September Birthstone - Sapphire
Birthstone for September and gem for 45th anniversaries, the Sapphire belongs to the mineral species corundum. It can be pure blue, but ranges from greenish blue to violetish blue. The name ‘sapphire’ can also apply to any corundum that is not red an doesn’t qualify as ruby.
As well as the sapphire and the ruby, the corundum family also includes so-called ‘fancy sapphires’ which come in violet, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple and intermediate hues.
Fancy sapphires are generally less available than blue ones, and some coloured are scarce, especially in very small or very large sizes. But fancy sapphires create a rainbow of options for people who like the romance associated with this gem, but who also want something out of the ordinary.
The world’s most famous sapphire is that of Princess Diana's, and now Kate Middleton’s, engagement ring. Her engagement ring consists of 14 diamonds surrounding a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire set in 18-carat white gold.