Sapphire jewelry
Handcrafted sapphire necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, made to order in our Colorado studio. Set in sterling silver, 14K gold-fill, and solid 14K gold.
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About sapphire
Sapphire is a a variety of corundum, the same mineral as ruby, with blue color from trace iron and titanium rated 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, Sapphire rates 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond among natural gemstones. For context, a steel nail is roughly 6.5, ruby shares sapphire's 9 rating, and diamond is 10. At 9, sapphire is exceptionally durable and well-suited to everyday wear in any style of jewelry, including rings. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and the stone tolerates ultrasonic cleaning when untreated.. Its color ranges from classically deep blue, but also available in pink, yellow, green, purple, and color-change varieties known collectively as fancy sapphires, with the most prized stones showing even saturation and high clarity.
Sapphire has been treasured for thousands of years, associated with royalty, wisdom, and divine favor across cultures. Kashmir sapphires from the 19th century set the historical quality standard with their velvety cornflower blue. Today fine sapphires come from Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar, Thailand, Australia, and Montana, with each source producing distinct color characteristics. The popularity of sapphire engagement rings, including Princess Diana's iconic piece, has made it one of the most recognizable colored gemstones.
Historically, sapphire has been associated with wisdom, loyalty, and inner truth. In crystal healing and metaphysical traditions, sapphire is associated with the Third Eye and Throat Chakras. It is linked to mental clarity, intuition, and the discipline to live by one's own values. Practitioners often use it as a stone for focused thought and steady commitment, themes that align with September's back-to-school season of renewed purpose.
Sapphire vs london blue topaz
Same color family, different stones. Here's how to choose.
Sapphire
Sapphire and London blue topaz are entirely different mineral families. Sapphire is a variety of corundum and rates 9 on the Mohs hardness scale; London blue topaz is an aluminum fluorosilicate and rates 8. Sapphire's blue color is natural and comes from trace iron and titanium; London blue topaz is treated from colorless topaz with irradiation and heat.
London Blue Topaz
Sapphire is harder, deeper in saturation, and carries cultural weight as a fine gemstone with significantly higher price points. London blue topaz reads in similar deep-blue territory with a slightly greener undertone at a much more accessible cost. If you are deciding between the two for blue-stone jewelry, sapphire is the heirloom investment; London blue topaz is the everyday-wearable alternative with similar visual depth.
Born in September?
Sapphire is the modern birthstone for September September birthstone. For people who follow birthstone jewelry traditions, sapphire makes a lasting gift for anyone born in September. Its deep blue is iconic, the stone is exceptionally durable for daily wear, and the symbolism of wisdom and loyalty makes it as meaningful for engagements and milestones as for birthdays.
See all September birthstones on the September birthstone jewelry hub.
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Made to order in Colorado
Every sapphire piece is handcrafted to order in our Steamboat Springs studio, shipped in about 10 business days, and arrives in eco-friendly gift packaging.
Frequently asked questions
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Is sapphire the birthstone for September?
Yes. Sapphire is the birthstone for September and has held that designation since the 1912 birthstone list. It is also the traditional gemstone gift for the 5th, 45th, and 70th wedding anniversaries. Sapphire is one of four precious gemstones alongside diamond, emerald, and ruby.
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Can you wear sapphire jewelry every day?
Yes. Sapphire scores a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the second hardest natural gemstone after diamond. It resists scratching better than nearly every other colored gemstone and is ideal for daily wear in all jewelry types, including rings. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
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Are most sapphires treated?
Yes. Most sapphires on the market are heat-treated to improve color and clarity. Heat treatment is the industry standard for sapphire, is permanent and stable, and is widely accepted in fine jewelry. Untreated sapphires of fine quality are rarer and command higher prices. At Erin Gallagher Jewelry, we are transparent about all gemstone treatments.
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What is the difference between sapphire and ruby?
Sapphire and ruby are the same mineral: corundum (Mohs 9). The only difference is color. Red corundum is classified as ruby. All other colors of corundum, including blue, pink, yellow, and white, are classified as sapphire. They share identical hardness, crystal structure, and physical properties.
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Do sapphires only come in blue?
No. While blue is the most famous color, sapphires occur in pink, yellow, green, orange, purple, white, black, and colorless varieties known as fancy sapphires. The rare padparadscha sapphire shows a mix of pink and orange. The only color corundum does not produce as sapphire is red, which is classified as ruby.
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What does sapphire symbolize?
Sapphire symbolizes wisdom, truth, loyalty, nobility, and mental clarity. Throughout history it was called the wisdom stone and worn by royalty, judges, and religious leaders. It is connected to the Throat Chakra (communication) and Third Eye Chakra (intuition). Sapphire is associated with the zodiac signs Virgo and Libra.