange-pink padparadscha.
Sapphire is associated with wisdom, loyalty and truth. In antique jewellery it was a popular choice for engagement and sentimental rings, famously revived by royal sapphire-and-diamond cluster designs.
Colour is the biggest factor, followed by clarity, cut and carat (ct) weight. Origin matters too — unheated Kashmir, Burmese and Ceylon sapphires command a premium — as does the age and craftsmanship of an antique mount.
Yes. We offer a curated collection of antique and vintage sapphire engagement rings, necklaces, brooches and earrings. Browse online and make an enquiry to view or purchase a piece.
September's Enduring Blue
Discover antique and vintage sapphire jewellery, chosen for colour, character and craftsmanship.