September Birthstone

September Birthstone - Sapphire

The birthstone for September, sapphire has been used in jewelry for centuries. In traditional times, lapis was also linked to this month, but in 1912 the American National Association of Jewelers came up with a standardized list of birthstones and named sapphire as the birthstone for September.

The Sapphire birthstone is any gemstone-quality corundum. (The red variety of corundum is also known as ruby.) When color is not specified, sapphire refers to the blue variety. Pink, yellow, green, white, and parti-color (multi-coloured) sapphires are often valued less than the blue variety of the same quality and size. However a pink-orange sapphire, called a Padparacha or Padparadja, is highly prized and would make a wonderful and unusual birthstone gift for one born in September.

If you are looking for a meaningful birthstone gift for someone born in September, but cannot afford a sapphire then be aware that gem quality sapphires can be easily and cheaply produced in the laboratory. The chemical compositions and physical properties are identical to the natural sapphires. The tell-tale sign of synthetic sapphires is the crystalline growth lines which are usually curved due to the pulling during the accelerated crystal growth process. Thus, you may be able to get a birthstone that looks as good as the real thing for a fraction of the price.

Aside from having the distinction of being the birthstone associated with September, The Logan sapphire is one of the largest blue sapphire gems known. It weighs 423 carats (84.6 g) and Lady Diana Spencer's engagement ring from Charles, Prince of Wales was a sapphire ring.

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