Birthstones
January: Garnet
Garnet is a hard, durable, brilliant stone that is generally thought of in its beautiful wine color. It is actually available in every color and shade except blue. Tsavorite, or green garnet, is a less expensive yet beautiful alternative to emerald. Because of its durability, many antique garnet jewelry pieces, mostly of the wine-color variety, are still worn and enjoyed today. Garnet is considered to be the gem of faith, constancy and truth.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst, birthgem of February, is a beautiful light violet to deep purple quartz. While it is the most valuable gem of the quartz family, it is still relatively affordable, especially in larger sizes. Greek legend has it that Bacchus, the god of wine, was so angered by the goddess Diana that , in revenge, he mindlessly set beasts on the innocent maiden Amethyst as she entered the forest. Diana turned Amethyst into pure white stone to save her from the beasts, and Bacchus, feeling remorse, poured wine over the stone and endowed it with the power to protect the wearer from intoxication.
March: Aquamarine
Deep blue to the greenish-blue of the sea, aquamarine is of the beryl family of gems, the same mineral group that includes emerald. It's clear to see that its name is derived from two words, " aqua" for water and marine for the sea. and this beautiful birthgem of March is also as transparent as seawater itself. It is the perfect gift for people who like boating, cruises, or simply love to spend their time by the seaside. It was once considered to be a magical talisman for seafarers, assuring them of safe voyages and returns.
April: Diamond
April is the official month of diamond. It is the birthgem of the month, as well as the designated gift of choice for the 10th and 50th wedding anniversaries. When we envision diamond, we think of the " colorless" gem that exhibits a blast of kaleidoscopic colors in a flash of light. Yet diamond is naturally found in just about every color imaginable. Just about every woman would enjoy a gift of diamond stud earrings - or any piece of jewelry that features this magnificent gem!
May: Emerald
Alexander the Great had a large emerald set in his jewelry belt and emeralds were prominent among the gems set in Charlemagne's crown. As the birthgem of those born in May, emerald signifies both love and success. The word "emerald" May be traced back to several languages and in each case translates to "green"
June: Pearl
Pearl is the only gem that need not be cut or polished. It is as beautiful as can be the day it is removed from its host mollusk. Most pearls on the market today are "cultured." They are genuine pearls grown in Mollusks and harvested by man. As the birthgem of June, pearl symbolizes both health and longevity.
July: Ruby
Ruby- Ruby is the hardest mineral next to diamond and of course, is known for its beautiful shade of red. While many rubies are in an affordable price range, some large, well-colored rubies may be more expensive tan a like-sized diamond. As the birthgem of July, ruby is symbolic of love and passion.
August: Peridot
Because of its great radiance, the peridot was called the "gem of the sun". It was once held that only by night and on royal authority could a search be made for this stone. This gems most important source is near Egypt in the Red Sea now known as St. John's, which is the Arabic word for peridot. One of the finest peridot specimens formerly belonged to the Russian czars and is now in the Diamond Treasury in Moscow.
September: Sapphire
The throne of celestial judgment rests on a sapphire, according to ancient legend. Asian tradition held that sapphire was the guiding gem that could ward off evil omens and bring good fortune to its owner. Sapphire is the blue variety of corundum, the same gem family as ruby. It ranges from pale, sky blue to the deep midnight color of the sky.
October: Opal
Opal was considered to be the gem of inspiration for artists and those in love. It also was purported to protect the wearer from depression, evil thoughts, and lightning. It was said to have the ability to soothe the eyes and nerves, protect against wrath, and to make wishes come true. Some ancients believed that wearing opal could render a person invisible.
November: Topaz
Topaz owes its exotic name either to the Sanskrit word for fire, "topas, " or to an island in the Red Sea which was formerly called "Topazos." Whatever the origin of its name, topaz is a gem that dazzles the senses with its brilliant fire and array of colors. the most familiar colors of this gem are golden yellow and sky blue. Most of the now popular sky-blue topaz were heat treated to permanently bring out the beauty of the stone.
December: Turquoise
Turquoise owes its unusual name to the French words "pierre turquois, " meaning "Turkish stone," as the stone fires made its way to western Europe by way of Turkey. This gem was highly valued by many ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, the Persians, as well as the Aztecs, the Incas and American Indians of the southwest. American Indians believed that this gem held the spirits of the sea and the sky. The oldest turquoise mines are in the Sinai peninsula. the Egyptians mined this gem as long ago as 5500 B.C.