The birthstones for September are Sapphire & Lapis Lazuli.
Sapphire: the name derives from the Greek word sappheiros meaning blue (which could have been referring to lapis lazuli at that time). It is from the mineral corundum and is a gemstone known for wisdom and royalty. Well the Duchess of Cambridge's engagement ring with its breathtaking sapphire surrounded by diamonds is the perfect example! The gemstone is very hard which means that, not only are sapphires used as jewellery, but they are also used in diverse applications ranging from scientific instruments to high-durable windows. Here at Pearls of the Orient Online we much prefer to see them in jewellery!
Sapphires are found mainly in Sri Lanka, Thailand and even as far afield as Eastern Australia. The more vivid the blue primary hue the more expensive the sapphire. The Logan Sapphire which is 423 carat and is displayed in the Museum of Natural History in Washington DC is one of the largest faceted sapphires ever found. We can dream!
Lapis Lazuli: the name lapis derives from the Latin word for stone and the Persian lazhuward, "blue". This prized semi-precious stone has been coveted since antiquity and was even used as the eyebrows on the funeral mask of King Tutankhamen. It is a deep blue colour with flecks of gold (pyrites).
Today Afghanistan is still the main source of lapis lazuli where it has been mined for hundreds of years. Lapis is used not only in jewellery but is also used in ornaments, carvings and more. Did you know that ultramarine, a natural pigment from lapis, was used by Vermeer to paint Girl With A Pearl Earring.
Here at Pearls of the Orient Online we are asked time and time again for blue, blue and more blue! We have a beautiful selection of lapis lazuli and cultured freshwater pearls to satisfy all tastes including these elegant lapis lazuli stud earrings with cultured freshwater teardrops!
As ever we will have 10% off throughout September.