September has one of the most iconic birthstones in the jewelry world: sapphires.
Richly colored precious stones, sapphires are loved around the world for their striking color and meaningful symbolism. For over 2,000 years sapphires were believed to ward off envy and bad intentions, while symbolizing divine protection, good health, and faithfulness. Vibrant and full of meaning, these stones feel perfectly suited for the two zodiac signs of September: the loyal Virgos and diplomatic Libras.
Sapphires are a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the most durable stones behind diamonds. Sapphires have high chemical stability, which means they are safe when exposed to light, heat, and household products. The durability of a sapphire makes the stone an excellent choice for engagement rings or everyday statement pieces.
To find your next staple piece or a timeless sapphire engagement ring, browse our full selection of sapphire rings here.
WHERE IN THE WORLD DO SAPPHIRES COME FROM?
Sapphires are exceptional stones that naturally develop their color and saturation based on the chemical conditions of the landscape. While all sapphires share the same remarkable mineral foundation, where a sapphire comes from will define its character.
From Montana’s natural pastel hues to Sri Lanka’s luminous blues, here’s a look at the four regions known for the highest quality and ethically sourced sapphires.
Australian Sapphires
Australia is well known for ethical and responsibly sourced sapphires. Famous for their deep blues, rich greens and striking bi-color tones thanks to a higher iron content. Australia also yields striking “parti-sapphires,” known for a mix of blue, green and yellow in a single stone.
Unique Australian sapphires from our collection: The Lattice Sapphire necklace by Rebecca Overmann showcases the beauty of bi-color Australian stones, reflecting an array of blue, yellow and green tones in each stone.
Sri Lankan Sapphires
One of the original and leading sources of ethical sapphires, Sri Lanka is known for responsible, small-scale mining. These stones are celebrated for their brilliance and extraordinary range. Alongside luminous blues, the island produces a rainbow of pinks, yellows, purples, and other fancy colored sapphires.
Unique Sri Lankan sapphires from our collection: WWAKE often features ethically-sourced Sri Lankan sapphires in their collection, selecting the most unique colorways for their artisanal pieces. For the Emerald & Baguette Blue Sapphire Dyad ring, two exquisite periwinkle sapphires are set in a band of recycled gold.
Madagascar Sapphires
Gem fields were discovered in Madagascar in the 90s, and the country has quickly become a leading source for sapphires. Ranging from vivid blues and teals to pinks, yellows and purples, Madagascar is a treasure trove for color-loving collectors.
Unique Madagascar sapphires in our collection: The deep blue-green hues of a Madagascar sapphire shine beautifully in the pear-shaped Selene Sapphire Mojave ring by Lauren Wolf.
Montana Sapphires
Mined in the American West, Montana sapphires are rare and highly sought after natural stones that are almost always unheated. Ethical and responsibly sourced, Montana is known for its strict environmental regulations and mining processes. Yielding a more understated palette of steely and pastel hues, Montana sapphires come in a range of denim blue, teal, yellow and orange hues, as well as unique bi-color stones.
Unique unheated Montana sapphires from our collection: Our Kaleidoscope Sapphire Martini studs are an ESQUELETO signature set of earrings that feature unique Montana sapphires that combine crystal blue and fiery gold undertones.
SOURCING UNIQUE ETHICAL SAPPHIRES
Each of the jewelry artists we work with at ESQUELETO is committed to ethical and responsible sourcing of sapphires, sometimes even traveling personally to particular regions to hand-select their stones.
For our in-house collection and our line of ESQUELETO Essentials, we work directly with responsible mines in Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Montana, selecting ethical sapphires that meet our standards for quality and merit.
Our material and stone sourcing philosophy:
- Prioritizing fair-mined gold, recycled gold, and ethically sourced gold
- Ethical gemstone sourcing with traceable practices
- Recycled antique and vintage stones as a sustainable choice
THE COLORFUL GEMSTONE TREND
2026 has brought a shift towards wearing colorful stones as fine jewelry lovers seek out more unique pieces for their collections. Sapphires of all colors have been front and centre for this trend thanks in part to their color variety.
Best known for its rich blue hue, the classic blue sapphire is a favorite choice for September babies. A deep blue stone paired with a contemporary setting is a great way to update your look. We love how Susannah King pairs bold sapphires with topaz in her sculptural Velvet Ring. For something unexpected, we love the sky blue Montana sapphire in the Tideworn Cluster Ring by Johnny Ninos.
Though we often think about a sapphire as a deep blue stone, not all sapphires are blue. In fact, the September birthstone naturally occurs in a wide variety of rainbow hues.
A SPOTLIGHT ON FANCY SAPPHIRES
If you’re looking for a sapphire that defies convention, a colorful sapphire (also known as a fancy sapphire) is a chance to wear a stone that feels distinctive and completely you. We source a spectrum of sapphires in every color you can imagine – from aquatic greens to floral pinks. For those who like their classics with a twist, here are some striking examples of colorful sapphires from our collection.
Green sapphire: The beauty of aquatic green-blue Australian sapphires come together in this stunning La Mer Aussie Sapphire Band by Rebecca Overmann. For a show-stopping piece, we love the way a large green sapphire looks as the centerpiece of Lauren Wolf’s Empress Teal Sapphire & Diamond Ring.
Pink sapphire: A solitaire setting is a great way to let a special sapphire shine, like Lauren Wolf’s Coral Horizon Ring which features a gorgeous pink sapphire. We also love the way Susannah King showcases pink sapphires in her sculptural Sequin Ring.
Orange sapphire: Love a darker, moody stone? We love the Dark Maroon Sapphire Ring by Lauren Wolf, which features a unique deep orange sapphire in her signature prong setting.
Yellow sapphire: A striking, large yellow sapphire is the star of the Eyes of Athena Ring by Lauren Wolf. Flanked by two diamonds, it’s a show-stopper.
Pastel sapphires: The natural beauty of pastel-hued sapphires is best showcased in our limited edition Watercolor Sapphire Prism Bar Ring by Lauren Wolf.
Bi-color sapphires: Famously found in Australia and Montana, bi-color sapphires feel almost alive with color. Striking bi-color Australian sapphires hang elegantly between reclaimed diamonds in The Consultant Earrings by Rebecca Overmann.
CUSTOM PROJECTS: SELECTING YOUR SAPPHIRE
When sourcing the perfect stone for a project, we remain transparent and encourage client feedback and participation throughout the process. We are happy to source whatever type of sapphire you desire, whether that’s a beautiful bi-color Australian stone or a traditional deep blue sapphire from Madagascar. Our long-standing connections within the industry will assure that you'll have access to the world’s most unique and beautiful stones.
Do you have a sapphire that is begging for a fresh new design? We often work with clients who seek to repurpose their own sapphires, whether it’s an heirloom stone or from an outdated piece of jewelry. Contact our team if you have a sapphire you want reimagined.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are sapphires good for everyday wear?
Yes. Sapphires are durable gemstones that are an excellent choice for everyday wear, whether that’s an engagement ring or other fine jewelry you want to live in and enjoy.
Are sapphires in style for 2026?
Yes, we’re seeing a big shift towards colorful stones, and that includes sapphires! Thanks to color variety and ethical sourcing, sapphires have become popular alternatives or additions to traditional diamonds for fine jewelry pieces. A shift towards colorful engagement rings has also put sapphires front and centre as a popular choice for 2026.
How should you care for sapphire jewelry?
Sapphire jewelry can generally be cleaned with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. We also recommend taking your fine jewelry in for professional cleaning and inspection regularly.
What’s the difference between natural, unheated sapphires and heated sapphires? Is one better than the other?
An unheated sapphire will often have a more organic looking, unique color, increasing its rarity and collectibility. A heated sapphire has been treated to improve the durability of the stone and enhance its hues. Many choose a heated sapphire because they want a richly saturated hue and more flawless looking stone, whereas collectors may prefer a natural sapphire.