September Birthstone: Sapphire Meaning, Colour and Gift Ideas

What is the September Birthstone?

September babies, you were born under the bluest of skies. The September birthstone is sapphire, a gem so deep and velvety blue that the ancient Persians believed the whole earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflection was what painted the sky. Honestly, we can see why they thought so.

This guide is our ode to sapphire as a birthstone: what it means, what colours it comes in, the royals and legends that have fallen for it, and how to find a piece with that same starry blue magic for yourself or for the September soul you are shopping for. You can browse our handmade September birthstone jewellery whenever the mood takes you.

September Birthstone at a Glance

Birthstone	Sapphire (traditional alternative: lapis lazuli)
Colour	Classic deep blue, but sapphire comes in almost every colour except red
Meaning	Wisdom, truth, loyalty and serenity
Chakra	Throat and third eye
Mineral	Corundum, the same mineral as ruby
Found in	Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Madagascar, Kashmir
Mohs hardness	9
Zodiac	Virgo (23 August to 22 September) and Libra (23 September to 22 October)

What Colour is the September Birthstone?

When you picture the September birthstone colour, you are almost certainly picturing blue: that inky, midnight, slightly mysterious blue of a summer night just before the stars come out. Blue sapphire is the classic, and the most prized stones glow with a rich, velvety cornflower blue.

Here is the fun twist, though. Sapphire is a colour chameleon. It comes in pink, yellow, green, purple, white and even a dreamy sunset pink-orange called padparadscha. The only colour it can't be is red, because a red sapphire has its own name: ruby, the birthstone for July.

September Birthstone Meaning

The September birthstone meaning is all about wisdom, truth and loyalty. Sapphire has been the stone of kings, priests and seekers of truth for thousands of years, and it is tied to the throat and third eye chakras: speaking your truth and trusting what you know deep down. Think of it as a calm, clear-headed friend who always tells you the truth, kindly.

It is also a stone of faithfulness, which is why it has been a favourite for engagement rings for centuries. A sapphire says: I'm in it for the long haul. For the full story of its symbolism, wander over to our in-depth guide to blue sapphire meaning and properties.

The History of Sapphire: A Royal Favourite

Sapphire has spent most of its life in very fancy company.

• The ancient Persians believed the sky was blue because the earth sat on an enormous sapphire.
• In ancient Greece, people seeking guidance from the oracle at Delphi are said to have worn sapphire to Apollo's temple.
• Medieval clergy wore sapphires as a symbol of heaven, and kings wore them as protection and a sign of wise rule.
• In 1981 Lady Diana Spencer chose a 12-carat Sri Lankan sapphire for her engagement ring, now worn by the Princess of Wales, and sapphire engagement rings have been swooned over ever since.

Sapphire is one of the four precious gems, alongside diamond, emerald and ruby, and it is the traditional gift for a 45th wedding anniversary.

Why is Sapphire the Birthstone for September?

Sapphire's deep blue has long been linked with the clear, cool skies of early autumn, and with the wisdom and calm reflection of the turning year. When the modern birthstone list was drawn up in 1912, sapphire was named as the September birthstone. Before that, many older lists gave September to lapis lazuli, sapphire's golden-flecked blue cousin in spirit, which is why lapis is still a much-loved traditional alternative today.

Blue Alternatives to Sapphire

Real sapphire is precious and pricey, and if you love that September blue but want something a little different (or a little kinder to the purse), these are some beautiful blue stones to explore.

• Lapis lazuli: the traditional September stone, deep blue with golden flecks like a starry night. Try our lapis lazuli vegan silk necklace, a tiny lapis crescent moon or a small lapis lazuli wolf.
• Sodalite: a deep blue stone of logic and calm communication, with white veining. Browse our sodalite jewellery.
• Blue lace agate: soft, pale and dreamy, for anyone who prefers their blue gentle. Read our blue lace agate guide.

September Birthstones and the Zodiac

September is shared by two signs. Thoughtful, detail-loving Virgo (23 August to 22 September) is a natural match for sapphire's clarity and wisdom. Charming, fair-minded Libra (23 September to 22 October) loves sapphire's calm and its reputation for truth and loyalty. For more star-sign pairings, have a read of our guide to gemstone jewellery for your zodiac sign.

How to Wear and Care for Your September Birthstone

Good news: sapphire is one of the toughest gems on the planet. At 9 on the Mohs scale, only diamond is harder, so it is a brilliant stone for jewellery you want to wear every single day.

• Clean it simply. Warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush or cloth will bring back its sparkle.
• Store it separately. Sapphire is so hard it can scratch softer stones (and they can't scratch it back), so give it its own pouch.
• Be gentle with lapis. If you choose lapis lazuli instead, treat it more softly. It is a much softer stone and doesn't love water or chemicals.

To keep its energy sparkling too, see our guide to cleansing your crystals. A night under the full moon is a lovely ritual for a sapphire.

September Birthstone Jewellery and Gift Ideas

A September birthday arrives with golden light and the first conker on the path, and a birthstone gift carries all that cosy, back-to-the-start-of-things feeling. Here are a few of our favourites.

• Our mini blue sapphire heart necklace is the dreamiest little drop of September blue: a faceted Sri Lankan sapphire heart on recycled sterling silver or 9ct gold. They sell out fast, so snap one up when you see it.
• For a September birthstone necklace you can buy today, our lapis lazuli vegan silk necklace is delicate, deep blue and made for layering.
• Something with a bit of wildness? Meet our hand carved wolf necklaces, including a deep blue lapis lazuli wolf.
• Not sure which they would choose? Browse our gift ideas or let them pick with a gift voucher.

Every piece is cleansed, energy infused, vegan and cruelty free, and 5% of all proceeds go to Pacific Wild to help protect the Great Bear Rainforest.

September Birthstone FAQs

What is the birthstone for September?

The birthstone for September is sapphire. Lapis lazuli is a traditional alternative.

What colour is the September birthstone?

Blue is the classic September birthstone colour, but sapphire also comes in pink, yellow, green, purple and white. The only colour it can't be is red, which is ruby.

What does the September birthstone mean?

Sapphire stands for wisdom, truth, loyalty and serenity. It is linked with the throat and third eye chakras.

Are ruby and sapphire the same stone?

Yes, in a way. Both are the mineral corundum. Red corundum is ruby, and every other colour is sapphire.

What is the birthstone for Virgo and Libra?

Sapphire suits both. It is the birthstone for September-born Virgos and Libras alike.

Can I wear sapphire every day?

Absolutely. Sapphire is a 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond, so it is one of the most durable gems for everyday jewellery.

Is lapis lazuli a September birthstone?

Lapis lazuli is a traditional September birthstone from older lists. Today sapphire is the official stone, but lapis is a beautiful and more affordable alternative.

Explore More Birthstones

Shopping for another month? See every stone in our guide to birthstone jewellery by month, read about August's peridot or October's opal and tourmaline, or lose yourself in our A-Z crystal guide.