The September birthstone, both traditional and modern, is the beautiful, blue sapphire. The word sapphire comes from the Greek word for “blue stone”. It is in the corundum family of gemstones. It’s color can vary from the familiar blue. It is also found in pink. If it is seen in red, it is a ruby. The combination of titanium and chromium give the sapphire a color that is distinct from the red ruby.
Most sapphires are made into sapphire jewelry. Found in various rock formations and sediments is the natural way. They can also be manufactured for decorative purposes.
The sapphire is very hard. On occasion it is used in other areas other than ornamental, such as windows, electronics and watch crystals.
Blue is the best known color of sapphires, but they are formed in any color of corundum except the red. They can also be colorless or in various shades of black and gray.
Blue sapphires value is based on the purity of their color, carat weight and clarity. While blue is the most popular they can also be purple, violet and green as second hues. You may find a blue sapphire with hints of purple or green within the blue.
One of the largest quality blue sapphires, 423 carats, is housed in the National Museum of History in D.C. It is quite spectacular.
Sapphires and diamonds look beautiful together and make a perfect combination for engagement rings or anniversary gifts. Princess Diana had a sapphire and diamond engagement ring that was very eye catching.
There are also fancy colored sapphires. Yellow, green and pink are common. The deeper the pink, the higher the value. They also can be in shades of orange and brown. The pink-orange padparadsha sapphire draws a higher price than most of the others. They are found in Sri Lanka, Africa and Vietnam.
Star sapphires show a star phenomenon. That is known as an asterism. The star shape is most noticeable under a direct light. The largest of the star sapphires weighs 733 carats. It is called the “Black Star of Queensland”. The second largest is the famed “Star of India”, which is 563.4 carats.
Sapphires can be treated by several methods. The most common is by heating air to a temperature of at least 500 degrees C. and as high as 1800 degrees C. This will enhance the color of the stone and consequently increase its value. There are other methods but most are not heralded as heating and can cause a person to spend far more on the stone than it is worth.
Whatever your choice of sapphire, be it blue, pink, or one of the other beautiful colors, it will be a stunning addition to your wardrobe or your fiancees hand. A blue star sapphire on a gold or silver chain looks lovely around your neck and is sure to draw attention. Surrounded by diamonds will make the stone even more alluring. A very popular alternative to a plain diamond ring and always a pleasure to receive.
September is one of the few months that has the same stone as a modern day stone as well as the traditional choice.
Let’s celebrate the men. The executives, entrepreneurs, businessmen, and sale people often help our lives in unsung ways. Yet, these husbands, fathers, mentors and teachers have helped improve lives beyond mention.
Sometimes one just wants a 
