September has two birthstones, and the contrast between them couldn't be more beautiful. Sapphire is regal and deep - one of the most prized gemstones in history, worn by royalty and revered for centuries. Lapis lazuli is ancient and artistic - a stone of creativity, honesty, and expression that has inspired writers and painters for thousands of years. If you're searching for a September birthstone gift, or simply curious about the meaning behind these two remarkable stones, this guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is the September Birthstone?

September has two birthstones: sapphire and lapis lazuli. Sapphire is the traditional stone, celebrated for its rich blue hue, remarkable hardness, and centuries of royal association. Lapis lazuli is the alternative, a deep blue stone threaded with gold that carries a history stretching back to ancient Mesopotamia.

Both are September birthstones. Both are stunning. And they speak to entirely different sides of a personality - which makes September one of the most interesting months to gift for.

Sapphire: The Classic September Birthstone

Sapphire has been September's primary birthstone for centuries, and it's easy to see why. Ranking 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale - second only to diamond - it's a stone built to last, both physically and symbolically.

Its deep blue colour has made it a stone of authority and wisdom throughout history. Medieval priests wore sapphires to symbolise purity of thought. Kings set them into rings as protection against betrayal. In more recent history, sapphire found its way into one of the most famous engagement rings in the world, and the stone has never quite lost that association with love, loyalty, and enduring commitment.

What makes sapphire fascinating beyond its blue varieties is its range. Sapphires also occur in pink, yellow, green, and rare colour-changing varieties - making it one of the most versatile and varied gemstones in existence.

What sapphire symbolises:

• Wisdom and clear thinking
• Loyalty and faithfulness
• Protection and inner strength
• Truth and sincerity

For someone born in September, handmade sapphire jewellery carries a meaning that goes well beyond its beauty. It's a stone that says: I see who you are, and I honour it.

Lapis Lazuli: The Creative September Birthstone

Lapis lazuli is one of the oldest gemstones in human history. Mined for over 6,000 years in the mountains of Afghanistan, it was ground into pigment by Renaissance painters -Michelangelo used lapis to create the blues in the Sistine Chapel. Ancient Egyptians carved it into amulets and used it to adorn the funeral mask of Tutankhamun. It has been a stone of artists, writers, and dreamers for as long as civilisation has existed.

Visually, lapis is unlike any other stone. Its deep, matte navy blue is flecked with natural gold pyrite - giving it a quality that looks almost celestial, like the night sky held in your hand. No two pieces are the same.

What lapis lazuli symbolises:

• Creativity and self-expression
• Honesty and clarity of voice
• Intellectual depth and curiosity
• Inner power and confidence

Lapis Jewellery is particularly meaningful gift for someone who creates - a writer, an artist, a musician, or simply someone who leads with their voice and their truth.

Sapphire vs Lapis Lazuli - Which September Birthstone Should You Gift?

Both stones are deep blue, but they carry a very different energy. Here's a simple way to think about it:

Choose sapphire for someone who values loyalty and enduring connection - the friend who has always been there, the daughter who makes you proud, the partner you want to celebrate with something timeless. Sapphire jewellery feels like a keepsake.

Choose lapis lazuli for the September-born creative, the free-thinker, the one who fills every room with ideas. Lapis has a bohemian edge that sapphire doesn't - it's earthy and expressive and deeply personal.

If you're not sure which to choose, a lapis and sapphire pairing - perhaps a bracelet and necklace set in different stones - makes for one of the most thoughtful September birthday gifts you can give.

The Zodiac Connection - September Birthstones for Virgo and Libra

September spans two star signs, and both sapphire and lapis connect with them in interesting ways.

Virgo (23 August – 22 September) is the sign of detail, devotion, and quiet strength. Sapphire amplifies Virgo's natural clarity and loyalty, while lapis lazuli speaks to the deep well of creativity that often sits beneath Virgo's practical exterior. In older astrological texts, carnelian and jade were also linked to Virgo as grounding earth-sign stones - so a Virgo who loves to layer might find meaning in combining sapphire with warmer tones.

Libra (23 September – 22 October) seeks balance, beauty, and harmony. Sapphire's association with truth and wisdom resonates with Libra's desire for fairness, while lapis lazuli's creative energy suits a sign that is often drawn to aesthetics and self-expression. Both stones feel at home with Libra's love of things that are meaningful and beautiful in equal measure.

How to Wear September Birthstone Jewellery

September birthstone jewellery is wonderfully versatile. Both sapphire and lapis work beautifully in sterling silver and gold filled settings, and both sit well alongside other gemstones for layering.

As a bracelet. A sapphire or lapis beaded bracelet is one of those pieces that works with everything - delicate enough for the office, meaningful enough for a birthday gift. Stack it with a charm bracelet or an initial bracelet for a more personal feel.

As a necklace. A birthstone pendant or charm necklace sits beautifully at the collarbone. A lapis charm necklace has a slightly more bohemian feel; a sapphire one is classic and timeless.

Personalised with an initial. An initial and birthstone necklace or bracelet in sapphire or lapis is one of our most meaningful September birthday gifts - it combines the symbolism of the stone with something uniquely hers.

As a bracelet and earring set. A matching set is a gift that feels considered and complete. Our lapis lazuli bracelet and earring set is a particular favourite for September birthdays.

September Birthstone Jewellery Gift Ideas

Whether you're shopping for a best friend, a new mum, a daughter, or a colleague you want to celebrate properly, September birthstone jewellery offers something for every relationship and every budget.

For a daughter: A personalised initial necklace with her September birthstone - sapphire for a classic feel, lapis for something a little more individual. A piece she'll wear every day and feel proud of.

For a best friend: A lapis lazuli bracelet and earring set is a beautifully thoughtful gift for the friend who's creative, expressive, and a little bit one of a kind. Pair it with a note that tells her why you chose lapis specifically.

For a new mum of a September baby: A sapphire initial necklace with her child's initial is a keepsake she'll treasure for years - the dual symbolism of birthstone tradition and unconditional love, held in one delicate piece.

For someone starting a new chapter: September is back-to-school month, the start of autumn, a time of new beginnings. A sapphire bracelet - stone of wisdom and clarity - is a meaningful way to mark that moment.

Every piece from our September collection arrives in our signature gift packaging, ready to give exactly as it is.

Caring for Your September Birthstone Jewellery

Sapphire is one of the hardest gemstones you can wear, making it very well suited to everyday jewellery. It resists scratching and holds its colour beautifully over time. Clean with warm water, a mild soap, and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the stone has any inclusions.

Lapis lazuli is softer and more porous than sapphire, so it needs a little more care. Avoid soaking in water, and keep it away from perfume, hairspray, and harsh chemicals which can dull its surface over time. Wipe clean with a dry or barely damp cloth and store separately to prevent scratching.

For both stones, removing jewellery before swimming, exercising, or applying skincare is always a good habit - and will keep your pieces looking beautiful for years to come.

FAQs About the September Birthstone

What is the birthstone for September? September has two birthstones: sapphire and lapis lazuli. Sapphire is the traditional stone, known for its deep blue colour and associations with wisdom and loyalty. Lapis lazuli is the alternative birthstone, celebrated for its creative energy and its ancient history.

What does sapphire symbolise? Sapphire is associated with wisdom, loyalty, truth, and protection. It has been worn by royalty and clergy for centuries as a stone of sincerity and inner strength. It's one of the most meaningful gemstones to give as a birthday, anniversary, or milestone gift.

What does lapis lazuli symbolise? Lapis lazuli is known as a stone of creativity, self-expression, and intellectual depth. It has a long history of connection to artists and writers, and is often gifted to those who lead with their creativity and voice.

Is sapphire good for everyday wear? Yes - sapphire is one of the most durable gemstones available, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale. It's well suited to everyday jewellery and holds its colour and lustre beautifully over time, especially when set in sterling silver or gold filled designs.

Which September birthstone makes a better gift - sapphire or lapis? It depends on the person. Sapphire suits someone who values timeless elegance, loyalty, and a classic aesthetic. Lapis lazuli is better for a creative, expressive personality who appreciates something with a more individual feel. Both are equally meaningful as September birthday gifts.

What star sign is September? September spans two star signs - Virgo (until 22 September) and Libra (from 23 September). Both sapphire and lapis lazuli have strong connections to these signs through their symbolism.

Shop September Birthstone Jewellery

Our September birthstone collection features handmade sapphire and lapis lazuli jewellery crafted in sterling silver and gold filled designs - from delicate charm necklaces and birthstone bracelets to personalised initial pieces and matching sets. Every piece is made to order and arrives in our signature gift packaging.