The September birthstone is sapphire – Although the term sapphire usually refers to the blue variety of corundum (ruby is the red variety), this birthstone comes in a rainbow of other colors. Sapphires have been long associated with royalty and romance and are also said to symbolize fidelity and the soul. In addition to being the September birthstone, sapphire is also the gem commemorating the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.