SEPTEMBER: SAPPHIRE

Written by Baroque Rocks

September Birthstone: Sapphire
September’s enviable birthstone is the smouldering Sapphire, one of the world’s most coveted gemstones.  The Sapphire belongs to the Corundum mineral family, sharing illustrious company with its first cousin, the ravishing Ruby. The Sapphire is a technicolour dream that literally comes in every happy hue from canary yellow to ‘catnipping’ candy pink but most notably that covetable cornflower blue!!  It has long been favoured by royalty, making Sapphire one of the most prized and recognisable gemstones in history.  The only corundum we have, is whether one goes for Blue or any other colour of the ‘Sapphiring’ up rainbow!!

For those wishing to dazzle with their glittering gemmological intellect, consider the exquisite Padparadscha Sapphire, a rare orangey-pink variety whose name derives from the Sinhalese word for “lotus flower.” Another remarkable form is the Star Sapphire, which displays a natural optical phenomenon called asterism, where needle-like inclusions reflect light to form a luminous star across the surface of the gemstone.

Healing Properties:
Sapphires have long been regarded as talismanic gemstones, associated with wisdom, clarity and good fortune.  Often known as the stone of wisdom, Sapphire is believed to inspire intellect, encourage love and attract prosperity.  In short: bedeck oneself in Sapphires for brains, love and luck!! Simples!

Potted History & Magical Myths:
Sapphires have been prized throughout history and for centuries been linked to royalty spirituality and romance!  Gods of Ancient Greece and Emperors of Rome were sartorially clad in Sapphires, believing the stone offered protection and divine favour!!!  In medieval Europe, the Church regarded Blue Sapphires as symbols of heaven, and many believed the gemstone brought spiritual blessings.  In short, the Sapphire is all mightily venerated!   The Sapphire’s royal reputation continues to this day — famously exemplified by the British royal sapphire engagement ring, now worn by the Princess of Wales.

There are few notable Sapphires that have been discovered. Among the most celebrated stones is the legendary Star of India Sapphire, one of the largest Star Sapphires ever discovered which was donated by the renowned financier J.P. Morgan to the American Museum of Natural History in 1901!!!  Years later it was the subject an Agatha Christie style heist in 1964!  Thankfully, this literal Rockstar was safely recovered and repatriated to the museum!!  More recently, the enormous Star of Adam Sapphire, discovered in Sri Lanka in 2015, stunned the gem world with an estimated value of $300 million, making it one of the most extraordinary sapphires ever found.

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