Sapphire Meaning and Healing Properties (2025)
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS--
No one celebrating in September should be feeling the blues about this month’s beautiful birthstone, sapphire. Symbolically, sapphire has been associated with wisdom, learning, and intellectual power making it a popular choice for engagement ring and gemstone enthusiasts seeking to evoke feelings of serenity and calmness. A rich and treasured gem, sapphire is a remarkable stone well-suited to every special occasion this month.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- About Sapphire
- The Symbolic Significance of Sapphires: A Breakdown of Meanings
- Sapphire Meaning
- Wisdom and Knowledge
- Protection and Security
- Loyalty and Fidelity
- Sapphire Symbolism
- Sapphire Rings and Jewelry
- Other September Birthstones
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a Sapphire Ring Right For Me?
About Sapphire
Sapphire is a form of the mineral corundum, a type of aluminum oxide. Minerals present in the crystal lattice give the stone its signature vivid blue color, and different minerals, such as titanium, iron, vanadium, copper, magnesium, and chromium, can create different colors of sapphires depending on the amount of each that is present. These stones can be yellow, orange, purple, green, brown, gray, black, or colorless. The richest blue with a hint of purple tones is the most valued sapphire color, but sapphires cannot be one color — red. The red form of corundum is designated as ruby, though pink shades may be classified as either rubies or sapphires depending on the strength of the color and where the stone was mined.
Sapphires are mined worldwide, with notable mines found in Australia, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Nepal, Kenya, India, Colombia, Afghanistan, Madagascar, and Malawi. In the United States, sapphires are mined in Montana and North Carolina.
The Symbolic Significance of Sapphires: A Breakdown of Meanings
This graph visually represents the deep symbolic meanings of sapphires, covering aspects such as wisdom, protection, loyalty, and spiritual insight. By breaking down these key associations, the graph provides a clear understanding of why sapphires have been cherished for centuries, making them an enduring choice for engagement rings and jewelry.
| Aspect | Symbolism | Explanation |
|---|
| Wisdom & Knowledge | Enhances intellectual clarity and promotes learning. | Sapphires are believed to sharpen the mind and increase understanding, making them symbols of wisdom. |
| Protection & Security | Guards against negative energies and harm. | Historically, sapphires were worn as amulets to protect against envy, evil, and misfortune. |
| Loyalty & Fidelity | Represents steadfastness and faithfulness in relationships. | Commonly used in engagement rings, sapphires symbolize a loyal and enduring bond between partners. |
| Spiritual Insight | Connects with divine favor and spiritual growth. | The deep blue color of sapphires has been associated with the heavens and divine protection. |
| Peace & Calm | Promotes serenity and alleviates depression. | Sapphires are thought to bring inner peace, calm the mind, and help alleviate feelings of sadness. |
| Nobility & Purity | Represents purity, truth, and sincerity. | Often worn by royalty, sapphires symbolize noble qualities and are believed to inspire honesty. |
Sapphire Meaning
Sapphire, a gemstone revered for its stunning beauty and deep symbolism, carries a wealth of meanings that have captivated cultures throughout history.
• Wisdom and Knowledge
Sapphires are often linked to wisdom and intellectual clarity. They are believed to enhance mental sharpness and promote learning.
• Protection and Security
Historically, sapphires were worn as protective amulets, thought to guard against negative energies, envy, and harm. They were believed to attract divine favor and provide a shield against misfortune.
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• Loyalty and Fidelity
Sapphires symbolize loyalty, faithfulness, and trust. They are frequently chosen for engagement rings and wedding jewelry to represent a steadfast and enduring bond between partners.
Sapphire Symbolism
Sapphires have served many symbolic roles for millennia, and because of their celestial blue color, have often been associated with providing divine favor or showing a connection to heaven for religious officials. The stones are also symbolic of truth, sincerity, faithfulness, purity, loyalty, and honesty, making sapphire engagement rings and ideal choice to enhance those qualities. The stones have been worn by nobility, and are believed to promote peace, protect against envy, alleviate depression, and guard one’s chastity. Some beliefs have also attributed sapphires with the power to help focus the mind and improve self-discipline.
In addition to being the September birthstone, sapphire is the symbolic gemstone for the fifth and forty-fifth wedding anniversaries, as well as an alternate stone to celebrate the tenth anniversary.
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Sapphire Rings and Jewelry
Because sapphire is the third-hardest natural gemstone (behind only diamond and moissanite), it is durable and suitable for wear in a variety of settings and styles. Sapphires have been set in jewelry, particularly amulets, since the times of ancient Rome and Greece, and both priests and royalty have worn these precious gemstones.
Today, sapphire is widespread in all sorts of jewelry, from rings and earrings to bracelets, pendants, and brooches. The stone is often set with diamonds for greater sparkle and contrast, and may be set in either yellow gold or white gold, as well as platinum. Halo and floral designs are especially popular with sapphires, and this is a prominent stone in many Art Deco rings as well as Victorian and Edwardian pieces, all of which are part of eras where bold colors flourished in jewelry.
Other September Birthstones
While sapphire is a versatile gem for many styles and tastes, it may not appeal to everyone. If you want to celebrate a September birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion or significant event but sapphire isn’t quite right, there are several alternative gemstones associated with this month. Moonstone, agate, jade, and lapis lazuli have all been symbolic September stones, and the ancient Hindu calendar honors zircon at this time of year. Peridot is also a symbolic September gem in Russian, Hebrew, and Arabic cultures. You can also choose stones associated with the Zodiac symbols for September, including carnelian for Virgo (August 24 through September 22) and chrysolite for Libra (September 23 through October 23).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of a sapphire?
Sapphire is traditionally associated with wisdom, nobility, and divine favor. It’s believed to bring protection, good fortune, and spiritual insight to those who wear it.
What are the healing properties of a sapphire?
Sapphire is thought to have calming effects, helping to reduce stress and promote mental clarity. It’s also believed to aid in healing the eyes, improving focus, and bringing peace of mind.
Can sapphires be used in meditation or spiritual practices?
Yes, sapphire is often used in meditation to enhance spiritual growth and deepen one’s connection to the divine. It’s considered a powerful stone for opening the third eye and throat chakras. Sapphire is also the birthstone for September. It symbolizes purity, wisdom, and faithfulness, making it a meaningful gift for those born in this month.
Our Top Sapphire Engagement Ring Pick
When selecting a sapphire ring, consider the quality and color of the sapphire, as well as the ring's design and era, to ensure it reflects your personal style and flair. Here’s our top pick:
• Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond & Sapphire Engagement Ring
This spectacular authentic antique engagement ring, circa 1920s, features a bezel-set 0.20-carat old mine cut diamond of J color and SI1 clarity, surrounded by eight natural baguette sapphires and twenty-four old mine cut diamonds. Beautifully crafted in platinum and 18 kt yellow gold.
Is a Sapphire Ring Right For Me?
Sapphire is a stunning, bold gem, ideal for commemorating September events or celebrating any day of the month. With variations in color and widespread use in different eras and styles, you’re sure to find a sapphire piece you love in our complete sapphire collection, or choose from our fine loose sapphires to create your own amazing piece of sapphire jewelry you’ll love not only in September, but all year long.
Antique Engagement Rings For Everyone:
No matter which gemstone is your favorite, these time-honored gemstones have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations. If you’re looking for a unique engagement ring that tells the world that you’re passionately in love, a vintage garnet ring is a stunning choice. Find your dream ring today!
Find The Perfect Antique Engagement Ring:
Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you're looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of Sapphire Engagement Rings today!
Suzanne Sachs
Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you — your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.
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