The Mogok area of Myanmar is another locale famed for producing the September birthstone. Production has been sporadic since then, but auction houses occasionally sell fine pieces of Kashmir sapphire jewelry. The stones faceted from these crystals established Kashmir sapphire’s reputation as one of the world’s most coveted gems. From 1882 to 1887, thousands of large, beautiful crystals were recovered. As the spectacular sapphires began to appear farther south, the Maharaja of Kashmir – and his army – took control of the new locality. Sapphires were discovered in Kashmir around 1881 when a landslide high in the Himalayas exposed a large pocket of velvety “cornflower” blue crystals. Significant quantities of the September birthstone have also been found in Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar and the United States (Montana), among other countries in Asia and Africa. Kashmir, Myanmar (formerly Burma) and Sri Lanka are three historically important sources for the September birthstone. Perhaps the best-known sapphire in recent years is the 12 ct blue gem surrounded by diamonds in the sapphire engagement ring first worn by Princess Diana and then given by her son to Kate Middleton, now Duchess of Cambridge. The sapphire was first set as a brooch and later as a ring featuring two cut-cornered triangular diamond side stones. (1874–1960) from an Indian maharaja, the gem was recut and remounted over the years. Acquired in 1934 by financier and philanthropist John D. The sapphire birthstone was also thought to be an antidote to poison.įamous sapphires include the Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02 carat (ct) rectangular step cut stone that was unearthed in Myanmar (Burma). Medieval Europeans believed that sapphire cured plague boils and diseases of the eye. The September birthstone was reputed to have healing powers as well. Ancient Persians believed the earth actually rested on a giant sapphire, which made the sky blue. Clerics of the Middle Ages wore sapphires because they symbolized Heaven. The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed that blue sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy. For countless centuries, sapphire has adorned royalty and the robes of the clergy.

The September birthstone has traditionally symbolized sincerity, truth, faithfulness and nobility. Comprehensive CAD/CAM For Jewelry Certificate

September sapphire birthstone