The September birthstone, sapphire, is a gemstone steeped in history, symbolism, and enduring beauty. Recognized for its captivating hues – most notably blue – sapphire has adorned royalty, symbolized fidelity, and captivated gem enthusiasts for centuries. This article will explore the available information regarding sapphire, its association with September, and its presence in the jewelry market, based on the provided sources.
History and Lore
The sources primarily focus on sapphire as a modern birthstone, linking it directly to the month of September. While a detailed historical account is absent, the consistent association with birthstone jewelry suggests a long-standing cultural recognition. The mention of sapphire alongside other birthstones – garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, diamond, emerald, pearl, ruby, peridot, opal, topaz, and turquoise – within the context of personalized gifts and additions to outfits indicates its current role in contemporary jewelry traditions. The sources do not delve into ancient beliefs or historical uses beyond its modern categorization as a September birthstone.
Gemological Properties
The provided sources do not contain specific gemological properties of sapphire, such as its chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or crystal structure. They do not detail the various shades of sapphire beyond the general mention of “blue sapphire.” The sources focus solely on its commercial availability and presentation in jewelry.
Market Presence and Retailers
The sources highlight the prominent role of several retailers in offering sapphire jewelry. Zales is frequently mentioned, showcasing sapphire rings, bracelets, and pendants. KAY Jewelers also features prominently, offering garnet and sapphire link bracelets, amethyst and sapphire rings, and other sapphire-adorned pieces. Amazon is listed as a source for sapphire necklaces. Anthropologie offers multi-color semi-precious beaded bracelets that may include sapphire, and Francesca’s offers general jewelry sales.
The price points vary considerably. Amazon Essentials offers a sterling silver created blue sapphire necklace for $19.90 - $20.90, while a KAY Jewelers Le Vian Couture turquoise ring with diamonds and 18K vanilla gold is priced at $3743.25 (originally $5347.50). Zales offers a range of prices, from $90.30 - $129 for a cushion-cut amethyst and lab-created white sapphire frame bolo bracelet to $169 for a pear-shaped lab-created emerald and white sapphire cascading teardrop pendant. KAY Jewelers’ garnet and white lab-created sapphire link bracelet is available for $199.99.
The inclusion of “lab-created” sapphire and white sapphire in several product descriptions indicates the increasing prevalence of these alternatives in the market. Zales Outlet specifically promotes “Lab-Grown Essentials,” suggesting a dedicated section for these gemstones.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources do not provide any information regarding the symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with sapphire. The focus remains strictly on its commercial availability as a birthstone and its aesthetic appeal in jewelry.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not offer any guidance on the care and cleaning of sapphire jewelry. This information is absent from the provided materials.
September Birthstone Offerings
The sources consistently identify sapphire as the birthstone for September. This is reinforced by its repeated listing alongside other monthly birthstones. The availability of a wide range of sapphire jewelry across multiple retailers further solidifies its position as the gemstone associated with this month.
Sales and Promotions
The sources mention several sales and promotions. Francesca’s offers a “Buy One, Get One 50% off” deal on clothing, jewelry, accessories, and gifts. American Eagle Outfitters has a “BOGO denim” promotion, and Aeropostale offers a similar deal on jeans. These promotions, while not specific to sapphire, demonstrate the broader retail landscape in which sapphire jewelry is sold.
Lab-Grown vs. Natural Sapphires
The frequent mention of “lab-created” sapphire alongside natural sapphire highlights a growing trend in the gemstone market. The availability of lab-grown alternatives offers consumers a more affordable option, while still providing the aesthetic appeal of the gemstone. Zales Outlet’s dedicated “Lab-Grown Essentials” section indicates a significant investment in this segment of the market.
Conclusion
Based on the provided sources, sapphire is firmly established as the September birthstone and is widely available through major jewelry retailers like Zales, KAY Jewelers, and Amazon. The market offers a range of price points, including options with lab-created sapphires. While the sources lack detailed historical, gemological, or metaphysical information, they clearly demonstrate sapphire’s current significance as a popular and accessible gemstone for those born in September. The sources primarily focus on the commercial aspects of sapphire, highlighting its availability and pricing within the contemporary jewelry market.