September's Birthstone Makes the Case for Everyday Wear

Sapphire holds the birthstone title for September, and its appeal goes beyond the calendar. It ranks as the second-hardest natural gemstone, trailing only diamond, which is why it moves easily between daily wear and special-occasion pieces in a way softer stones cannot. That combination of toughness and color is why the blue gem keeps showing up in both categories this month, from pieces meant for the office to those saved for an evening out.

With reporting from Galerie.