September birthstone earrings can be set with either of two gemstones. The main gemstone for September is the dazzling blue Sapphire and the alternative is the lovely Lapis Lazuli.
The color of these gemstones is a brilliant deep blue so any deep blue colored crystals or beads are also suitable for September earrings, instead of the actual gemstone.
Gemstone earrings have three main attributes:
- Type – raw / rough, natural / genuine, lab / simulated
- Style – dangle, drop, stud, hoop…
- Metal – solid gold / sterling silver, plated, filled
We will describe examples of each of these to help you choose the combinations you prefer.
Click on any of the images or buttons to browse more earrings designed by skilled artisans. These designers create stunning handcrafted jewelry so you are bound to find something unique and special. Most also offer custom made jewelry so if you’d like something more personal you can discuss it with them directly.
Sapphire Birthstone Earrings
The primary birthstone for September is Sapphire of the brilliant blue variety.
1. Types of Sapphire Gemstone Earrings
Raw Sapphire versus Faceted Sapphire
Raw or rough Sapphire stones set in jewelry are rough cut stones that are usually unpolished and not treated further – i.e. gemstones kept as close to their natural state as possible.
The shape of the stones is usually not symmetrical and although the artisan will try to get two stones as similar as possible for a pair of earrings, they will not be identical.
These stones are often wire wrapped and set in more modern and creative designs and the metals are usually plated.
Raw Sapphire earrings are very affordable as the gemstones have undergone minimal processing.
by One Tribe Jewelry
by Ferkos Fine Jewelry
Faceted blue Sapphire is the form found in traditional fine jewelry where gemstones are polished and cut and possibly also heat treated to deepen the brilliant blues.
Sapphire is one of the four precious gemstones and is often set with diamonds in solid gold or sterling silver pieces and given to celebrate a special milestone birthday or wedding anniversary.
Sapphire is the gemstone given on 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, and Star Sapphire is the traditional 65th anniversary gift.
Polishing and cutting (lapidary) are specialist skills and as cut Sapphire is usually set in luxury settings, faceted Sapphire earrings will be in the higher price ranges.
Natural / Genuine versus Lab / Simulated
‘Natural Sapphire earrings’ or ‘genuine Sapphire earrings’ are terms used to distinguish jewelry set with the actual gemstone (raw or faceted) instead of a synthetic man-made stone.
With advances in technology it has been possible to simulate the creation of natural crystals in a laboratory setting, hence these stones are often referred to as ‘lab‘, ‘created‘ or ‘simulated‘ Sapphires.
These crystals have the same chemical characteristics and can be cut in the same designs but will be flawless due to the controlled conditions under which they are created.
Some people prefer these synthetic crystals to help reduce the demand for natural gemstones and thus alleviate the environmental and humanitarian impact of mining.
Lab or created Sapphire earrings will be more affordable due to far less costs involved in the supply chain. The mining extraction and subsequent processing and distribution, usually across continents, all adds to the price of natural gemstone jewelry.
Synthetic gemstones can also be made from plastic, glass, cubic zirconia (CZ) or Swarovski crystals. Always check when the description says ‘sapphire’ whether it is referring to the natural gemstone or simply the color of a synthetic gemstone. Synthetic gemstones will always be much cheaper than true gemstones, especially in the case of the precious gemstones – sapphires, rubies, diamonds and emeralds.
by Verbena Place
by Seventh Willow
2. Styles of September Birthstone Earrings
The main styles of earrings are stud and dangle / drop designs and each can come with different types of closures or ‘backs’.
Stud earrings are mostly small and round in shape and do not extend past the edge of the ear lobe and are kept in place with post backs.
Dangle or drop earrings describe longer earrings that extend below the ear lobe and are attached to hinge or hook backs. Although the terms ‘drop’ and ‘dangle’ are used interchangeably, ‘drop’ can refer to simpler, smaller designs of one gemstone and dangle to more elaborate designs with multiple gemstones.
Other earring styles are are hoop, huggie, cluster, chandelier and the modern ear climbers that extend up the ear lobe.
Most earring backings require pierced ears such as post, hinge, hook and lever backs, but clip-on closures are still available for those without pierced ears.
Some people are allergic to certain types of metals so it is important to check the type of metal used in the earring backs.
3. Metals Used to Set September Earrings
Gemstone earrings can be set in solid metals or in plated or filled metal casings.
Gold used in jewelry is generally 14 carat and can be yellow, rose or white gold. Sterling silver is used in silver jewelry which is more durable than pure silver. Always ensure there is a stamp on the piece indicating the authenticity of the metal.
Plated settings have a thin layer of the precious metal over a base metal of usually brass, whereas filled settings have layers of the precious metal around the base metal. The terms used are ‘gold / silver plated’ or ‘gold / silver filled’.
Prices will vary according to the amount of the precious metal in the piece, which is determined by whether the setting is solid, filled or plated.
Brass, copper or other metals can also be used instead of precious metals and this jewelry will be in the lower price ranges.
by Silvana Sagan
Lapis Lazuli Birthstone Earrings
The alternative birthstone for September is Lapis Lazuli, also called simply Lapis, the second gemstone choice for September birthstone earrings.
Even though Lapis Lazuli is considered a gemstone – it is actually a type of rock with no crystalline structure like most other gemstones. However due to its exquisite blue, gold and white coloring it has been popular in jewelry for centuries.
Most Lapis set in jewelry is either kept in its raw, natural form or carved into smooth cabochons or beads. You will not likely find faceted Lapis as this requires a crystal formation.
The stone is not treated further in terms of heating or chemicals and to my knowledge there are no synthetic replicas.
The styles of Lapis earrings and the metal choices are similar to those described under Sapphire earrings. However, you won’t typically find Lapis in fine jewelry luxury settings.
Lapis Lazuli earrings will be far more affordable than Sapphire earrings and a wonderful September birthday gift for someone special.
