Ever get the feeling that you’re celebrating a birthday just about every week come September? Well, it’s not just you–September is the most popular month to be born in! Just check out this infographic to see how it stacks up to other months. If you’re still looking for some last minute gifts–or getting a head start on some holiday shopping–consider sapphire jewelry. Sapphire is the official September birthstone. Some fast facts:

Diamond and Trillion shaped Sapphire Earring 14k White Gold

Medieval Times, Modern Meaning

Sapphire really is a classic. It was prized in ancient Greece and Rome, where it was believed to have protective powers. The clergy wore sapphires in the Middle Ages as a symbol of heaven, which likely contributed to a common belief at the time that the stone attracted heavenly blessings. More recently, sapphire has been imbued with implications of royalty and nobility–just think of Princess Di’s iconic sapphire engagement ring.

14kt. Pink Sapphire & Diamond Ring White Gold

Bigger Than Blue

Sapphires come in a range of shades and colors, although they have been associated since ancient times with the color blue. They are a member of the gem species corundum, which includes rubies; infact, rubies are just the red variety of sapphires.  Natural sapphires can be colorless, black, yellow, green, and gray. Reddish sapphires that are under a certain level of saturation are called pink sapphires.

Oval Sapphire and Diamond Halo Pendant in 10K White Gold

Not Just a Pretty Face

Sapphires aren’t just for show–they actually have a variety of other applications. The gems are used in certain optical components, movement bearings, watches, and more. They have military uses, too–synthetic sapphire is used to create shatter resistant windows, body armor, and some sniper rifle scopes.

Check out the Szul sapphire collection for more fine sapphire jewelry that won’t break the bank!