Hello September! Autumn is almost here.
September’s Birthstone is
Sapphire – “The Celestial Stone”
Bring Brilliance & Blessings
Sapphire is a stone that is dear to my heart. Not only is one of my favorite gemstones for its incredibly rich blue color, it has such an incredible history and symbolism. It is the birthstone of September, a stone of Virgo, chastity and heaven. Many of my friends and family are September babies, including an aunt, cousin, many good friends, best friend, and even my husband! It's the stones on my engagement ring, and the stone Prince Charles gifted Princess Diana with their engagement ring! It's a symbol of love, divinity, and heaven. It's a stone of love, and Lore.
Lore & Legend abound for this sky-colored “Celestial Stone”. Sapphires have been prized since early civilizations, dating back to at least 800 B.C. It's name is derived from the Greek word “sapheiros,” and the Latin word “saphirus”, meaning blue. The name sapphire is also believed to be derived from the planet Saturn, and Sapphire is translated as “dear to the planet Saturn” in many different languages. Saturn, interestingly, was the Roman god (also known as the Greek God, Cronus) of 'generation, dissolution, plenty, wealth, agriculture, periodic renewal, time, and liberation'.1 Cronus/Saturn was the father of the main gods of Olympus, including Zeus/Jupiter, the ancient mythological King of Gods!
In ancient Greece, Sapphire was considered a god stone, as it was known to be Apollo’s chosen stone, as well as Saturn's stone. 'The Greeks wore it for wisdom at Delphi when seeking answers from the Oracle at Apollo’s Shrine'.3
In many ancient civilizations, it was believed that Sapphire was divine, a stone of heaven, for its rich blue (sky) color. In ancient Persia, the sapphire was believed to have painted the sky blue through its reflection. In many ancient religions, the sapphire represented the heavens for its mesmerizing blue color.
For centuries, sacred Sapphire has been a 'symbol of the heavens, a guardian of innocence, a bestowal of truth, a promoter of good health, and a preserver of chastity'.2 Sapphire was most popular in the middle ages as a protective talisman against harm, envy and unfaithfulness. It was worn by priests for chastity, Kings of old wore it for protection, insight, as powerful defense, and to attract the favor of the divine. Wives whose husbands went off to war, were given or were prone to wearing Sapphire jewels to keep them 'faithful' to their husbands. Buddhists believed Sapphire increased devotion and spiritual enlightenment. Hindus considered Sapphire as one of the “great gems” and used it in worship.
Today, Sapphire is a Stone of Wisdom, of faithful love and divinity.
Sapphire is also the traditional wedding anniversary gift of the 45th and 65th anniversaries.
Above-all, the deeply regal stone represents the purity of the soul, making it the perfect fit for the modest and pure September-born Virgo, “The Virgin”.