For Catholics birthstones have a religious, biblical significance which can be recovered.

When blessed they become sacramentals, a sign of God's presence and his holiness in our lives.

The official birthstone list was established in 1912 and has remained unchanged ever since.

September is the month of Sapphire. In the Bible gemstones are used to symbolise the twelve tribes of Israel and twelve Apostles. Sapphire is associated with St Andrew, hence his flag has a white cross on a blue background