Sapphire | Deep Blue

Sapphire refers to gem varieties of the mineral corundum when it is a color other than red, in which case the gem would instead be a ruby. Trace amounts of other elements such as iron, titanium, or chromium can give corundum blue, yellow, pink, purple, orange, or greenish color. Pink-orange corundum are also sapphires, but are instead called padparadscha.

The striking deep blue of a quality sapphire is reminiscent of a cloudless night sky. Ancient civilizations believed that the world was set upon an enormous sapphire, which painted the sky blue with its reflection. Named after the Greek word "sapphirus", meaning blue, Sapphires have long been a favorite among priests and kings, who considered them symbolic of wisdom and purity. These gemstones are prominent among the British Crown Jewels, and Prince Charles chose this as the engagement stone for his fiancée, Princess Diana.

A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze,
A sapphire on her brow should bind;
To bring her joy and peace of mind.

Get your Birthstone bead! A birthstone (or birthday stone) is a gift of a precious material, that symbolizes the month of birth:

January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Why wear Birthstones? European tradition suggests everyone should always wear their birthstone. For the fullest effect, individuals needed to own an entire set of twelve gemstones and rotate them monthly.