Happy September birthdays, out there! Blue sapphire is the best known official birthstone color for the month of September in the United States. Gaining popularity in the Middle Ages, this precious gemstone is often paired with the ultra blue semi-precious stone, lapis lazuli.

Lapis was ground into a pigment to create the most expensive color of paint at the time-- "Royal" Blue. Because it was so expensive, blue was used primarily by the church to depict the Virgin Mary, heavenly images, and royalty-- thus earning the color, the regal association of holiness.

Layers of color, oil glazes, and varnishes were applied to give this blue the most depth and brilliance.

The mixing process and use of lapis is demonstrated in the film Girl with a Pearl Earring, and was the color of choice for esteemed painter, Johannes Vermeer.

In 1828, as the industrial revolution took over Europe and technology was on the rise, a competition amongst chemists was held in France to discover a new, cheaper alternative to the most popular and expensive color. The winner was a man named Jean Baptiste Guimet, and he won 6000 francs (which was a small fortune) for his contribution to the world of color.

Guimet's blue is also known today as "French Blue" or modern "ultramarine blue." Until his creation, Lapis Lazuli was worth more than pure gold!

Celebrating September Birthdays:

Lapis Lazuli Earrings: http://www.sohogem.com/white-gold-pear-shaped-lapis-drop-earrings/

Blue Sapphire Ring: http://www.sohogem.com/cushion-certified-blue-sapphire-split-shank-ring-in-platinum/