September's birthstone, the sapphire, has long been favored amongst colored gemstones. Sapphire comes in a true rainbow of colors, but is typically tied to imagery of the beautiful deep coloring found in traditional blue sapphires. Sharing a mineral family with rubies, sapphires are excellent stones for jewelry-making due to their durability (with a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale) and rich color- an excellent choice for pieces being subject to daily wear.
Sapphire has appeared throughout history in the jewelry worn by royalty around the world. The stone has been said to attract wealth, protect the wearer from infidelity and envy, increase strength and health, and encourage peace and harmony. The clergy would often wear sapphires as well due to its symbolic connection to Heaven and blessings. In fact, the ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire, the reflection of which gave the sky its color!
One of the most famous pieces of sapphire jewelry is Princess Diana's engagement ring from Prince Charles, which features a stunning 12ct oval sapphire framed by diamonds. The ring is now worn by Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. 
Sapphire is the traditional stone for September as well as 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries- though to tell the truth, it's one of the most worn stones amongst our staff regardless of their birth month or marital status as it's just that beautiful!