The September birthstone, the sapphire, is a gemstone steeped in history and symbolism. Representing purity, wisdom, and protection, sapphires have been prized for centuries and continue to be a popular choice for jewelry, particularly rings. Traditionally associated with royalty and faith, the sapphire’s enduring appeal lies in its rich blue hues and perceived protective qualities. This article will explore the history, characteristics, and significance of the sapphire, focusing on its use in men’s rings and the considerations for acquiring and caring for this precious gem.
History and Lore
The sapphire’s history is interwoven with tales of protection and divine favor. Sources indicate the sapphire symbolizes purity and wisdom, and is believed to offer protection to loved ones from envy and harm. While the provided materials do not detail the stone’s ancient origins extensively, the consistent emphasis on its protective qualities suggests a long-held belief in its power. The sapphire’s association with September as a birthstone is a more modern convention, though the stone’s historical significance undoubtedly contributed to its selection.
The materials highlight the sapphire’s contemporary role as a symbol of “eternal love and commitment,” particularly within the context of bespoke rings crafted by TMC Fine Jewellers. This modern interpretation builds upon the stone’s historical associations with fidelity and constancy. Saslow’s & Henebry’s Diamond Jewelers also benefit from positive customer testimonials, indicating a strong reputation for customer service and assisting clients in finding meaningful pieces, including those for significant anniversaries.
Gemological Properties
The provided sources offer limited detail regarding the gemological properties of sapphires beyond their color. The rings described are crafted with a “brilliant blue sapphire gemstone,” indicating that blue is the most commonly recognized and desired color. TMC Fine Jewellers also offers champagne and colored moissanite, but focuses on a “D – Colourless” moissanite as the most diamond-like option. This suggests a preference for clarity and brilliance in gemstones.
The materials do not specify the chemical composition, hardness, or refractive index of sapphires. However, they do discuss carat weight, explaining that “carat refers to the weight of a diamond” and that “moissanite and diamonds don’t weight the same, so we place emphasis on the phrase carat equivalent.” This indicates that when purchasing a sapphire (or moissanite) ring, the visual appearance of the stone on the hand is prioritized over its actual weight.
The rings described are set in sterling silver with platinum plating, chosen for its durability and radiant finish. The platinum plating, however, prevents traditional resizing methods, necessitating custom orders to ensure a perfect fit. This highlights the importance of accurate sizing when purchasing these rings.
A table summarizing ring sizes is provided:
| INSIDE DIAMETER (mm) | AUS / UK / NZ | US & CANADA |
|---|---|---|
| 13.94 | F | 3 |
| 14.14 | F 1/2 | 3.25 |
| 14.34 | G | 3.5 |
| 14.54 | G 1/2 | 3.75 |
| 14.74 | H | 4 |
| 14.94 | H 1/2 | 4.25 |
| 15.14 | I | 4.5 |
| 15.34 | I 1/2 | 4.66 |
| 15.54 | J | 4.75 |
| 15.74 | J 1/2 | 5 |
| 15.94 | K | 5.25 |
| 16.14 | K 1/2 | 5.5 |
| 16.32 | L | 5.75 |
| 16.52 | L 1/2 | 6 |
| 16.72 | M | 6.25 |
| 16.92 | M 1/2 | 6.5 |
| 17.12 | N | 6.75 |
| 17.32 | N 1/2 | 7 |
| 17.52 | O | 7.25 |
| 17.72 | O 1/2 | 7.5 |
| 17.92 | P | 7.75 |
| 18.12 | P 1/2 | 8 |
| 18.32 | Q | 8.25 |
| 18.52 | Q 1/2 | 8.5 |
| 18.72 | R | 8.75 |
| 18.92 | R 1/2 | 9 |
| 19.12 | S | 9.25 |
| 19.32 | S 1/2 | 9.5 |
| 19.52 | T | 9.75 |
| 19.72 | T 1/2 | 10 |
| 19.92 | U | 10.25 |
| 20.10 | U 1/2 | 10.5 |
| 20.30 | V | 10.75 |
| 20.50 | V 1/2 | 11 |
| 20.70 | W | 11.25 |
| 20.90 | W 1/2 | 11.5 |
| 21.10 | X | 11.75 |
| 21.30 | X 1/2 | 12 |
| 21.50 | Y | 12.25 |
| 21.70 | Z | 12.50 |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
As previously mentioned, the sapphire is associated with purity, wisdom, and protection. The materials specifically state that the gemstone is “known for its calming and soothing properties, symbolizing love and affection.” While the sources do not elaborate on other metaphysical beliefs surrounding sapphires, the consistent emphasis on positive attributes suggests a long-standing tradition of attributing beneficial qualities to the stone. The association with royalty and faith, though not explicitly detailed, likely contributes to its perceived power and prestige.
Care and Cleaning
The provided materials do not offer specific instructions for sapphire care and cleaning. However, the mention of platinum plating over sterling silver suggests that the rings require careful handling to maintain the plating’s integrity. The inability to resize the rings through traditional methods further emphasizes the need for preventative care to avoid damage. General recommendations for sterling silver jewelry, such as avoiding harsh chemicals and storing the ring in a soft pouch, would likely apply.
Conclusion
The September birthstone, the sapphire, remains a captivating gemstone with a rich history and enduring appeal. Representing purity, wisdom, and protection, the sapphire is a fitting symbol for those born in September and a beautiful choice for anyone seeking a gemstone with both aesthetic and symbolic value. The rings described in the provided materials offer a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, utilizing durable materials and emphasizing the visual impact of the gemstone. While the sources offer limited technical details, they consistently highlight the sapphire’s positive attributes and its significance as a symbol of love, commitment, and enduring beauty.