Chic September Birthstone Jewellery Featuring Sparkling Sapphires
Industry insiders explain their love of sapphires, the birthstone for those born in September
Those celebrating a birthday in September are exceedingly lucky— the September birthstone is the sapphire, celebrated for thousands of years for its rich, opulent blue hue, and also one of the most valuable gemstones on the birthstone calendar. Long associated with royalty, sovereigns in ancient Rome and Greece wore sapphires to protect them from envy and danger, while during the Middle Ages they garnered connotations of heavenliness, often worn by religious leaders.
Perhaps one of the most famous sapphires in recent history is the 12 carat oval shape sapphire within Princess Diana’s engagement ring, now worn by The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton—crafted by British maison Garrard in the early 1980s—but their allure is timeless. “There are so many designers that make blue sapphire pieces that are both classic and of the moment. It also helps that white gold is making a serious comeback as blue and white is such a timeless colour combination,” says Alyse Chirumbole, director of fine jewellery and watches at Threads Styling.
For Alyse, certain designers stand out. “Suzanne Kalan has many different blue sapphires designs. Her flexible bangles are one of my favourite pieces ever and they’re on my personal wish list. Such a great and easy addition to anyone’s existing bracelet stack,” she explains. “Octavia Elizabeth incorporates sapphires in a very classic, chic way whilst using sustainable materials. She has classic studs, bracelets, and bands—all of which would easily slot into an existing collection.”
When it comes to regional designers, the options are myriad too. Here, six fine jewellery designers from the region showcase their scintillating jewels for a September birthstone, and the reasons they love crafting jewels featuring these ultra-special gems.
Elura
“What I love most about working with blue sapphires is their versatility and the way they seem to come alive in different lights, shifting from deep indigo to airy cornflower blue. It’s like working with a living canvas that brings out different moods in every piece. Sapphires are not just beautiful; they are steeped in history and symbolism, cherished as talismans of wisdom and protection for centuries. When choosing a sapphire, I always advise focusing on the ‘Three Cs’—colour, cut and clarity—to ensure the stone’s brilliance and lasting beauty.” Layal Al Sultan, founder of Elura
La Marquise Jewellery
“Blue sapphires are a true embodiment of timeless elegance, with their deep, mesmerising hue capturing a sense of mystery and sophistication. What sets sapphires apart is their remarkable durability, allowing them to withstand the rigours of daily life while retaining their stunning beauty. A high-quality sapphire should possess vivid saturation and a brilliance that draws you in, making it a piece to cherish for generations.” Nishith Shah, CEO of La Marquise Jewellery
STONE Fine Jewelry
“What we love about blue sapphires is that they can be set in a classic style with diamonds or in an avant-garde, beautifully unexpected contemporary design. The intense colour allows for so many creative combinations including a stunning clash of hues which we love doing with emeralds and opals. Aesthetically, depending on how they are designed, sapphires can be worn day and night. Today, fortunately there are no rules on how and when to wear jewellery; it can be bold or dainty and can be styled to reflect a woman’s personality.” Ghadeer Taher and Joumana Jallad, co-founders of STONE Fine Jewelry
TOKTAM
“What makes sapphires truly special is their incredible durability, versatility and the fact that they come in a variety of colours and shades beyond just blue—like pink, yellow and green—each with its own unique energy and appeal. Additionally, sapphires are known for their vibrant energy, which is believed to bring clarity, focus and a sense of calm to those who wear them. When selecting a high-quality sapphire, look for a stone with a rich, even colour and excellent clarity, with a cut that enhances its natural brilliance and energy.” Toktam Shekarriz, founder of TOKTAM
Kaltham’s Pavilion
“Sapphires are special not only for their beauty and rich history linked to royalty, but also for their durability. They are one of the hardest gemstones, ranking nine on the Mohs scale, making them ideal for everyday wear. Unlike softer gemstones, sapphires maintain their beauty over time, making them ideal for pieces intended to be cherished for generations. Additionally, sapphires come in a variety of colours, with blue being the most well-known, but they can also be found in pink, yellow and green, among others.” Kaltham Al Majid, founder of Kaltham’s Pavilion
Charmaleena
“What we love most about blue sapphires is their deep, vibrant colour that evokes the beauty of nature, reminiscent of the sea. Their versatility elevates any design, whether classic or contemporary, and they pair beautifully with white gold for a timeless elegance. When selecting a sapphire, I always recommend looking for rich colour, clarity and a well-executed cut, to ensure it becomes a stunning centrepiece in any piece of jewellery.” Leena and Hala ElKhereiji, co-founders of Charmaleena
Lead image courtesy of Instagram / @suzannekalan
