Artelle friends! Guess what time it is? Well, the air has cooled off a bit, which can only mean fall is approaching. With the change of season comes a new birthstone for September. And a breathtaking one at that: Sapphire.

With its brilliant [usually] blue velvety color, Sapphires are eye-catching to say the least. Way way back in the day - we’re talking ancient times here - Hindu mystics valued this gem as the key to great wisdom and spiritual advancement. By Roman times (yes, still way the heck back), Sapphires were used in all kinds of jewelry - think beaded baubles, pendants, carved intaglios, etc. - because they were said to attract divine favor to their wearers. Doesn’t sound all that bad, huh? While they do come in many colors, each with its own valuable properties, the glistening cornflower color has outwon the others in popularity. There always has to be a crowd favorite, right?

Sapphires are a stone of intuition and meditation. You might be thinking, what am I supposed to do with this information? Well, with the right focus and intention, keeping this stone around can help unleash any inner creative energy you may have locked away. It can help you tune into your true passions and dreams. Amazing that such a small piece of earth can literally shift life as you know it.

So how do you know you could use a bit of Sapphire in your life? Here are some hints:

• You’re feeling mental blockage - you’re interested in clarity and therefore better and more direct communication with others (and most importantly, with yourself).
• You want to help develop your intuitive nature. Sapphires stimulate the throat and third eye chakras, which can help you to access deeper levels of consciousness in order to truly understand who you are and what your purpose is on this earth. In return, you’ll be more equipped to help others in this realm!
• You desire protection - from virtually anything!
• You’re inherently creative but aren’t sure how or in what form to channel your creativity.
• You’re outrageously attracted to beautiful blue gemstones...ok, this one is a given.

Fun Fact: Sapphires are second only to Diamonds in hardness, which means that before stonecutters were graced with modern gemstone cutting technology, they were very difficult to break into. Now that they can be cut any which way, they’re extremely abundant and one of the most popular stones around.

How can you wear this beauty? Since Sapphires are particularly great for the third eye and throat chakras, I’d suggest wearing a pendant as close to those areas as possible - think a shorter chain. You can also wear this gem on your hand or arm and vow to hold it close to your throat and/or head for a few moments each day. Whichever area you fancy this stone, it’s sure to attract a lot of attention and admiration. It’s anything but subtle and simply a true beauty.

Want more info? Have a pressing (or leisurely) question? Please ask! Also, make sure to have a beautiful day.