September Birthstone Jewellery: Antique & Vintage Sapphire Guide
Last updated: September 2025
Sapphire has been loved for centuries. The gemstone of deep skies, steadfast love and quiet strength. As September’s birthstone, it is a beautiful reason to celebrate this month with jewellery that carries meaning, history and elegance. Whether you are marking a birthday, an anniversary, or simply treating yourself, antique and vintage sapphire pieces offer something modern jewellery cannot. Stories set in gold and silver.
This guide explores the history of sapphires, why they are tied to September, and what to look for when choosing antique and vintage sapphire jewellery.
Table of Contents
- A Brief History of Sapphires
- Symbolism & Meaning
- Sapphires Through the Eras
- Famous Sapphires We Love
- Why Buy Sapphire Jewellery in September?
- Buying Tips for Antique & Vintage Sapphire Jewellery
- FAQs
- You Might Also Like
- Final Thoughts
- About Ps Its Vintage
A Brief History of Sapphires
The word sapphire comes from the Latin sapphirus and Greek sappheiros, meaning “blue stone.” Ancient stories imagined the world resting on a giant sapphire, its reflection giving the sky its colour. Through the Middle Ages, sapphires were chosen by clergy to symbolise heaven and by royalty as talismans of protection and wisdom.
In Europe, sapphires appeared in Georgian and Victorian jewellery, later refined in Edwardian platinum designs and celebrated in the geometric patterns of Art Deco. In modern memory, Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, became a defining jewel of the late 20th century and renewed global love for sapphire clusters.
Love the classic styles from these eras? You can browse period-led rings or explore characterful brooches that echo the look and feel of historic sapphire design.
Symbolism & Meaning
- Wisdom and calm. The scholar’s and seeker’s stone.
- Loyalty and truth. A lasting promise for engagements and anniversaries.
- Protection. Worn to guard against envy and misfortune.
- Prestige. A gemstone associated with monarchs and leaders.
For September birthdays, sapphire is a personal and meaningful choice. For others, it remains a timeless way to say “this is for keeps.” If you prefer a quiet, everyday piece, a simple necklace can be a graceful way to wear the stone close to the heart.
Sapphires Through the Eras
Georgian (1714 to 1837): Rare in jewellery. Closed-back settings with foiling for glow. Hand-cut stones and ornate goldwork.
Victorian (1837 to 1901): Romantic motifs such as hearts, snakes and forget-me-nots. Sapphires in yellow gold with sentimental lockets and brooches.
Edwardian (1901 to 1914): Platinum filigree with bows and garlands. Sapphires paired with diamonds for refined sparkle.
Art Nouveau (1890s to 1910s): Curves, enamel and natural motifs. Sapphires adding depth to organic forms.
Art Deco (1920s to 1930s): Bold geometry, calibre-cut sapphires and crisp diamond contrast. Think stepped halos and target rings.
Mid-century (1940s to 1960s): Cocktail rings, ribbon motifs and yellow-gold designs with larger stones.
Late 20th century: Cluster rings, modernist silver and gold, and designer signatures that remain collectable today.
Exploring this look today can be as simple as choosing a characterful ring or a delicate pendant that captures your favourite era.
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Famous Sapphires We Love
- The Stuart Sapphire. Once part of the English Crown Jewels.
- The Logan Sapphire. A 423 carat blue gem in the Smithsonian.
- Princess Diana’s Ring. The best-known sapphire cluster of the modern era.
- The Star of India. A legendary star sapphire showing rare asterism.
These stones shaped sapphire’s reputation as a graceful and enduring alternative to diamond.
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Why Buy Sapphire Jewellery in September?
- It is the birthstone. A meaningful gift tied to the month.
- Timeless appeal. Sapphires never fall out of fashion.
- Durability. Suitable for daily wear in rings, earrings and bracelets.
- Collectable heritage. Antique sapphire pieces hold character and value.
- Romance and symbolism. Loyalty, truth and wisdom make sapphire an inspired choice.
Ready to see what is new this month? A quick look at New Arrivals can be a helpful place to start.
Buying Tips for Antique & Vintage Sapphire Jewellery
- Read the hallmarks. Date letters and assay marks confirm era and metal. See: How to Read Hallmarks.
- Check the setting. Hand-cut stones, milgrain detail and period clasps are positive signs.
- Expect variety. Antique sapphires range from inky midnight to bright cornflower blue.
- Buy from specialists. Choose sellers with clear photographs and honest condition notes.
- Check the ring size carefully. Vintage rings may sit slightly oval. Use the ring size calculator for conversions.
- Care gently. Sapphires are strong, but antique settings need soft cloth cleaning and careful storage.
FAQs
Is sapphire a good choice for an engagement ring?
Yes. Its durability and symbolism of loyalty make it a romantic and lasting choice. Antique and vintage settings add unique character.
Are all sapphires blue?
No. While blue is classic, sapphire also occurs in pink, yellow, green and other hues known as fancy sapphires.
What makes antique and vintage sapphire jewellery special?
Historic craftsmanship, distinctive cuts and period styles that are rarely reproduced today.
How can I tell if a sapphire is set in antique metalwork?
Look for period hallmarks, hand engraving, milgrain and setting styles typical of each era such as Edwardian filigree or Art Deco shoulders.
Does sapphire need special care?
It is robust. Clean with warm water and mild soap. Store separately to protect antique settings.
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You Might Also Like
- How to Read Hallmarks in Vintage & Secondhand Jewellery
- How to Tell if Vintage Jewellery Is Real
- Antique vs Vintage vs Secondhand: What’s the Difference?
- Why Buying Secondhand Jewellery Is the Most Sustainable Choice
- The Ring Size Calculator
Final Thoughts
Sapphires are graceful, meaningful and enduring. As the September birthstone, they are the perfect way to celebrate this month. A vintage ring with a story, an Art Deco pendant with blue fire, or an Edwardian band that has carried love for a century. Choose the piece that speaks to you and let it become part of your own story.
When you are ready to look closer, a quick browse through New Arrivals or a focused search in rings can be a simple next step.
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About Ps Its Vintage
Ps Its Vintage is independently run and specialises in preloved, vintage and antique jewellery. Every piece is chosen for its character, quality and symbolism, with a focus on hallmarks, makers and meaningful design. Whether you are celebrating a September birthday or building a collection with history, this guide is here to help you choose with confidence.
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