If you were born in September, congratulations. You get one of the most coveted gemstones of all time: sapphire. While most people imagine sapphires as a single shade of royal blue, the truth is far more exciting. Sapphires exist in nearly every colour of the rainbow, hold centuries of symbolic meaning, and have a reputation for being one of the most durable gemstones you can wear.
At Made You Look, Toronto’s home for handcrafted and designer jewellery, sapphires appear in countless forms, from traditional engagement rings to unexpected, colourful pieces that feel distinctly modern. This guide explores everything you need to know about sapphires, whether you are shopping for a September birthday gift, considering an engagement ring, or simply drawn to the timeless beauty of this stone.
Why Sapphire Belongs to September
Sapphires are part of the corundum mineral family, with a hardness of 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale. That makes them nearly as durable as diamonds, which explains their enduring popularity for everyday jewellery and high-value heirlooms.
As the official birthstone for September, sapphire has long been associated with protection, wisdom, and loyalty. Ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a massive sapphire, and that the reflection of its blue surface gave the sky its colour. In medieval Europe, clergy wore sapphires as a symbol of heaven, while royals used them as talismans for protection.
Today, the September connection is still strong. For those born this month, sapphire jewellery is both a meaningful gift and a reminder of a gemstone that has carried cultural weight for centuries. It is also one of the few birthstones that has translated seamlessly into fine jewellery, statement pieces, and engagement rings.
Sapphires Are Not Just Blue
The biggest misconception about sapphire is that it only comes in blue. While blue is the most famous variety, sapphires actually form in nearly every shade except red. This is because red corundum is classified as ruby, while every other colour is sapphire.
Here are some of the standout options you can find at Made You Look:
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Pink sapphires bring romance and softness to modern jewellery.
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Purple sapphires carry creative and regal associations.
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Green sapphires make a bold, earthy choice for unconventional designs.
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Black sapphires offer a moody, modern edge.
Each colour carries its own symbolism, but what unites them all is individuality. Choosing a sapphire that strays from the expected blue immediately signals a love for the unique, which perfectly aligns with the ethos of Made You Look.
Sapphire Engagement Rings That Stand Out
When most people hear “engagement ring,” they immediately think of diamonds. But sapphires are a natural rival, offering both beauty and practicality. With their extreme durability, they are well-suited for everyday wear and can be passed down through generations without losing their brilliance.
Sapphire engagement rings also carry cultural weight. Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring, later worn by Kate Middleton, remains one of the most iconic jewellery pieces in modern history. That single ring shifted public perception of sapphires from “birthstone jewellery” to “serious engagement ring contender.”
At Made You Look, you can explore their curated engagement ring collection, featuring both traditional and unconventional settings. For couples who want something one-of-a-kind, the studio also offers custom jewellery design.
How to Style Sapphire Jewellery
Sapphires are versatile enough to move between everyday wear and statement looks. Here are a few ways to style them:
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Everyday minimalism: Simple studs or a petite sapphire pendant work well with office attire or casual outfits.
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Bold statements: A cocktail ring or a dramatic statement necklace elevates evening wear instantly.
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Metal pairings: Blue sapphires shine in platinum or white gold, pink sapphires glow in rose gold, and green sapphires stand out in yellow gold.
The range at Made You Look demonstrates how sapphires adapt to every style, whether modern, vintage-inspired, or avant-garde.
Sapphire as a Personal Gift
Because of its birthstone status, sapphire jewellery makes an obvious September birthday gift. But the gemstone has significance that extends beyond one month. It is also the traditional gift for a 45th wedding anniversary, making it a deeply symbolic choice for milestone celebrations.
Beyond rings, shoppers can find a wide variety of unique options such as bracelets, brooches and pins, and cufflinks. This makes sapphire an accessible and thoughtful choice for anyone, regardless of gender or style preferences.
Caring for Sapphire Jewellery
One of the reasons sapphires are such a popular choice is their resilience. Unlike softer stones, sapphires resist scratches and can withstand everyday wear. Still, even the toughest gemstone benefits from routine care.
At-home care tips:
- Clean sapphires with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush.
- Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the setting.
- Store sapphire jewellery separately to protect softer gemstones in your collection.
Professional care services:
Made You Look provides a full range of professional jewellery services to keep sapphire pieces looking their best, including:
- Jewellery repairs for settings or bands.
- Plating to refresh metal finishes.
- Engraving for personalization.
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Vintage and antique restoration for heirloom pieces.
These services extend the lifespan of sapphire jewellery and preserve both its beauty and its sentimental value.
Where to Find Unique Sapphire Jewellery in Toronto
The advantage of shopping at Made You Look is access to more than 100 local designers under one roof. Unlike chain jewellery stores, which often stock identical designs, this Toronto studio curates a collection that is as diverse as it is distinctive.
Whether you are seeking a traditional engagement ring, a colorful birthstone gift, or an unconventional statement piece, you will find it here.
Conclusion
Sapphires have earned their place as one of the most beloved gemstones in history. They are September’s birthstone, a favourite for engagement rings, and a meaningful gift for milestone occasions. They also defy expectations, appearing in colours that range from soft pink to striking green.
For September babies, choosing sapphire is a way to embrace tradition while making a statement that feels personal. For everyone else, it is an opportunity to wear a gemstone with timeless appeal and modern versatility.
To discover your own, visit Made You Look and explore sapphire collections designed to last a lifetime.