Best September Birthstone Ring UK: Sapphire Rings

By Scott Smith. Last reviewed 23 October 2026.

Are Sapphires Always Blue?

Sapphires are not always blue: the gem comes in pink, yellow, green, purple, white and orange, and only red corundum is called ruby instead. These other colours are known as fancy sapphires, and a soft pinkish orange variety called padparadscha is among the rarest. Blue remains the classic choice for a September birthstone ring, ranging from pale cornflower to inky midnight shades. The most valued blue is a strong, velvety mid tone that stays blue rather than turning black in dim light. Very dark stones are cheaper but can look almost black indoors. Compare photos taken in daylight against a white background to judge the true colour, and look at two or three images if possible. A white sapphire offers a softer, slightly less fiery alternative to diamond. Blue crystal and glass copy the colour but lack the depth and toughness of real or lab created sapphire.

How Do These September Birthstone Rings Compare?

The table lists every ring, the buyer it is aimed at and the style or metal its listing gives. Measure the finger in mm and note the band width before comparing.

How Should a Ring Fit on a Wide or Narrow Band?

A wide band covers more of the finger and grips more skin, so it feels tighter than a narrow ring of the same size and often needs going up half a size. Narrow bands under about 3 mm feel looser and can be chosen at your true size. Start by measuring a ring the wearer already owns: lay it on a ruler and read the inside diameter in mm, then find it on the size chart. Next, compare the width of that ring with the new one shown in the listing. If the new ring is noticeably wider, add half a size. Eternity rings set with stones all round cannot easily be altered afterwards, so take extra care with them. A ring that is slightly too big can spin and push the stone to the palm side, where it is more likely to be knocked.

What Makes Sapphire a Durable Ring Stone?

Sapphire scores 9 on the Mohs scale, just below diamond, so normal household dust and grit cannot scratch it and it keeps a sharp polish for generations. It is also tough, meaning it resists chipping well compared with many coloured gems. This is why sapphire rings have been chosen for engagements, including one of the most famous royal rings in British history. Daily wear is perfectly reasonable, though the metal around it will wear faster than the stone. To compare durability between listings, look at how the stone is held. Four or six claws are common and attractive, but a bezel or channel offers more protection. Check the thickness of the band too, as a thin shank can bend over time. A September birthstone ring with a sturdy band and well formed claws should last for decades with only an occasional check.

How Do You Keep a Sapphire Ring Looking Its Best?

Keeping a sapphire ring looking its best mainly means removing the greasy film that builds up behind the stone and dulls the blue. Soak the ring in warm water with a little mild washing up liquid for fifteen minutes, then scrub gently around the claws and under the stone with a soft toothbrush. Rinse well and dry with a lint free cloth. Most natural and lab created sapphires can go in an ultrasonic cleaner, but avoid it for stones described as glass filled, diffusion treated or fracture filled, and for blue crystal. Wear the ring after applying lotion and perfume, and take it off in swimming pools, as chlorine weakens gold alloys. Because sapphire is so hard, it can scratch other jewellery, so store it separately in a lined box or pouch. Ask a jeweller to check the claws once a year. September birthstone rings looked after in this simple way stay bright and secure for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Stone Is the September Birthstone?

The September birthstone is sapphire, a hard gemstone from the corundum family best known for its royal blue colour. Sapphires also come in pink, yellow and white, and many September rings use lab created sapphire or blue crystal. The listing should tell you which stone the ring uses.

Can You Wear a Sapphire Ring Every Day?

You can wear a sapphire ring every day with confidence, as sapphire is extremely hard and tough. Normal life will not scratch it, though you should remove it for heavy work, contact sport and DIY to protect the setting and stop the band from bending.

Do Sterling Silver September Birthstone Rings Need Polishing?

Sterling silver September birthstone rings do need occasional polishing, as silver naturally darkens when exposed to air and moisture. A specialist silver cloth removes light tarnish in seconds, and keeping the ring in a closed jewellery box with an anti tarnish strip means you will need to polish it far less often.

How Can You Measure for a September Birthstone Ring Without a Jeweller?

Measure the inner diameter of a ring that already fits, in mm, and match it to the chart for that brand. If the new ring is wider than the one you measured, choose half a size larger, as wider bands feel tighter.

Is a September Birthstone Ring a Meaningful Gift?

A September birthstone ring is a meaningful gift, as sapphire has long been linked with wisdom, loyalty and trust. It suits September birthdays, the 45th or 65th wedding anniversary, which are linked to sapphire, and anyone who loves blue. Its toughness also means it can be worn daily.