September's Birthstone is Sapphire
The noble Sapphire is said to be a symbol of serenity and health. Sapphire is the blue variety of corundum; known as the "Gem of Autumn". It was regarded as powerful talisman of faith and good fortune.Colour: Sapphire comes in all colours except red, but is especially popular in deep blue. Fancy coloured sapphires - including pink, green, orange and golden yellow are magnificent when combined in a necklace or bracelet.
History: In the Orient, kings wore sapphires around their necks as defence from harm and it was thought that merely looking upon this stone would bring luck. Ancient priests and sorcerers honoured sapphire above all gems, for it enabled them to interpret oracles and foretell the future. Ancients believed the Ten Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet. Marriage partners put great faith in the stone. If its lustre dimmed, one knew ones spouse had been unfaithful. Sapphire refused to shine when worn by the wicked or impure. Though sapphire grows in the ground like most gemstones, it is often washed down into riverbeds where its bright blue colour would easily catch the eye of ancient treasure hunters. Prince Charles chose a blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds for Princess Diana's engagement ring and this ring has now been famously passed to the Duchess of Cambridge.
Found in: Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), Kashmir, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China and USA.