What Makes Sapphire a Popular Choice for Rings and Jewelry
Sapphire belongs to the corundum mineral family, the same family as ruby, and comes in nearly every color except red. Blue remains the most requested shade, but pink, orange, green, and parti sapphires (gemstones showing two or more colors in a single gem) have grown in popularity for their one-of-a-kind character. Because sapphire is nearly as hard as diamond, it resists everyday scratching and wear better than softer gemstones, which is why it is a common alternative for engagement rings.
Sapphire as a September Birthstone Gift
Sapphire is the traditional and modern birthstone for September, making it a popular gift for September birthdays as well as 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
Our Durham studio carries handcrafted sapphire rings, pendants, and earrings across a range of price points, and can also set a customer's own loose sapphire into a custom design.
Sapphire Jewelry FAQ
What is the birthstone for September?
Sapphire is the birthstone for September. It is also associated with the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
Are sapphires only blue?
No. Sapphire occurs in nearly every color except red (called rubies instead), including pink, orange, green, black, and parti sapphires that show more than one color. Blue is the most common and most requested, but Jewelsmith carries a range of fancy-color sapphires as well.
Is sapphire a good choice for an engagement ring?
Yes. Sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, just below diamond, which makes it durable enough for daily wear in an engagement ring or wedding band. Check out our blog article for more information about diamond alternatives for engagement rings.
Does Jewelsmith use natural or lab-grown sapphires?
Our ready-to-wear sapphire jewelry is set with natural sapphires only. Lab-grown sapphires are available by request for select custom design work.
Can I have a family sapphire reset into a new piece?
Yes. Bring in an inherited or loose sapphire and our goldsmiths can design a custom ring, pendant, bracelet or earring setting around it.
Where can I see Jewelsmith's sapphire jewelry in person?
Our Durham, NC studio welcomes appointments and walk-ins, serving customers throughout Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Hillsborough. Personalized virtual shopping experiences are also available.




















































