Adorning crowns of ancient kings, embellishing thrones of Persian emperors, flaunted by Hollywood royalty and bestowed upon countless brides-to-be, deep blue sapphire has a long history of attracting major attention. Its extraordinary color is the standard against which other blue gems — from topaz to tanzanite — are measured. Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the gem of fifth and 45th wedding anniversaries.