Birthstone month: September
Family: Corundum
Color: Sapphires are typically associated with the color blue, but actually come in almost every color
Moh's Hardness: 9
Sapphires come in red (also known as ruby!), pink, purple, yellow, green, and orange, but the color most often associated with sapphire is blue. A deep, saturated blue is the most coveted shade, though there are desirable variations such as the paler Montana sapphire.
The world's most famous sapphire was worn by Princess Diana as an engagement ring. Hers was an oval sapphire, set with numerous delicate prongs and surrounded by a cluster halo of diamonds. Prince William proposed to Kate Middelton with that same ring, and the Duchess now wears it as her own engagement ring.
Because sapphires are a 9 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness (the only harder stone is a diamond!), sapphires make an excellent choice for engagement rings. They're tough gemstones, durable enough to stand up to everyday wear. Thinking about an alternative gemstone for your engagement ring? Consider a sapphire!
xo,
Christine