A Month Crowned in Blue

There is something quietly powerful about September’s skies. The summer heat softens, the light turns richer, and the days carry a promise of clarity. It’s fitting, then, that September’s birthstone — the **Sapphire** — mirrors the depth and stillness of an autumn sky at its most brilliant.
But Sapphire is not the month’s only gem. Over centuries, the tradition of birthstones has expanded to include two alternative stones for September: **Lapis Lazuli**, a gem of ancient royalty and sacred knowledge, and **Iolite**, the violet-blue compass stone of seafarers and visionaries.

To understand why these three stones are bound to September, we need to explore the history, symbolism, and myths that have given them such enduring power.


What Is the Real Birthstone for September?

Officially, Sapphire holds the title as the primary birthstone for September. Revered for millennia, Sapphire is part of the corundum family and is second only to diamond in hardness — making it both a symbol of endurance and a practical choice for everyday wear.
Its name comes from the Latin *sapphirus* and Greek *sappheiros*, meaning “blue stone,” though sapphires can actually be found in a range of colours. It is the classic blue variety, however, that captured the imagination of kings, prophets, and storytellers.

Sapphire in Myth and Legend

Throughout history, Sapphire has been a gem of vision, wisdom, and divine favour.

The Stone of Apollo

In ancient Greek mythology, Sapphire was linked to **Apollo**, the god of prophecy, music, and the sun. Oracles at Apollo’s temple in Delphi were said to wear Sapphires when seeking visions and divine messages. The gem’s deep blue was believed to open the third eye, sharpen intuition, and connect the wearer to higher truth. For seekers like Grace — intellectual yet attuned to the unseen — Sapphire speaks directly to that duality of mind and spirit.

Guardian of Kings

In the Middle Ages, Sapphire was a talisman of protection for royalty. Kings wore it not merely for its beauty, but as a safeguard against envy, betrayal, and harm. It was thought that a Sapphire’s colour would dull if worn by someone unworthy or deceitful — a silent judge of character.

The Stone of Sacred Truth

In early religious lore, Sapphires were associated with divine law. Medieval clergy wore them as a symbol of heaven, truth, and purity. Some accounts claim that the Ten Commandments were inscribed on tablets of Sapphire — a story now regarded as symbolic, but still powerful in its imagery.

Lapis Lazuli — The First Star of the Night

Long before Sapphire became September’s jewel, **Lapis Lazuli** was already steeped in myth and wonder. With its ultramarine depths flecked with golden pyrite, Lapis resembles a midnight sky scattered with stars.

The Egyptian Connection

Lapis was mined in Afghanistan as early as 7,000 years ago and was treasured in ancient Egypt as a stone of the gods. Cleopatra is said to have ground Lapis into powder for her iconic blue eyeshadow, while pharaohs were buried with Lapis amulets to guide their souls in the afterlife.
The stone was also carved into scarabs and inlaid into the death mask of Tutankhamun, linking it forever with royalty and eternal protection.

The Stone of Poets and Painters

In the Renaissance, Lapis was ground into ultramarine pigment, the most expensive blue used in art. It was reserved for painting the robes of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing divinity and the highest honor. For centuries, to possess Lapis was to possess beauty itself.

Lolite — The Compass of the Vikings**

The final member of September’s trio is **Iolite**, a gem with a quiet but fascinating history. While it is less known to the general public, it holds a special place in maritime legend.

Navigating by Stone

According to Norse legend, Viking navigators used thin slices of Iolite as a polarizing filter to locate the sun on cloudy days or when it was low on the horizon. Its pleochroic property — appearing blue from one angle and clear from another — made it a natural compass.
This connection to navigation gave Iolite its reputation as a stone of wayfinding, both literally and spiritually. In the metaphysical world, it is said to help the wearer chart a path forward with clarity and courage.

Why September Has Multiple Birthstones

The tradition of assigning a single gemstone to each month is relatively modern. The original lists, dating back to ancient and medieval times, often varied from culture to culture.
In 1912, the American National Retail Jewelers Association standardized the birthstone chart for the United States, naming Sapphire as September’s stone. Lapis Lazuli and Iolite later became recognized as alternates, offering more accessibility, variety, and personalization. For the modern wearer, this means September offers a palette of blues — from Sapphire’s royal depth, to Lapis’ cosmic mystery, to Iolite’s violet horizon.

The Symbolism of September’s Stones

For a month that bridges seasons, September’s stones are fittingly complex.

Sapphire  — Wisdom, protection, integrity, and vision.
Lapis Lazuli  — Truth, enlightenment, connection to the divine.
Lolite — Guidance, clarity, direction in life’s journeys.

Together, they form a trinity of insight, offering the wearer not just beauty, but a sense of purpose and protection.

How to Choose Your September Birthstone Jewellry

When choosing a September birthstone piece, think about what you want the stone to *say* for you.

For elegance and tradition, Sapphire in a classic setting never fails.
For a touch of the mystical, Lapis Lazuli’s star-flecked beauty makes a statement.
For the traveler or seeker, Iolite carries the symbolism of navigation and finding your way.

In my own designs, I consider how these stones interact with metal. A Sapphire set in warm 18K gold brings out its regal qualities. Lapis in sterling silver becomes cool and modern, while Iolite paired with brushed gold glows with understated sophistication.

The Stories We Wear

Jewelry is more than an accessory — it is a vessel for stories, memories, and personal myths. Whether you were born in September, love someone who was, or are simply drawn to the blues of autumn skies, wearing these gems is a way to carry their history and energy with you.

Closing Call to Action

If the stories of Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli, or Iolite speak to you, I invite you to explore my one-of-a-kind September birthstone creations**. Each piece is handcrafted in sterling silver or gold, with stones chosen for their character and beauty, so no two are exactly alike.
From the depth of Sapphire to the celestial shimmer of Lapis and the violet wanderlust of Iolite, these pieces are designed to be worn for a lifetime — and to be remembered.

If the stories of Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli, or Iolite speak to you, I invite you to explore my **one-of-a-kind September birthstone creations**. Each piece is handcrafted in sterling silver or gold, with stones chosen for their character and beauty, so no two are exactly alike.

From the depth of Sapphire to the celestial shimmer of Lapis and the violet wanderlust of Iolite, these pieces are designed to be worn for a lifetime — and to be remembered.