September’s birthstone might be the elegant Sapphire, but it’s time to expand your gemstone vocabulary by acquainting yourself with four other September gems associated with the ninth month of the year: the multi-colored Jacinth, playful Chrysoprase, mystical Lapis Lazuli, and versatile Jasper.
Learn about each of these alluring gemstones below.
September Gems
Jacinth
Jacinth—a name actually given to a variety of zircon, a mineral—was believed to be introduced as a gemstone even before the events of the Bible unfolded. That’s how long it’s been revered as a treasure, and that hasn’t changed much in modern day. In the past, Jacinths were worn only by those deemed worthy; you would have needed to be a cultural or spiritual leader, a descendant of noble lineage, or a trusted protector of your community to be given a Jacinth. To wear one as an accessory or display one as an ornament brought an individual great pride. This wasn’t just because Jacinths were beautiful. Early jewelers spun stories about this gemstone coming from a world beyond ours, believing it possessed creative, protective, and energy-enhancing powers.
Today, the Jacinth is beloved by gemologists and jewelers because of the warm earth tones it comes in; you’ll find Jacinths in golden yellow, brown, red, orange, or sometimes a combination of these colors. If autumn’s seasonal palette were a gemstone, it would be a Jacinth. Fiery-colored gems are not as common in nature, making deeply-hued Jacinths a favorite of gemstone enthusiasts and collectors. Keep in mind that the more saturated this stone’s color is, the more valuable it becomes. It’s a versatile gem as well, thanks to its hardness, so it makes a good choice for jewelry that is worn frequently and in a variety of settings.
Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is a fun gemstone that ranges from translucent to opaque, and comes in all kinds of shades. Olive, grassy, apple, and bluish Chrysoprases all exist and are equally loved. Choosing one over the other all depends on your style. Giving this gemstone’s hue is the element chromium and traces of nickel, plus, it’s the most valuable and rarest stone in the chalcedony family. Chrysoprase, though not as easily found as it was in the past, remains to be an affordable gem and is easy to purchase, store, and maintain.
Do keep it away from direct sunlight, however, as excessive exposure may change its color. Make it a goal to purchase brighter green Chrysoprase stones with only a slight translucent look to them—these are of higher quality.
Legend has it that Chrysoprase was once nicknamed the Stone of Venus because it allowed owners of the gem to get in touch with their romantic, sensual, and feminine qualities. It attracted intimacy and gentleness while reducing judgmental attitudes and emotional instability.
Lapis Lazuli
The exotic name of this gemstone is a lovely match to its color and composition. Lapis Lazuli is a rarity in that it is neither a mineral nor an element; it’s a metamorphic rock that’s formed by centuries of the melding and mashing of different substances. It’s one of the handful of opaque gems we know of and its discovery dates back to at least 6,000 years ago with gemstone scholars pointing to Afghanistan’s mountainous regions as its origin.
It comes as no surprise that Lapiz Lazuli was valued by ancient civilizations for its “magic” due to its coloration. While mostly a deep blue, it does feature undertones of purple and violet and streaks or specs of white.
Lapiz Lazuli is an excellent choice for the adventurous gem-wearer. It’s commonly shaped and polished into beads or cabochons, so you will often see it mixed and matched with other complementary (or contrasting) gems depending on the desired effect. Pairing it with silver or white gold brings out its cool-hued beauty.
But, a word of caution to those who want to wear this gemstone regularly—it’s rather soft and porous, so it is prone to abrasions and dents. Be careful wearing Lapiz Lazuli rings and bracelets. Also, aim for high-quality Lapiz Lazuli stones to ensure you get your money’s worth. A general rule to follow is to avoid those with a mottled (cloudy or spotted) appearance as well as gray coloration and instead, go for those that are highly pigmented, as this stone’s color may fade over time.
Jasper
Jasper is relatively inexpensive making it a good choice for individuals who are just starting to grow their jewelry collection. Best of all, it’s a low-maintenance stone that only requires cloth polishing to keep it pristine, making it suitable for use at all times. This opaque gemstone is formed by the combination of cryptocrystalline quartz and other impurities.
It’s a fun piece to incorporate into everyday looks considering its unique patterns of marbling, stripes, spots, and streaks. Jasper comes in every color imaginable from red to black, purple to green, and even orange to gray. Blue and green Jaspers are the rarest of all. However, the most interesting thing about this stone is that several varieties of it exist, each boasting striking color combinations. For instance, Indonesia has the Bumblebee Jasper, Australia has the Mookaite Jasper, and Mexico has the Imperial Jasper.
All over the world, you’ll find avid Jasper collectors because you’ll never find two stones that can be mistaken for each other. Each collection will always be one of a kind, guaranteed.
Like many gemstones that have earned their place in the world of luxury jewelry, Jasper stones come with their own symbolism. More than just being a pretty accessory, they have been treated as talismans that aid in clear decision-making and problem-solving. Some even believe that allowing your Jasper jewelry to soak in moonlight can enhance these otherworldly powers.
Would you like to have your special gems and jewelry assessed?
Have your pieces checked by a certified gemologist, one with the knowledge and expertise to provide true and accurate valuations of your jewelry.
Contact Willyn Villarica, one of the few certified gemologists in the Philippines, a graduate of the GIA Graduate Gemologist® program, and the only NAJA-recognized Filipino appraiser, she brings unparalleled expertise to every assessment.
For inquiries, reach out via email at willynvillarica@willynvillaricajewelry.com, or connect on Facebook (Willyn Villarica Jewelry) or Instagram (@willynvillarica_jewelry).
