Editors

September Birthstone Baubles

EditorsSep 01, 2016

September Birthstone Baubles

Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator rounds up 10 pieces of jewelry set with sapphires, a gemstone that’s been selling very well lately.

20160901_Beth-Miller.jpg
The birthstone for the month of September is the sapphire, a gem that comes in a variety of colors, a few of which are seen in these Beth Miller earrings.

I know that sapphires are hardly an obscure, up-and-coming gemstone but even so, I feel like I’ve been hearing a lot about the gem for a while now.

Every time within the past year that I’ve been at a show or working on a story that involves talking to dealers and suppliers about which gemstones have been selling well, sapphire was sure to get a mention.

And not just the classic blues, which of course continue to top many best-seller lists, but also the fancy-colored sapphires--the pinks, lavenders and peaches especially that offer great colors and appeal to the Rose Quartz/pastel gem trend.

It’s amazing to see a stone that’s been worn for thousands of years to have something of a resurgence.

Sapphires always have had a prominent place in history. Medieval clergy wore the gems to symbolize heaven, while commoners thought that they might attract “heavenly blessings,” according to the American Gem Society.

The lore swirling around the stones today says that they can be used to protect loved ones from envy and harm, or even to encourage loyalty.

Here are 10 pieces of jewelry to showcase the month’s birthstone.



Katherine Bowman’s sterling silver and sapphire “Naming” ring ($660)



These M. Spalten “Starburst” stud earrings feature 0.40 carats of princess-cut yellow sapphires and 0.04 carats of diamonds set in 18-karat gold ($1,240).



Monica Rich Kosann’s 18-karat white gold “Carpe Diem” poesy bracelet features sapphires on one side and a “carpe diem” inscription on the reverse side ($1,595).



Stuller’s 14-karat white gold sapphire and diamond Clover earrings ($1,917)



Beth Miller’s multi-colored sapphire and pave diamond studs in oxidized sterling silver and 14-karat yellow gold ($2,795)



Bario Neal’s hexagonal cluster ring in 14-karat gold with Montana sapphires ($2,837)



Adel Chefridi’s mixed halo ring features a purple sapphire at center with diamond accents, made in 18-karat yellow gold ($3,750)



This is Gurhan’s 24-karat gold “Amulet Hue” pendant necklace with faceted and cabochon blue sapphires in a variety of shapes and sizes ($6,950).



This “tag” from R.Y.M. Jewelry’s Portmanteau collection is designed to be worn many ways: as a ring, earring, pendant, choker or on a bracelet. It is shown here in 18-karat yellow gold with blue and pink sapphires and white diamond pavé ($8,250) on an 18-karat yellow gold and diamond bangle ($5,575).



From Sutra’s Fan collection, these earrings feature 10 carats of sapphires and 2.5 carats of diamonds made in 18-karat white gold ($18,000).

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Cartier Roadster
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the Roadster

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.

Edge Retail Academy Ellen Gardner, Jennifer Motes, Mona Lisa Shaffer, Cindi Haddad Drew
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership Team

As demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.

Stuller Mountings 2026-2027 Catalog
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out Now

The “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Stock image of gold bars
CrimeApr 16, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of Gold

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.

Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Screenshots of Episode 4 of the “My Next Question” podcast
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond Dilemma

Sally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.

Randy McKenzie of Spark Creations
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72

McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.

lvajws image 1.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Watch
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026

Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Pomellato Nudo blue topaz necklaces
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle Continues

The luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.

Kalpesh Jhaveri
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 Board

Kalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.

Diamond Divas
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award

“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.

De Beers Desert Diamonds Bridal Campaign Imagery
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into Bridal

The campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.

Model wearing Bulgari Vimini necklace and earrings
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East Conflict

Plus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.

International Jade Summit
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to Monterey

Presented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.

Continental Buying Group
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas Show

The group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.

Uniform Object Carbon Form Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’

The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative Applications

The program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.

Coconut Grove Miami
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in Miami

The jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.

Police car with lights on
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed Robbery

JSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.

Watches on a table next to a coffee cup
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24

The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.

Ophelia Eve Scroll Toggle Pendant
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your Secrets

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, partner at The Retail Smiths
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

Tiffany & Co. Nathalie Verdeille
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic Officer

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.

Jacob & Co. The Godfather II Musical Watch
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Jesse Itzler
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote Speaker

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

Alan Hodgkinson
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New Award

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy