Birthstone Jewelry

A very popular gift is birthstone jewelry. This type of jewelry incorporates the stone that is representative of a birth month. This tradition of a stone to signify a month was thought to have started centuries ago. The Breastplate of Aaron is thought to have started the tradition of birthstones. This piece of amour was described in the Bible and there are twelve stones on the breastplate, again indicating the twelve months.Wearing birthstone jewelry is very popular today. Not only is it fashionable; somehow, it also makes the item feel more personal and part of the wearer's personality. Almost all gems are believed to be imbued with some special sort of power and this is one of the reasons why it is considered lucky to wear birthstone jewelry. Let's look at some of the mystical properties and beliefs about these special gems and some famous people who would wear them.

Garnets come in a variety of colors but are best known for their deep red shade.January's birthstone is associated with faithfulness, sincerity, truth, and grace, and those born in this month are said to be loyal, devoted friends.Garnets are said to bring good fortune to people born in the month of January.Garnets are naturally found in colors that range from pale red to dark brown. The color that is most often found in jewelry is a deep burgundy red. Garnets are usually cut into faceted shapes, with many tiny faces cut into the surface of the stone to reflect light and create a sparkle or they are cut into cabochons. Cabochon cut stones have a smooth surface and this emphasizes the pure nature of the stone. High quality garnets are sometimes used as a substitute for rubies. Garnets look stunning when cut in either style and the choice between the two types of cut is very much down to personal style.

Because of its regal purple hue, amethyst has long been a favorite of kings, queens, and other nobles. While it signifies wealth and strength, this radiant stone is also a symbol of soberness, tranquility, and wisdom.For those who were born in the month of February the Amethyst is the traditional birth stone. It is also the zodiac stone for the constellation of Pisces. So what is amethyst? The amethyst is a semi-precious and very popular gemstone used in jewelry. The gemstone amethyst has a violet or purple color that is available in many different shapes and sizes. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek word "amethystos" and it means "not drunken" which is reflected in the properties of this gemstone. The amethyst could be mined in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Sri Lanka, Zambia and in the other African countries.

Like the beautiful waters of the sea that give this stone its name, aquamarine is associated with clarity, tranquility, and peace of mind. Its beautiful light blue color, reminiscent of both ocean and sky, seems highly attuned to nature.Aquamarine, part of the beryl family of gemstones, ranges in color from light sky blue to vibrant blue green. Although all shades of this beautiful gemstone are desirable, many people prefer jewelry made with rich clear aqua blue gems. These gems look equally stunning set in white or yellow gold, platinum or sterling silver. Aquamarine jewelry pieces are available in a vast array of gorgeous styles and designs. This magnificent gemstone is a perfect choice to pair with causal or evening wear.

The April birthstone is diamond. Jewelry featuring a special birthstone makes a very special and thoughtful gift. Luckily there are alternatives to high cost diamonds.Lucky is the person who is born in April as their birthstone is the most precious of gemstones – the diamond. Diamonds have been treasured and cherished since ancient times and feature in important jewelry collections the world over.Diamonds are the hardest substance found in nature, with a perfect 10 rating on the Mohs scale, and their rarity and remarkable brilliance make them extremely valuable. Those born in April may find that a diamond guards their innocence, strengthens their bodies and spirits, and nurtures their best qualities.

May's birthstone is the emerald.Emerald is the green version of the mineral Beryl. It was considered to be the talisman of the goddess Venus, and to represent faith, goodness and kindness.The emerald's name is indirectly derived from the Greek word "smaragdos," a term ambiguously applied to several kinds of green stones. The history of emeralds can be traced back to antiquity. They were worn by royalty in Babylon and Egypt. Tools dating back to 1300 B.C., during the reign of Rameses II, have been found in emerald mines in Egypt. Queen Cleopatra's emeralds were believed to originate from mines in Southern Egypt, near the Red Sea.Emerald jewelry is often set in distinctive styles. Emeralds are normally cut in the style of stone cutting that takes its name from the stone – the emerald cut. This is a rectangular style. It is possible with a little perseverance, however, to find emeralds cut in any shape.

Pearls are the June birthstone. These are commonly used as graduation presents or worn at weddings. Pearls are pretty inexpensive so it's a good entry level gemstone if you don't have a lot of "real jewelry". The June birthstone can turn into an heirloom that is passed down on wedding days. Use it as a way to start a new tradition.June's birthstone is not a stone at all, but a beautiful organic product of the humble mollusk. This gift of nature comes to us complete and is the only gem that requires no faceting or polishing to bring out its radiant beauty. Treasured by countless cultures over thousands of years, the pearl is a timeless symbol of modesty and purity.

Ruby is the birthstone for July and also the anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th years of marriage. The history of ruby mining dates back more than 2,500 years ago.Known as "king of the gems" in ancient Sanskrit, the ruby has long been prized for its rarity and its passionate red hue. Those born in July wear rubies as symbols of beauty, love, happiness, and good fortune.Ruby is the red shade of the mineral Corundum, with all the other shades of this mineral being sapphires.It is also one of the hardest gems, second only to diamond - the April birthstone.Ruby derives its name from the Latin word Ruber which means red.

Peridot is the birthstone for August and 16th anniversary gemstone. Its name comes from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning gem. Peridot is sometimes referred to as an "Evening Emerald" because under artificial light it glows as a brilliant green.The lively light green hue of August's birthstone conveys positive energy and optimism, and those born in August are said to be happy, generous people. Peridot is also believed to promote tranquility, enhance speech, and foster good relationships in marriage.

Sapphire, the September birthstone, is associated with qualities that are desirable in long term relationships. Read on to know more about the enchanting gemstone, sapphire, and the attributes associated with it.Sapphire is a favorite all over the world, on account of its availability in vivid colors and its versatility. Sapphire is the traditional, as well as the modern birthstone of September. It is also the birthstone of Virgo, the sixth zodiac sign. Sapphire is also considered to be the anniversary gem, for the 5th and the 45th years of marriage.Sapphires are available in all colors except red, because red pieces of the same mineral, corundum, are always called rubies. The most popular sapphire color is cornflower blue.

Opal is the birthstone for October and the gemstone given to commemorate a 14th wedding anniversary. The word "opal" for this dynamic gemstone was derived from the Greek word "opallus" which means to see a change in color because it is, after all, opal's abilty to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light that make it so special. In fact, there are more than a dozen varieties of fiery and iridescent opals.Known as the "seeing stone," opal is believed to provide inspiration and spiritual enlightenment. It is also said to elevate the mood and to help its wearer find true love.

Citrine is the birthstone for November and the traditional anniversary gemstone for the 13th year of marriage. Its name comes from an old French word for lemon -- "citrin". A variety of quartz and the "sister stone" to the purple variety known as Amethyst, citrine comes in a wide range of colors.Citrine is a golden yellow form of quartz, with a sunny hue that is naturally energizing and uplifting. November's birthstone is said to promote happiness and creativity and to nurture friendships.

Radiant blue topaz is the traditional birthstone for the month of December. This dramatic gemstone has given jewelry designs a unique blue fire for thousands of years. It is well-known for its dynamic color and range of vivid blue hues. High-quality blue topaz has bright color and good transparency.Blue topaz is prized for its soothing and captivating blue color, which is usually divided into three categories: sky blue for the palest shade, Swiss blue for the more saturated medium shade, and London blue for the deepest shade. Also known as an artist's stone, blue topaz is reputed to inspire creativity and enhance concentration.