September Birthstone: Sapphire Meaning, History & Jewellery Guide
September babies drew royalty: the sapphire, the deep-blue gem of wisdom that has crowned monarchs for centuries and famously starred in the most photographed engagement ring in history. Better still for Australian September birthdays — sapphire is one of the gems Australia is genuinely famous for producing.
What is the September birthstone?
September's birthstone is the sapphire. Like July's ruby, it stands alone — no alternative stone needed when you've got this one.
Sapphire meaning and symbolism
Sapphire is the gem of wisdom, loyalty, nobility and truth. Medieval clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolise heaven; royals wore them as protection and as proof of virtue — a tradition that runs unbroken to Princess Diana's (now Princess Catherine's) sapphire engagement ring, the single biggest reason sapphire engagement rings surge in popularity decade after decade.
That association with faithfulness is why sapphire has become shorthand for committed love. It's also the traditional gem of the 45th wedding anniversary, and the 5th in some modern lists.
What exactly is a sapphire?
Sapphire is the mineral corundum — the same mineral as ruby. Red corundum is ruby; corundum in every other colour is sapphire. That means sapphires aren't only blue: they come in pink, yellow, green, purple, white and a rare orange-pink called padparadscha. Non-blue stones are called "fancy sapphires".
Like ruby, sapphire measures 9 on the Mohs hardness scale — second only to diamond — which is precisely why it's one of the only coloured gems jewellers recommend without hesitation for an everyday engagement ring.
As with ruby, heat treatment to improve colour is standard and accepted across the industry; an untreated stone of fine colour commands a premium and should come with documentation saying so.
The Australian sapphire story
Here's the local angle most international birthstone guides miss: Australia has been one of the world's significant sapphire producers, with famous fields around Inverell in New South Wales and the gemfields of central Queensland (Anakie, Sapphire, Rubyvale — yes, there's a town called Sapphire). Australian stones are known for deep blues, striking greens and yellows, and especially parti sapphires — stones that show two or three colours in one gem, typically blue and green with golden flashes. Parti sapphires have become a signature of Australian jewellery design and a favourite for non-traditional engagement rings, because no two are alike.
For a September-born Australian, a parti sapphire is about as personal as a birthstone gets.
Choosing sapphire jewellery
Rings: sapphire's hardness makes it the standout coloured stone for daily-wear rings — browse our rings collection and gemstone jewellery. Earrings and pendants: a blue sapphire against white metal is the classic; fancy colours suit someone whose style leans unexpected. Gifting: sapphire's royal pedigree gives the card writes itself — start at gifts under $200 or the birthstone jewellery range.
How to care for sapphires
About as easy as gem care gets: warm soapy water and a soft brush. At 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire resists scratching from everything except diamond — but it will scratch your softer jewellery, so store pieces separately.
Frequently asked questions
What is the birthstone for September?
Sapphire — September has a single birthstone with no common alternative.
What does the sapphire birthstone mean?
Wisdom, loyalty, nobility and truth. Sapphires have symbolised faithfulness for centuries, which is why they're a classic engagement stone, and they mark the 45th wedding anniversary.
Do sapphires only come in blue?
No — sapphire is the mineral corundum in any colour except red (which is ruby). Pink, yellow, green, purple, white and multi-coloured parti sapphires all exist.
What is a parti sapphire?
A sapphire showing two or more colours in one stone, usually blue and green with gold. Parti sapphires are strongly associated with Australian sapphire fields, and each one is unique.
Are sapphires good for engagement rings?
Among the best — at 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, sapphire is the most durable gemstone after diamond, easily handling everyday wear.
Shop this birthstone
Looking for the perfect piece? Explore our sapphire jewellery collection — earrings, pendants and rings to suit every style and budget. At 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is one of the best coloured stones for everyday rings.
Prefer to browse everything in one place? Visit our birthstone jewellery hub to shop by any month. Free express shipping on orders over $99, with Afterpay and Zip available.
Find your birthstone by month
Every month has its own gem. Explore the full series:
January - Garnet · February – Amethyst · March – Aquamarine · April – Diamond · May – Emerald · June – Pearl · July – Ruby · August – Peridot · October – Opal · November – Topaz & Citrine · December – Turquoise, Tanzanite & Zircon