Blue. The color conjures up visions of open sky and deep oceans, a connection to nature. It is one of the most popular colors in the world, evoking feelings of calmness, serenity and trust.
It is widely accepted that the ancient Egyptians invented the color blue. Around 2200 BC Egyptian Blue, also known as cuprorivaite, was created from a mixture of limestone, sand and a copper-bearing mineral such as azurite or malachite. Considered the first synthetic color, the ingredients were mixed together and heated to create an opaque blue glass, which was then crushed and blended with other elements to turn it into paint. The color was very important to the Egyptians who used it freely to decorate ceramics and the tombs of Pharaoh’s. Blue was associated with the Gods, especially Horus. The ancient Egyptians wore blue beads as a form of protection and as a connection to the divine, the hue became associated with power and status. There was no word for blue in the ancient world, and historians speculate that is because another word was used, or people in the ancient world did not see color the way we do in the modern world.
Lapis Lazuli Blue
The deep, rich blue gemstone lapis lazuli found hidden in the mountains of Afghanistan was used to make blue pigment about six thousand years ago. The color became known as ultramarine blue and was imported to Europe by Italian merchants during the 14th and 15th century. The color was more expensive than gold, so it was only used by painters for very special commissions. A synthetic version of the color was invented in 1826 by a French chemist, leading the color to be named French Ultramarine.
Although lapis lazuli is not used to make paints and dyes anymore, it is a beautiful opaque deep blue gemstone that you will find in jewelry. It’s rich color pairs with other gemstones in bright hues and its smooth opaque surface is a lovely juxtaposition to either faceted or cabochon gemstones. It’s also fabulous with another favored blue gemstone: Turquoise. The combination of dark blue and bright blue has an energy that is both serene and active at the same time, making for an eye-catching jewel.
Brides and Blue
Blue is also connected with love and fidelity, which is why brides wear “something blue” on their wedding day. It’s also why a blue sapphire is a charming engagement ring. Blue sapphires come in a variety of shades from a rich violet blue to a softer cornflower blue. Gemstones often have a secondary color that impacts the overall look of the gem. In the case of a blue sapphire, a red undertone will give it flashes of violet, while another stone may have a secondary color of green, giving the gem a very different look. The point is there are many variations to the color of a blue sapphire, so you’ll be able to find the one that perfectly suits you.
Another beautiful blue stone that can be worn as an engagement ring, or for any other time, is aquamarine. This gem is a soft blue that frequently has green modifiers, making it a greenish blue, or the color of the sea. It’s a very different blue than a sapphire, but just as beautiful.
Royal Blue
Due to its scarcity and therefore high value, blue dyes and paints became associated with royalty, in part because they were the only ones wealthy enough to afford the use of blue. During the Middle Ages, European Royalty wore royal blue clothing, showing their status. Blue dyes and paints were so expensive that to wear blue was an expression of power and wealth. King Louis XIV (reigned 1643-1715) was the first of the rulers to wear blue clothing regularly, leading the color to become associated with royalty and wealth.
It’s a color that is also connected to divinity. In religious art, blue was used to symbolize purity and protection. During the Renaissance years, the hue was used to represent the Virgin Mary’s robes. In India, blue is associated with the Hindu God Krishna, so the color became associated with spiritual divinity. The color is also associated with Islam and Judaism as well, representing the heavens and divine truth.
Tanzanite, which is a relatively new entry into the blue gemstone pantheon, is often described as royal blue. It is found in only one place in the world: In the mines at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It was discovered in the 1960s and was introduced to jewelry enthusiasts by Tiffany & Co. in 1967, going on to become one of the most popular gemstones sold by the retailer.
Indigo and Navy Blue
Indigo blue which is a darker blue has been around for centuries, the dye for this shade of blue came from a plant that was easily accessible. The color entered the mainstream when “blue jeans” were introduced for workers by Levi Strauss during the 1800s. Eventually, jeans became a fashionista favorite found in every wardrobe. Indigo blue was also very popular in China where it was commonly used to embellish porcelain.
The deepest shade of blue, navy blue, also known as marine blue, became the color of British naval uniforms in 1748. The depth of the hue shows a serious side that other blues don’t always have. Indigo was the basis for navy blue.
If you like deeper blues you may find Indicolite tourmaline suits your style. Known for its deep blue color, indicolite tourmaline is found in very few places and is a rare form of this gem. It was first discovered in Brazil in the 1700s. It may be a pure blue, but it often has either purple or green undertones. On the other hand if you prefer a bright blue, Paraiba tourmaline, from the Paraiba region of Brazil is a vibrant blue, with an almost electric quality to it, if you like your gems to have a more neon color.
The most recent hue to enter the blue field is YInmn Blue, a bright blue that was accidentally discovered in 2009 by Oregon State University chemist Mas Subramenian and some grad students, while they were exploring new materials to make electronics. It is the first inorganic blue pigment found in 200 years. The entirely synthetic color pigment was released for commercial use in 2016 and Crayola added it to its collection of crayons under the name “Bluetiful”.
Blue has the distinction of being one of the world’s most beloved colors and this beautiful hue is found in a variety of gemstones, in different shades and tones, one of which is sure to fit your personal style harmoniously.
Top of Page: YInmn Blue, photo Mas Subramenian, courtesy WikiCommons.
Lapis lazuli, diamond, emerald and 18-karat gold chimera bracelet signed David Webb, circa 1970s; Blue Sapphire, yellow diamond, platinum and 18-karat gold ring; Two pear shaped tanzanite with a total carat weight of 65.45, diamonds and platinum earrings; Paraiba tourmaline, diamond and platinum ring.
Authored by Amber Michelle