Alright, let's shimmy our way from the sunny, zest-filled realm of August's peridot into the cool, mysterious vibe of September's VIP guest: the sapphire. This gem isn't just showing up to the party; it's arriving with a swish of royal blue elegance, making the room go "ooh" and "aah" as it passes by. Born in September? This gem's got your back, promising to keep you looking classy while nudging you to embrace your inner sage. So, grab your diving gear, and let's plunge into the intriguing, sparkling depths of the sapphire's world.

ANCIENT BELIEFS ABOUT SAPPHIRE

In ancient times, sapphires were the world's equivalent of a Swiss army knife. Part divine hotline, part protective amulet, and all parts sparkling, stunning fashion (naturally). Persians believed the earth was perched on a giant sapphire, hence why the sky was blue, and in Ancient Greece and Rome, royalty believed that wearing sapphire would protect them from harm and envy. Guess, Caesar didn't get that memo though, huh?

During the Middle Ages, members of the cloth would rock blue sapphire to represent Heaven and associated the heavenly blue hue of the sapphire with something that could bestow blessings onto its wearer. Talk about phoning it in.

SAPPHIRE VS LAPIS LAZULI

Here's a surprising twist. While many people throughout history believed they were flaunting sapphire they were actually wearing lapis lazuli. But what is this rock and how did it get mistaken for sapphire? What's more, how do you not follow the ancient's footsteps and know, for sure, what you're wearing is sapphire?

WHAT IS A SAPPHIRE?

The first step in understanding the difference between sapphire and lapis lazuli is to know exactly what sapphire is—basically, it’s the cool nerd of the gem world. Technically speaking, sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, and it's all about that aluminum oxide (Al2O3) with traces of elements like iron, titanium, chromium, copper, or magnesium, which give it its iconic blue shades and pretty much every other color of the rainbow.

This gem is tougher than a math quiz on Monday morning, scoring a solid 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness—only a notch below diamond, which is basically saying, "I’m pretty much invincible."

WHAT IS LAPIS LAZULI?

Lapis lazuli, on the other hand, is the bohemian rebel of the gem world. Unlike its sophisticated cousin sapphire, lapis lazuli is more of a rock band than a solo artist. This azure stunner is not a single mineral but a mixtape of lazurite, calcite, pyrite, and other minerals that give it that signature denim to deep royal blue, speckled with golden flecks like stars in a twilight sky.

Think of lapis lazuli as the jeans and t-shirt to sapphire's ball gown. It's been the go-to accessory for adding a pop of color and a dash of cool since ancient times, keeping things chill in the jewelry boxes of pharaohs and emperors alike.

On the Mohs scale of hardness, lapis lazuli plays it cool at a 5 to 5.5, which means it's still pretty sturdy but prefers to avoid the mosh pit. This gem embodies the spirit of the artist, the dreamer, and the adventurer—always ready to make a statement or inspire the next masterpiece.

HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAPPHIRE AND LAPIS LAZULI

First off, let's talk color. Sapphires come in a rich, consistent blue, a blue so deep it could write novels about heartbreak. Meanwhile, lapis lazuli rocks a more casual vibe, with its denim-to-navy palette that’s all jazzed up with pyrite, the gem world's version of glitter, which gives it a spangly look. No pyrite, no party, that's the lapis lazuli way.

Next, the feel of the deal—hardness, that is. Remember, sapphire is tough. Scratches? It laughs in the face of scratches. Try dragging your finger across it, and it’s like sliding over smartphone glass—smooth and unyielding. Lapis, though, is softer, more Bohemian, like it wouldn't mind a few scrapes because each one is a story.

Weight-wise, sapphire is denser than a philosophy book; it's got heft. Lift a chunk of lapis lazuli, and it's like picking up a loaf of artisan bread—not too heavy, not too light. Just right.

Lastly, and no less important, the price tag. A genuine sapphire can make your wallet weep, high-end, haute couture prices all the way. Lapis lazuli, while still a catch, won’t have you eating instant noodles for a month. When in doubt, shop for your sapphire with trusted jewelers who are open about souring and the quality of their gems (you know, like Olivia Ewing Jewelry) and you can’t go wrong.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SAPPHIRE?

The world of sapphire is deep and varied, a testament to nature’s ability to play with a palette. From the wilds of Montana to the show-stopping allure of star sapphires, each type invites you to a unique slice of the gem world, proving that when it comes to sapphires, there's a whole universe waiting to be explored. In fact, the types we cover below are just a few of our favorites.

MONTANA SAPPHIRES

The Americana of the gem world. These beauties hail from the Treasure State, and like the wide-open skies of Montana, they span a range of colors from steely blue to glistening teal. They’re the laid-back, jeans-and-a-cozy-flannel kind of gems.

SHOP MONTANA SAPPHIRES

PADPARADSCHA SAPPHIRES

With a name coming from the Sinhalese word for "aquatic lotus blossom," evoking images of tropical flowers and warm, serene sunsets. Padparadscha sapphires are rare beauties- unique and highly sought after, like finding a designer dress at a thrift store for a fraction of the price.

PARTI COLOR SAPPHIRES

These gems are the life of the party, flaunting two or more colors in a single stone. It's like they couldn't decide what to wear, so they wore everything. Want a sapphire that's blue and yellow? Pink and green? Parti sapphires have got you covered with their vibrant, mood-boosting hues.

SHOP PARTI COLOR SAPPHIRES

STAR SAPPHIRES

These are the celebrities of sapphire society, showing off their asterism like it’s a luxury accessory. Turn these stones under a light, and bam, a star appears, thanks to tiny, needle-like inclusions. They're like the rock stars with their own natural spotlight.

SHOP STAR SAPPHIRES

MODERN SPIRITUAL BELIEFS ABOUT SAPPHIRE

Think of sapphires as the celestial navigation system for the soul, leading the way to mental clarity, spiritual insight, and the kind of inner peace so real you could almost spread it on toast. They’re said to open the third eye, giving you the ability to peek into the future—no crystal ball required. Plus, they’re kind of like the mental Marie Kondo, supposedly clearing out mental clutter and soothing the mind faster than you can say “spark joy.” In a modern spiritual sense, these gems are like your personal life coach, whispering cosmic wisdom and guiding you towards enlightenment, one shimmering facet at a time.

READY TO FIND YOUR SEPTEMBER BIRTHSTONE?

We can help. Easily build your own engagement ring by selecting a gemstone and setting that speaks to your soul. Or, reach out to us directly and customize your ring from the ground up. With Olivia Ewing Jewelry, the sky's the limit. We can help you find the perfect peridot engagement ring. Whether you’re looking for a classic solitaire or something more modern. Whatever it is, let your heart skip a beat with perfect sapphire jewelry from Olivia Ewing Jewelry.

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Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing