In honor of it being September, here are some interesting facts about this month’s birthstone, sapphire.

1. Up until the late 17^th century, sapphires were reserved for the use of royalty and high priests only. Anyone else caught wearing them would be punished.
2. With a rating of 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, sapphires are the second hardest gemstone (behind diamonds).
3. Ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflection caused the sky to be blue.
4. Historically symbolizing truth and promise keeping, sapphires are the preferred gift for the 5^th and 45^th wedding anniversaries.
5. Lab created sapphire glass can be found on the Apple Watch screen.
6. Sapphires are believed to inspire peace, joy, wisdom and prosperity, as well as good health and well-being.
7. The most valuable sapphires originate from Kashmir, Ceylon, Burma, and Sri Lanka.
8. Sapphires were once believed to contain magical healing powers and were used to counteract poison, stop bleeding, and cure eye problems.
9. The blue color of sapphire comes from traces of iron and titanium found in the mineral corundum.
10. The rarest and most valuable type of sapphire is called padparadscha, which features a pinkish orange color.
11. Blue sapphires were the favored gemstones for engagement rings before diamonds took over in the twentieth century. The most famous sapphire engagement ring today is the one given by Prince Charles to Princess Diana, now worn by Kate Middleton.
12. Sapphires come in almost every color but red, which is exclusive to its sister in the corundum family, rubies.
13. Because of their durability, sapphires are an excellent choice for jewelry you want to wear every day.