September birthstone: sapphire meaning and lapis lazuli as a wisdom alternative
Born in September? Your traditional birthstone is sapphire. It's known for wisdom, truth, and loyalty.
But sapphires can be expensive and hard to source ethically. That's where lapis lazuli comes in. It carries similar energy — wisdom, truth, inner vision — and it's been valued for just as long, if not longer.
At Haloom Handmade, we work with lapis lazuli because it's rich in history, deeply meaningful, and accessible — without the complications that sometimes come with sapphires.
What sapphire means
Sapphire symbolises wisdom, truth, and loyalty. It's been worn by royalty and religious leaders for centuries as a symbol of divine favour and spiritual insight.
Ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire, which made the sky blue. Medieval clergy wore sapphire rings to symbolise heaven. Even today, sapphire is associated with honesty, clear thinking, and staying true to your values.
The most famous sapphire? Probably Princess Diana's engagement ring, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales.
What lapis lazuli means (and why it works as an alternative)
Lapis lazuli symbolises wisdom, truth, and inner vision. That deep blue colour flecked with gold has been prized for over 6,000 years.
Ancient Egyptians ground lapis into powder for eyeshadow and used it in burial masks for pharaohs, including King Tut. Cleopatra wore it. Michelangelo ground it into paint for the Sistine Chapel. It wasn't just decorative — it was sacred.
Lapis lazuli is known for:
Encouraging honesty and speaking your truth
Supporting wisdom and clear thinking
Strengthening intuition and inner knowing
Bringing mental clarity and focus
Both sapphire and lapis are about truth and wisdom. The difference? One costs a fortune. The other has just as much history and meaning without the price tag.
Where lapis lazuli comes from
The finest lapis lazuli comes from Afghanistan, where it's been mined for over 6,000 years. You'll also find it in Chile, Russia, and Myanmar.
Lapis isn't a single mineral — it's a rock made up of lazurite (the blue), calcite (the white), and pyrite (the gold flecks). Those gold bits are what make each piece unique and give it that starry-night look.
The name comes from Latin "lapis" (stone) and Persian "lazhuward" (blue). It's literally "blue stone," which is about as straightforward as it gets.
Things you probably didn't know
About sapphire:
Sapphire and ruby are the same mineral (corundum). Red corundum is ruby. Everything else — blue, pink, yellow, green — is sapphire.
Blue sapphire gets its colour from traces of iron and titanium.
The finest sapphires come from Kashmir, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
Sapphire is one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamond.
About lapis lazuli:
Lapis was more valuable than gold in ancient times.
The word "azure" comes from the Persian word for lapis lazuli.
During the Renaissance, ultramarine blue paint (made from ground lapis) was reserved for painting the Virgin Mary's robes because it was so expensive.
Some ancient cultures believed lapis could cure melancholy and bring joy.
Both stones have serious history. Both have been trusted by kings, artists, and healers for thousands of years.
Lapis lazuli and the third eye chakra
Lapis lazuli is strongly connected to the third eye chakra and throat chakra — the energy centres linked to intuition, truth, and clear communication.
People often choose lapis when they want:
To strengthen their intuition and inner knowing
Help speaking their truth with confidence
Mental clarity and focus
Support for honest, meaningful communication
It's a stone for people who value truth — both in themselves and in the world around them.
Why lapis lazuli makes a thoughtful September gift
If you're shopping for someone born in September, lapis lazuli jewellery is a meaningful and affordable alternative to sapphire. It carries the same themes — wisdom, truth, loyalty — without the cost or ethical concerns.
It's also a great choice for anyone who values honesty, wants to trust their intuition more, or just needs a reminder to stay true to themselves. Lapis doesn't pretend to be something it's not, and that's exactly the point.
At Haloom Handmade, our Wisdom and Focus lapis lazuli bracelet, Clarity lapis lazuli necklace, and lapis lazuli and pearl slider bracelet are all designed for real life. Deep, meaningful, and made to be worn — not locked away.
Common questions about September birthstones
Is sapphire the only September birthstone?
Sapphire is the traditional September birthstone, but lapis lazuli is a widely accepted alternative that carries similar symbolism around wisdom, truth, and loyalty.
What's the difference between sapphire and lapis lazuli?
Sapphire is a single gemstone (corundum) and is very hard and durable. Lapis lazuli is a rock made of multiple minerals and has been valued for just as long, if not longer, for its deep blue colour and spiritual significance.
Can I wear lapis lazuli instead of sapphire?
Absolutely. Lapis lazuli carries similar themes of wisdom, truth, and inner vision, and it has an even longer history of being valued by royalty, artists, and spiritual leaders.
Which chakra does lapis lazuli connect to?
Lapis lazuli is connected to the third eye chakra and throat chakra, supporting intuition, truth, mental clarity, and honest communication.
Why is lapis lazuli so special?
Lapis lazuli has been prized for over 6,000 years. It was used by ancient Egyptians, ground into paint by Renaissance artists, and worn by royalty across cultures. It's one of the oldest gemstones in human history.
What do sapphire and lapis lazuli symbolise?
Sapphire symbolises wisdom, truth, and loyalty. Lapis lazuli symbolises wisdom, truth, and inner vision. Both are about honesty, clarity, and staying true to yourself.