Fun Facts About Sapphire: September's Birthstone

Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is one of the treasured gemstones in the world. Here are some fun facts about this beloved gem!

• Sapphire is September’s birthstone, as well as the 5th and 45th-anniversary gemstone.
• Sapphire ranks as a 9 on the Mohs scale.
• The name “sapphire” comes from the Greek word sappheiros. 
• Kings and queens in ancient Greece and Rome believed the blue sapphires would protect them from harm. 
• During the Middle Ages, blue sapphires were thought to attract the blessings of Heaven. 
• Blue sapphires have long been associated with royalty and romance. 
• Sapphires also traditionally symbolize nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness.
• In the 1990s, the discovery of new sources of fancy color varieties increased the availability of yellow, orange, pink, and purple sapphire. These discoveries also led to fancy sapphires to be widely recognized.
• The most famous engagement ring in the world, Princess Diana’s ring (now worn by Princess Kate), features a beautiful blue sapphire.
• Padparadscha sapphire is an incredibly rare and collectible variety of sapphire. It is a mix of pink and orange hues. 
• Sapphire’s value is most influenced by its color. Blue sapphires are most valuable when they are velvety to violetish blue in medium tones.
• The most expensive blue sapphire in the world is the Blue Belle of Asia. In 2014, it sold for $17,305,996!