Sapphires in September

September’s birthstone, the sapphire, is a gemstone that has fascinated humanity for centuries with its stunning beauty and profound symbolism. Typically known for its rich blue hue, sapphires actually come in a variety of colors, from pink to yellow and even colorless, though the deep blue variety remains the most iconic.

The name “sapphire” comes from the Greek word “sappheiros,” which means “blue stone,” a fitting moniker for a gem so intimately tied to the color. Beyond its visual appeal, the sapphire is believed to represent wisdom, loyalty, and nobility—qualities that have made it a favorite among royalty and common folk alike throughout history.

The allure of sapphires has transcended cultures and time, earning a revered place in both ancient lore and modern jewelry. In ancient Persia, it was believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire, and its reflection gave the sky its blue color. In the Middle Ages, clergy wore sapphires to symbolize Heaven, while royalty favored the gemstone as a defense against envy and harm. Sapphires have long been associated with purity and chastity, often serving as a popular choice for engagement rings. This enduring connection to spiritual and moral virtues makes sapphire not just a decorative stone, but a symbol of deeper values.

Some of the world’s most famous sapphires have captivating stories behind them, adding to the stone’s mystique. One such example is the Star of India, one of the largest sapphires ever discovered, weighing an astonishing 563.35 carats. This star sapphire, characterized by a six-pointed star pattern that appears on its surface due to unique inclusions, is housed in the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Another legendary sapphire is the Logan Sapphire, a flawless deep blue stone weighing 422.99 carats, set in a brooch surrounded by diamonds, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Gem Collection.

Perhaps the most famous sapphire in modern times is the one set in Princess Diana’s engagement ring, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales. This iconic ring features a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, set in white gold. When Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, this choice of a non-diamond engagement ring was seen as unconventional, yet it has since become one of the most recognizable and beloved pieces of jewelry in the world, symbolizing both romantic love and royal heritage.

Sapphires continue to captivate the hearts of those who seek beauty, tradition, and meaning in their adornments. Whether set in a regal crown, a museum display, or a cherished personal piece, the sapphire’s deep connection to history and human emotion makes it a gemstone like no other. For those born in September, wearing a sapphire is not only a celebration of their birth month but also a connection to a gemstone that has been treasured across cultures and eras for its unmatched beauty and symbolism.

WORLD WATERCOLOR MONTH

World Watercolor Month is observed annually in July.

Watercolor (watercolour, aquarelle) is a beautiful medium that has captivated people around the globe for centuries. Today, artists are producing amazing paintings each day, and sketchers have popularized the medium as a wonderful way to add life and color to drawings of the world around them.

World Watercolor Month is a celebration to inspire people to paint with watercolor while raising awareness for the importance of art and creativity in the world. Anyone can join the celebration from master watercolorists to people just starting out! Simply tag your watercolor art with #WorldWatercolorMonth and share it for the world to see! This celebration is also a benefit for The Dreaming Zebra Foundation! You can also join in celebrating by donating watercolor supplies to support underprivileged young artists worldwide! With your help, we can provide much-needed support for kids in need. Visit www.worldwatercolor.com to learn more!

HISTORY

Charlie O’Shields, the creator of Doodlewash®, is the founder of World Watercolor Month. His own love of the medium led to the creation of a blog and social artist movement dedicated to promoting and connecting the vast community of watercolor artists all over the world. The blog has featured hundreds of artists sketching and painting with watercolor on all seven continents. According to Charlie, “There’s something magical about watercolor, and it’s my passion to bring all types of watercolor artists together to celebrate each other’s work and the medium we all love!”

Explore more…

HOW TO OBSERVE

  • Take the Ultimate Challenge: Make 31 Watercolor Paintings in 31 Days!
  • Haven’t tried watercolor before? Give it try for the first time this month!
  • It’s even more fun to paint with friends, so plan a picnic or sketch walk in your local city and paint outside together.
  • Have your kids try watercolor painting (and paint with them, of course!)
  • Support a watercolor artist you enjoy by purchasing one of their beautiful pieces or products for your home.
  • Share the watercolor work of other artists you love.

Commit to making a watercolor painting or sketch each day during the month (or whenever you can join), and share your work with #WorldWatercolorMonth when posting your art! (and use the hashtag to view the work of other watercolor artists around the world!)

Going Green, Emeralds it is!

Wether its the Emerald isles or the Emerald Coast, they both get their names from May’s beautiful birthstone….you guessed it Emeralds.  These precious stones have been coveted by humanity throughout history and its easy to see why.  If you have a May birthday this is your stone.  If not the allure and beauty of the stones gives all the reason needed to add these to your wardrobe.

Symbolically, emeralds have been treasured for millennia as stones of foresight and truth. Ancient Romans dedicated the gem to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, believing it protected lovers from infidelity and deepened the bonds of commitment. Cleopatra, history’s most famous emerald enthusiast, used them not just as adornment but as political and romantic statements—each green stone a promise of power and passion intertwined. In medieval lore, an emerald held before a serpent would blind it, but held to a lover’s lips, it revealed whether their vows were true. This dual symbolism of protection and honesty makes the emerald a profound choice for engagement rings or anniversary gifts.

Colors range from light Columbian to deep Emerald.  Most are determined by mine location.  The fewer inclusions the more valuable the stone.  In times gone by these stones were thought to have powers beyond matching a gown.  Some are rumored to be cursed, while some held curative powers if ingested.  Emeralds are so coveted they even have a shape of diamonds and gems named after them.

A symbol of unending love and honesty have encouraged favoritism as wedding stones of choice.  The Regency era in particular Irish and English girls received many.  Long seen as a symbol of hope and prophecy made them very popular.  Unlike the red ruby, a statement of passionate love, an emerald conveys a complex symbolism and emotions.  Cleopatra draped herself in Emerards.  Rich luscious green color beautifully played off the violet of Elizabeth Taylor’s eyes in the 1960’s. While being most calming color green, it reflexes growth, peace, balance, and reflection.  Healing and fertility are also attributed to these very rare gemstone.  Verdant tones and inside are tempered by cool blue within the stone symbolize a steadfast bond.

Beyond myth, the emerald’s physical character reinforces its romantic message. Known for its characteristic “jardin,” or garden-like inclusions, no two emeralds are exactly alike. These internal fissures and flecks, once considered flaws, are now celebrated as the stone’s fingerprint—proof that perfection is not the goal, but rather unique, resilient beauty. Gifting an emerald says, “I see your imperfections, and I love the whole garden they create.” It is a love that accepts depth and history, much like a long-term partnership that has weathered small storms and grown stronger for them.

Moreover, green itself is the color of the heart chakra in Eastern traditions, believed to govern love, compassion, and emotional balance. Wearing an emerald close to the skin is thought to soothe old wounds and open the wearer to genuine connection. For a May birthday, receiving this stone is more than a keepsake; it is a wish for a life filled with loyal friendships and a marriage rooted in mutual growth. Just as spring’s green deepens into summer’s abundance, so too does emerald love mature—from tender beginnings to a rich, unbreakable bond.

Emeralds are often associated with strong sexuality and fertility, it was historically believed to help with difficult births or the problems bearing children.  Linked to healing and balance within the nervous, respiratory and even aid digestion.     Ancient Romans, for example, felt that the very soul of an individual was restored when they wore emerald jewelry.
So whether for your Birthstone or you just love the color, I wish you any and all luck they may contain.

National Couple Appreciation Month

National Couple Appreciation Month in April reminds us to keep the flames of romance alive all year long. Don’t wait for a specific holiday to keep the spark in your relationship hot.

Let’s face it; relationships take work.  Whether they are romantic ones or not, they take effort.  When two people are in the early stages of love, the excitement and the hormones make us overlook all the flaws and potential obstacles the world throws at us. Fast forward to life. When we value the people in our lives, we take the time to do the little things to let them know. 

For the significant other in our life, those little things mean so much more. This person is the one we call when we’re going to be late coming home from work. She’s the person we talk to about big decisions. He’s the person who makes your coffee in the morning.

Whether the relationship is becoming long-term or has already endured the long-haul, National Couple Appreciation Month is a time to re-dedicate the little things we do for each other. Little things go a long way to sending the message that we a loved and cared about.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Spend time with your loved one and reconnect. 

Little Things
  • Leave a love note on your mate’s car.
  • Surprise your love with coffee or tea before they wake.
  • If your sweetheart is a selfie-loving type and you’re not, give in on occasion and take a couples’ selfie.
  • Let your significant other overhear you complimenting them. It’s one thing for you to tell them directly, but to know you tell others what you think means so much more.
  • Invite your love to go on an activity he or she enjoys. It doesn’t need to be expensive. If they are always pestering you to go for a walk or to the library, they will be pleased by the gesture.
  • Learn something new together.  Explore common interests where you both might have an opportunity to learn while spending time together.

Use #NationalCoupleAppreciationMonth to share on social media.

National Decorating Month

Brighten up your home during National Decorating Month in April! A fresh coat of paint, stylish fabrics, and furnishings give a tired space a fresh look and make something old look new again.

It’s amazing what we can do with a few strategically placed items. Whether a decorator’s trained eye or a natural sense of color and space leads to a beautiful new space, the achievement is always satisfying.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating projects around the home. No matter where you decide to update, be sure to do your research and prepare. The do-it-yourself handbook has been written multiple times. If you’re hesitant, help can be found in the form of videos, the service counters of hardware stores and decorators, too.

HISTORY

National Decorating Month originated in 1968 as National Home Decorating Month. The National Decorating Products Association (now known as the Paint & Wallpaper Association of America) in association with House and Garden Magazine launch the event.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Decorating Tips and Ideas

  • Form a painting club. Each member gets a room painted by the club. An ideal size would be six members. If you paint one room every other month, everyone gets a room painted in a year. The member whose room is being painted provides snacks and painting supplies.
  • If you smoke in your home and are trying to quit smoking, a great motivator is to paint the interior of your home. The freshly painted (and possibly decorated) home may be a deterrent from smoking in the home.
  • If you’re uncertain of a color choice, purchase a small amount of the paint or swatch of fabric. Paint a small patch or leave the swatch in the room where it will be used.  Let the sun rise and set in that room so you can see how the color changes.  You will soon know if you love it or hate it.
  • When choosing furniture for a room, be sure to measure more than just the space for the furniture when deciding on a piece. Measure the openings and corners leading into the room even if there are no stairs. If you cannot get the furniture into the room, you may have to return your new furniture.

Don’t settle for a plain square room. Add your personality to it with some expert advice or do-it-yourself redesign.  Use #NationalDecoratingMonth to share on social media.