September brings with it one of the most captivating gemstones in the world: sapphire.
Best known for its rich blue hues, sapphire is a gemstone of remarkable diversity. From deep velvety blues to delicate pinks, soft yellows, vivid greens and the rare beauty of Padparadscha, its colour palette extends far beyond the traditional sapphire we know.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is also exceptionally well suited to jewellery intended for everyday wear. Its durability, combined with its extraordinary range of colour, has made it a gemstone treasured across generations.
18K YG Oval Cut Sapphire Daisy Signet Ring
The Essence of Sapphire
Sapphire belongs to the corundum family, a mineral composed of aluminium and oxygen. In its purest form, corundum is colourless; it is the presence of trace elements within its crystal structure that gives sapphire its extraordinary spectrum of colour.
Red corundum is classified separately as ruby, meaning sapphire encompasses virtually every other colour.
It is this remarkable variation that makes sapphire so compelling. No two colours tell quite the same story.
18K YG Multi-Coloured Sapphire Cluster Necklace
A Spectrum of Colour
Blue may be sapphire's most recognisable expression, but it is far from its only one.
The finest blue sapphires are prized for their strong to vivid saturation, particularly those with rich velvety blue to violet-blue tones. Yet beyond blue lies an equally fascinating world of fancy sapphires, including pink, yellow, orange, green and purple.
Among the rarest is Padparadscha, a delicate pink-orange sapphire whose name is derived from the colour of the lotus blossom. These stones are particularly sought after for their rarity and distinctive colour.
18K RWG Ceylon Sapphire Cluster Ring
A Gemstone of Enduring Significance
Sapphire has long carried associations of loyalty, sincerity and enduring love, making it a natural choice for jewellery that marks significant moments.
It is the traditional birthstone for September and is also associated with both the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
Its connection with royal jewellery has only added to its enduring allure, with the most recognisable being the sapphire and diamond cluster engagement ring once belonging to Diana, Princess of Wales.
Today, sapphire continues to occupy a special place in fine jewellery, equally in a classic engagement ring, a statement dress ring, delicate earrings, or a quietly considered pendant.
The Origin of Beauty
Sapphires are found in many corners of the world, with notable sources including Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar, and Australia. Each origin can produce stones with its own characteristics, adding another layer to the story of an individual sapphire. No two stones are alike, and each carries the distinctive qualities formed naturally over time.
For a gemstone as varied as sapphire, understanding what lies behind its colour and character is part of appreciating what makes each stone unique.
18K YG Oval Cut Sapphire Halo Stud Earrings
The September Sapphire at Hogans
At Hogans, sapphire has always held a special place within our collection. We are drawn not only to the classic beauty of blue, but to the remarkable spectrum of colour this gemstone offers.
From vivid Ceylon sapphire to vibrant pink, purple, yellow and multi-coloured stones, our collection reflects the many expressions of this enduring gemstone.
Whether chosen to mark a September birthday, celebrate a milestone or simply for the love of its colour, sapphire is a gemstone with a beauty that extends well beyond a single season.
Explore our curated collection of sapphire jewellery, from considered everyday pieces to distinctive rings and statement designs, each selected for its individual character.
