Sapphire Necklaces and Pendants: The Perfect Gift for September Birthdays
Sapphire necklaces and pendants make beautiful, meaningful gifts. The deep blue stones are the birthstone for September, as well as the traditional 5th and 45th wedding anniversary gem. Sapphire necklaces come in a variety of settings and metal types to match anyone’s style.
In this article we’ll look at:
- The meaning behind sapphire
- Sapphire pendant settings and necklace styles
- Tips for buying sapphire necklaces
- Caring for your sapphire jewelry
- Unique sapphire pendant ideas
Whether you’re shopping for a September birthday, anniversary, or just love the color blue – a sapphire pendant or necklace is sure to delight. The stunning blue gem makes jewelry gifting easy.
The Significance and Meaning of Blue Sapphire
What makes sapphire so special? Here’s an overview of the significance behind these blue gems:
- Sapphire is the traditional birthstone for September and zodiac sign of Virgo. It’s also the modern birthstone for April.
- The vivid blue color has symbolized wisdom, loyalty, sincerity, and truthfulness since ancient times. Sapphires were associated with nobility and spiritual enlightenment.
- Medieval clergy believed sapphires brought them closer to heaven. Royalty viewed the gems as symbolic of holiness and virtue.
- Sapphires represent commitment and faithfulness, hence their popularity in engagement rings. Kate Middleton wears Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring.
- Natural sapphires are among the hardest gems (9 on the Mohs scale) which makes them very durable for jewelry. Their hardness represents endurance.
- For all these reasons, sapphire pendants and necklaces make meaningful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. The stone’s symbolism enhances its sentimental value.
So whether you’re looking for a September birthday gift or just love the color blue, you can’t go wrong with a sapphire pendant or necklace. Next let’s look at popular setting styles and metal options.
Styles of Sapphire Pendant Necklaces
Sapphire pendants come in many different settings that enhance their beauty. Here are some of the most popular sapphire pendant styles:
Solitaire Sapphire
This simple, elegant style features a single sapphire as the focal point. Solitaire pendants allow the stone’s deep blue color to really stand out. The sapphire solitaire is set in minimalist four or six prong settings.
Halo Sapphire
A halo setting surrounds the sapphire with a border of smaller diamonds or gemstones. This amplifies the dazzle and gives the illusion of a larger center stone. Halo pendants add extra sparkle around the sapphire focal point.
Sapphire with Diamond(s)
Combining sapphires with brilliant white diamonds creates beautiful contrast. Small diamonds can accent each side or form a frame around a solitaire sapphire. Adding diamond accents enhances the pendant’s shine.
Bezel Set Sapphire
Bezel settings encase the sapphire in a thin metal rim. This protects the stone’s edges and gives a sleek, modern look. Bezel-set pendants have clean lines that showcase the sapphire’s shape.
Vintage Sapphire
Vintage-inspired pendants feature ornate filigree, engraving, milgrain edges, sweeping curves and other antique style detailing. Vintage sapphire pendants have a romantic, heirloom look and feel.
Geometric Sapphire
For contemporary style, geometric pendants have graphic shapes like circles, triangles, chevrons and lines in lieu of floral motifs. The bold shapes create modern sapphire necklaces with visual impact.
Birthstone Sapphire
Birthstone sapphire pendants feature the September sapphire stone with minimalist, delicate detailing to create sweet keepsakes and personalized jewelry gifts. Dainty birthstone pendants are perfect for everyday wear.
There are so many ways to showcase sapphires’ beautiful blue color. Halo and solitaire pendants let the gem take center stage, while bezel and geometric styles add unique framing. For gift-giving, birthstone sapphire pendants make wonderful mementos.
Best Metals for Sapphire Necklaces
Sapphire necklaces look stunning set in a variety of precious metals. Here are some of the most popular metal options for sapphire pendants and chains:
White Gold Sapphire
White gold, especially 14K or 18K, provides an ultra-luxe setting that complements sapphire’s icy blue tones. The brightness of white gold allows the blue gem to truly pop. White gold gives sapphire pendants a crisp, dazzling look.
Yellow Gold Sapphire
Yellow gold enhances lighter blue sapphires with a warm, inviting glow. 14K or 18K yellow gold creates a rich, vivid setting for paler blue gems. Yellow gold sapphire pendants have a timeless heirloom aesthetic.
Rose Gold Sapphire
The pinkish hue of rose gold pairs gorgeously with blue sapphire. Rose gold helps lighter sapphires read more blue by contrast. With its romantic warmth and vintage vibe, rose gold makes exceptional sapphire necklaces.
Sterling Silver Sapphire
Sterling silver provides an affordable precious metal option. Sterling silver necklaces with blue sapphire pendants have a classic, sophisticated look at lower price points. Sapphires really stand out against silver’s bright white luster.
The beauty of sapphire is enhanced by pairing it with complementary metals like white gold, yellow gold, rose gold or rhodium plated sterling silver. Choosing a metal that accentuates the blue will make the pendant pop.
Tips for Buying a Sapphire Necklace
Ready to shop for the perfect sapphire pendant or necklace? Keep these tips in mind:
- Look for stones with rich, saturated royal blue color versus pale or greyish blues. Vibrant hues are most desirable.
- Pay attention to cut – precision cuts enhance sapphires’ brilliance. Well cut stones have greater sparkle and light reflection.
- Calibrate your budget – Natural sapphires range from $50 per carat for lighter stones up to $1000+ per carat for fine royal blue.
- Consider lab-created sapphires for an eco-friendly option with similar beauty at a lower price point.
- Choose 14K or 18K gold or sterling silver settings marked by a stamp of quality. High karat metals are safest for sensitive skin.
- Necklace lengths range from 16″-20″, with 18″ being the most common and versatile length.
- Look for secure clasps like lobster claws or spring rings that open and close smoothly. Check for potential break points.
Take time browsing to find the perfect sapphire pendant – the right combination of stone color, cut, setting style and metal will create a cherished, meaningful gift.
Caring for Your Sapphire Necklace
With proper care, a sapphire necklace can last a lifetime. Follow these tips to keep your sapphire pendant sparkling:
- Store sapphire jewelry in a fabric-lined box or pouch separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching.
- Clean your necklace with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft bristle brush as needed. Gently pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, acid, and ammonia that can erode metals and damage sapphire.
- Have your sapphire pendant professionally cleaned once a year to maintain its brilliance and condition.
- Wipe necklaces down with a polishing cloth after each wear to buff away oils, sweat, lint, etc. This clears away buildup.
- Take off sapphire necklaces when doing manual labor, exercising, cleaning house, gardening etc. to prevent damage.
With periodic care and cleaning, your sapphire pendant or necklace can maintain its like-new beauty and sentimental value for many years to come.
Unique Sapphire Necklace Ideas
Ready to start shopping for that special sapphire piece? Here are some unique sapphire pendant and necklace styles that make wonderful gifts:
- Dainty solid gold sapphire birthstone necklace – For personalized heirloom jewelry gifts, nameplate pendants can be engraved with the recipient’s initials or name. A 14K gold name necklace with a bezel-set sapphire is a thoughtful memento.
- Vintage inspired sapphire pendant – Filigree pendants featuring openwork metal embellishments and a cabochon blue sapphire have romantic vintage appeal. They pair beautifully with flowing sundresses.
- Modern geometric sapphire necklace – For contemporary style, minimalist geometric sapphires in clean bezel or prong settings provide modern impact. Crisp lines and shapes create visual interest.
- Rose cut sapphire pendant – The unique faceting of rose cut sapphires reflects light in a star-like pattern. Rose cuts have mesmerizing optical effects in vintage inspired settings.
- Diamond accented sapphire – Adding petite diamonds as a frame or border accentuates a blue sapphire’s brilliance. Sapphire with diamond pendants offer extra sparkle.
- Sapphire heart pendant – A heart-shaped blue sapphire framed in a ribbon of white diamonds is a romantic token of love. Heart pendants express deep sentiment.
The choices are endless! With the right sapphire necklace, you can commemorate a September birthday, anniversary milestone, or any special occasion in a meaningful way. Sapphire pendants also make wonderful self-gifts in classic and modern designs. Whether given as a gift or worn as a cherished heirloom, sapphire necklaces are sure to delight for years to come.