Birthstones serve as reminders of the beauty and mystery of life. Various birthstone lists
associating one or more gemstones with the months have been developed through the centuries.
These are the birthstones for the months:
|
 |
January:
Garnet
Garnets are found in nature in every color except blue. The most popular color is a beautiful, deep red.
It was believed that the wearer of garnets was kept in good health and protected while traveling.
Garnets are worn to signify truth and faith.
|
|
|
 |
February:
Amethyst
This member of the quartz family was prized by royalty in ancient times for its regal, purple color.
The amethyst is said to bring good luck and to radiate love.
|
|
|
|
March:
Aquamarine
Found in a range of blue shades from pale to dark, this gem embodies the beauty of the seas.
It was thought to bring its wearers knowledge, foresight and inspiration.
|
|
|
|
|
April
Diamond
Diamonds are the most brilliant of gemstones and the hardest substance in the world.
They have been cherished for more than 6,000 years. In ancient times, diamonds were thought
to be pieces of stars that had fallen to Earth.
|
|
|
|
May:
Emarald
Known as the queen of gems and treasured since ancient times, this vibrant green stone has long been regarded as a symbol of fertility,
rebirth and springtime. Emeralds were believed to protect the wearer from the perils of long journeys.
|
|
|
|
June:
Pearl
These jewels of the sea are indigenous to the waters surrounding Japan and China. In those warm, calm waters,
the oyster produces pearls in a wide range of shades, from creamy white to black.
|
|
|
|
July:
Ruby
A prized possession of kings and queens throughout the ages, the ruby has been known for centuries as a symbol
of love and immortality. In some countries, engagement rings are set with rubies instead of diamonds.
|
|
|
|
August:
Peridot
Mystics have claimed that this lustrous green stone drives away evil and has special healing properties.
Peridots have been found in meteorites and volcanoes.
|
|
|
|
September:
Sapphire
The name sapphire is derived from the Latin word for blue, "sapphirus."
Ancient Persians believed the Earth rested on an enormous blue sapphire, and its reflection caused the blueness of the sky.
|
|
|
|
October:
Opal
The opal's special characteristic is a rainbow-like play of color that changes with the angle of observation. Colors vary,
but it's the iridescent property that creates the very special play of color called "fire."
|
|
|
|
November:
Citrine
The name citrine comes from the French word for lemon, "citron," which describes this stone's yellow hue.
In ancient times, citrine was revered as a gift of the sun and believed to be a powerful antidote to a viper's venom.
|
|
|
|
December:
Topaz
Topaz comes in many colors, including light blue, pink, yellow, red and green. The most popular color is an enhanced blue.
This gorgeous gemstone was said to act as a protector and make the wearer invisible in emergencies.
|
|
|
