Septembers Birthstone Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli
“Office With No Windows”
~Author Unknown
The Jeweler allows me to wear the blue Sapphire Lake on my finger, the Emerald green Leaves around my neck, and take the Citrine sunset with me wherever I go.
Jewelry has become my daytime link to Nature in an office with no windows. And if I have to work late, there’s nothing like Diamond stars and a Pearl full Moon against an Onyx night Sky.
This summer I spent many weekends up at our family Lake House in a remote part of Cowichan Lake. It is so lovely with the water so clear and warm. And as I sat there at the edge of the water I became lost…..like I was in another time and place…a place I don’t ever want to leave. This place the family calls “Our little piece of Heaven.” It is so peaceful, no one around, no boats in site, absolutely dead silence…….then out of the blue, and to break up this peacefulness, my inner voice came back with this question. What am I going to write for September’s Blog? Really!! Okay……. back to reality—I must get back to work!!! But this one is simple~again nature pulls through. Right before my eyes, the color of the lake has all the spectrum’s of blue…..September’s Birthstones Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli.
Very Happy Birthday Wishes for those born in September!!!
Sapphire is the traditional Birthstone for September and is also celebrated as the Gemstone for the 5th, 23rd, and 45th Wedding Anniversary.
Sapphire has been popular since the Middle Ages and, according to folklore, will protect your loved ones from envy and harm.
Medieval clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven, while commoners thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings.
In the past, the sapphire was also believed to be a talisman that would protect against evil spirits and other unsavory creatures of the night.
The ancients regarded star sapphires as powerful talismans that could protect travelers and seekers.
These talismans were considered to be so powerful, that they would continue protecting the wearer even after they had been passed on to another person.
Abbes Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) chronicled the healing powers of gemstones in her book,
Physica. According to her view, gemstones are formed through the powerful combination of water and fire; therefore they hold powers corresponding to these natural phenomena.
She also believed that each stone had a certain, divine blessing from God.
She said the following about sapphire:
“Who is dull and would like to be clever, should, in a sober state, frequently lick with the tongue on a sapphire, because the gemstone’s warmth and power, combined with the saliva’s moisture, will expel the harmful juices that affect the intellect. Thus, the man will attain a good intellect.”
Blue sapphires range from very light to very dark greenish or Violette/ blue, as well as various shades of pure blue.
The most prized colors are a medium to medium dark blue or slightly Violette/ blue.
While blue is the most traditional and classic color for sapphire, sapphire is actually found in a variety of different colors.
Sterling Silver India Sapphire Drop Earrings~Designed in India
September’s alternative Birthstone is Lapis Lazuli. It is also celebrated as the Gemstone for the 7th and 9th Wedding Anniversaries.
Centuries ago Lapis gemstone, was referred to as “Blue Gold” and has been cherished by mankind for more than five thousand years.
Lapis Lazuli with its deep azure blue colour and often flecked with golden pyrite inclusions, was treasured by the ancient Babylonians and Egyptians and often worn by royalty.
This gemstone was widely used by Egyptians for cosmetics and painting.
Persian legend says that the heavens owed their blue color to a massive slab of Lapis upon which the earth rested.
It was also believed to be a sacred stone, buried with the dead to protect and guide them in the afterlife.
Lapis Lazuli is Chile’s national stone and holds a special place in Chilean culture. The ancient Incas and other pre-Columbian people mined the stone for thousands of years using Lapis Lazuli to ornament their masks and other artifacts before the European’s arrival.
Although the stone is mined in a handful of locations around the world, large deposits of Lapis Lazuli are found only in Chile and Afghanistan.
Lapis Lazuli defines its color by name, the Blue Stone. Its blue varies from lazur blue, to violet and greenish-blue. Its coloring agent is sulfur. In the very best quality stones the color is evenly distributed, but in general the color is spotted.
The composition of the minerals, other than lazurite, influences the color as well. Well-distributed fine pyrite highlights the color with a brassy gold shimmer.
Too much of the same mineral causes a dull, greenish tint. Lapis Lazuli fans may not agree as to how much pyrite is ideal. But most admirers and collectors of fine Lapis Lazuli agree — the less calcite, the better. Calcite can be seen as streaks or patches within the darker blue, or it can predominate in the mix giving the rock an overall lighter blue shade.
It is the protective stone of friendship and truth and brings harmony to relationships. It helps bring mental clarity, emotional healing,strength and wisdom.
It cleanses the mind, body and spirit of toxins.
Lapis Lazuli expands awareness and intellect and energizes the throat chakra and immune system.
“Lapis Lazuli”
by Lorraine Venner
Of bright royal blue
With spots of gold too
It feels as royal as can be
It helps me really be me
People will certainly notice you, when you are wearing Beautiful Lapis Lazuli Silver Jewels from our Chilean Collection.
Chilean Artisans design pieces that you will truly love. Their designs are less defined giving each piece that true handcrafted feel.
Sterling Silver National Bird of Chile Earrings with Lapis
Sterling Silver Marquis Cut Lapis Stud Earrings from Chile-$58.00
Sterling Silver, Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise Butterfly Pendant from Chile-$48.00
Sterling Silver with Lapis Lazuli Malachite Pendant from Chile-$42.00
As you can see Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli are beautiful Gemstones with a deep blue base color that allows us to think not only of their beauty but also the beauty we have in nature and with the bodies of water that surrounds us.
Enjoy your days and have a Spectacular September!!
Cheers!
Cindy
P.S. you can find more of my items listed on the following sites:
Twyla
