BIRTHSTONES

Garnet is the accepted birthstone for the month of January. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage.

Garnet is a remarkable gem in that it comes in all colors except blue. Its reds range from raspberry to blood-red. Its greens may rival that of emerald. It also occurs in a range of shades of yellow, orange and brown. You will be fascinated by the selection of color available.

Garnets offer enough variety in appearance to suite every taste, as well as an outstanding price range (especially for larger sizes) to suit every pocketbook.

Legend holds that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark of illumination. It reportedly also gives its wearer guidance in the night, protection from nightmares, and according to the Egyptians, is an antidote for snake bite and food poisoning. It was also thought to have a special affinity with the blood.

As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows, and avoid extreme temperature changes.

Garnets are found in the U.S., Africa, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia and India

HARDNESS: 6.5 – 7.6
TOUGHNESS: Fair

Amethyst is the recognized birthstone for February and the accepted anniversary gemstone for the sixth year of marriage.

Amethyst is a variety of quartz, and comes in pale lilac to nearly black purple shades. Ideally, it is a deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes that give amethyst its beauty and fire.

Because of its abundance, it is readily available in all sizes and shapes. It is durable and can be worn every day. Coupled with the folk legend of the Greeks that it will prevent intoxication when worn, it becomes a most desirable gem!

Amethyst was said to have a sobering effect on the wearer -; not only those who imbibed but on those over-excited by love’s passion as well. It has symbolized peace, protection and tranquility. Some say it will prevent baldness and improve the complexion, while protecting from treason and deceit. Because royalty has always adored the color purple, amethysts abound in the ornaments of ancient Greeks and Egyptians, and in the British Crown Jewels.

As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

As part of the finishing process, amethyst occasionally is heated to lighten its color.

It is found mainly in Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia.

HARDNESS: 7
TOUGHNESS: Good

Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for March. It is also the accepted anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage.

The ideal color of aquamarine is a refreshing sea blue, not too pale or too green. If you are looking for a big, durable gemstone, aqua is readily available in larger sizes and is truly dramatic when cut in rectangular or oval shapes. It is a member of the important beryl family, which also includes emeralds.

In ancient times, the stone was said to aid seafarers; thus it is an excellent gift suggestion for sailors or one who takes frequent cruises! To dream of aquamarine signifies the making of new friends; to wear aquamarine earrings brings love and affection. It is a universal symbol of youth, hope and health.

As part of the normal finishing process, most aquamarines are heated to remove traces of yellow and permanently intensify the blue color.

To maintain the brilliance of this beautiful gemstone, it should be immersed in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small bristle brush. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

Aquamarine is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia.

HARDNESS: 7.5 -; 8
TOUGHNESS: Fair

Traditionally, the diamond is the accepted birthstone for the month of April. And, besides being the most popular gemstone for engagement rings, is the accepted anniversary gem for the 10th and 60th years of marriage.

The name “diamond” comes from the Greek word “adamas” meaning unconquerable -; suggestion the eternity of love. In fact, diamonds have been the traditional symbol of love since ancient Greece. Discovered about 2,500 years ago in India, the ancients believed they were splinters from the stars, perhaps crystallized lightening or hardened dew drops.

Although diamonds are associated with being a colorless stone, they are occasionally found with a strong, bright color -; green, red, pink, blue, canary yellow and amber. These “fancy” color diamonds are highly prized.

Occasionally, to improve appearance, diamonds are laser-drilled and sometimes, a foreign substance is used to fill surface cavities or fractures. Diamonds may also be irradiated and/or heated to induce “fancy” colors.

Even though it is the most durable of gemstones, care should be taken to protect a diamond from sharp blows. Household chemicals may discolor or pit the mounting. To clean, you may use a jewelry cleaner, lukewarm soapy water and a small bristle brush, soak in a half-and-half solution of cold water and ammonia for ½ hour, or a home ultrasonic machine with its recommended cleaner.

Emerald is the accepted birthstone for the month of May. It is also the anniversary gemstone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage.

Emerald is one of the most highly prized of all the gems. The name comes from the Greek word “smaragdos” which means green stone. The most prized is pure gem or slightly bluish-green.

Emeralds are often characterized by a garden of included crystals trapped within. Under magnification, you will see all sorts of lovely patterns resembling foliage in a garden. A flawless, clear emerald is very rare and is usually found in only small sizes. Small to medium sized stones are often faceted in the “step” or emerald cut. The gem is also lovely when cut into a cabochon or dome shape. Sometimes emeralds are even carved.

According to legend, the wearing of emerald not only cured a side range of ailments, including low I.Q., poor eyesight and infertility, but also enabled the wearer to predict the future.

As part of the normal fashioning process, most emeralds are immersed in colorless oil to fill minute voids, and occasionally are enhanced with dye and/or colored oil.

Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blow, household chemicals, and extreme temperature changes. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine.

Emeralds are found mainly in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

HARDNESS: 7.5 -; 8
TOUGHNESS: Fair

Pearl is the “official” birthstone of the month of June. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage.

A pearl is the product of an oyster’s defense mechanism. When a foreign irritant is introduced immediately surrounds it with layers of a substance called nacre. This forms the exquisite gemstone known as pearl.

Pearls come in a wide range of colors. They should be relatively free from skin blemishes. The more perfectly round the shape the better. The higher the luster or “orient”, the more valuable the specimen. The larger the pearl, the greater the value.

Besides the popular round shape, there are stylish mabe (large hemispherical cultured pearls), fresh water (elongated in interesting shapes and colors), and South Sea (large cultured pearls 10mm and up from Australia’s and Indonesia’s waters), to name a few.

They have been recognized as the emblem of modesty, chastity, and purity. They have come to symbolize a happy marriage.

Different shades of colors may be achieved through bleaching, dyeing, chemicals combined with heat, or irradiation.

Avoid household chemicals, cosmetics, hair sprays and perfumes. Don’t use ultrasonic cleaners. Wash with mild soap and water and store in a protective chamois pouch or tissue paper.

HARDNESS: 3 – 4
TOUGHNESS: Good

Ruby is the accepted birthstone for July. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 4th year.

Ruby is known as the “Lord of the Gems” because of its rarity and beauty. Derived from the Latin word “rubber”, it simply means red. Ruby, like sapphire, is a variety of corundum and only exists as a true red in color. The infest color is a vivid, almost pure spectral red with a very faint undertone of blue, as seen in Burmese rubies, which are considered the finest.

The highest quality rubies were said to protect their owners from all kinds of misfortune. A fine ruby assured the owner he would live in harmony with his neighbors. It would protect his stature in life, his home and land. Its protective powers were intensified when set in jewelry, and worn on the left side. Many believed rubies possessed an inner flame which burned eternally.

As part of the customary fashioning process, virtually all rubies are heated to permanently improve their color and appearance.

As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

The finest rubies emanate from Burma, having been mined there for more than 700 years. Other sources include Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, Cambodia, Sri Lank and India.

HARNESS: 9
TOUGHNESS: Good

Peridot is the accepted birthstone for August. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage.

Peridot is usually a lively lime green, although it can also have a brownish or olive cast.

Peridot is the child of volcanic action. Crystals are sometimes combed from the black sands of Hawaii.

Peridots were favored by pirates, considered powerful amulets against all evil, and when set in gold, were said to protect the wearer from the terrors of the night. They had medicinal uses too. If fashioned into a chalice from which medicines were drunk, it intensified the effects of the drug.

Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals and extreme temperature changes. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine for cleaning.

The peridot is abundant, and is available in larger sizes. It is found in Burma and the U.S.

HARDNESS: 6.5 – 7
TOUGHNESS – Poor

Opal is the October birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 14th year of marriage.

The well-known Roman naturalist Pliny described opal as “made up of the glories of the most precious gems…the gentler fire of the ruby, the rich purple of the amethyst, the sea-green of the emerald, glittering together…”

White opal has a white or light body color with flashes of many colors. Black opal has a black, dark blue, dark green or gray body color with vivid flashes of color such as red, pink and bright green.

Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages. In the Middle Ages, young, fair-haired girls wore opals in their hair to protect its lovely blond color. Medieval writers believed opal could render its wearer invisible when the need arose. It was also said to have a beneficial effect on eyesight. It was thought to banish evil spirits and favor children, the theater, amusements, friendships and feelings.

Occasionally opal matrix is dyed to produce black and a play of color. Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals, and extreme temperature changes. To maintain the brilliance of opal, it should be wiped clean with a soft cloth. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine or jewelry cleaner.

Opal sources are Australia, Mexico, and the U.S.

HARDNESS: 4.5 – 6

Citrine is a transparent yellow to brownish-orange gemstone that belongs to the Quartz family. The name Citrine comes from the French word citron which means lemon.

This gemstone is formed from the combination of silicon dioxide and iron. Citrine is found in various regions throughout the world, but the most significant deposits are found in Brazil.

Citrine is highly sought after for its warm and vibrant hues that are reminiscent of sunshine and warmth. Its color intensity ranges from pale yellow to deep orange-brown, and its clarity can vary from transparent to opaque. Citrine is often used in jewelry and is believed to hold powerful metaphysical properties that promote abundance, prosperity, and success. It is also known to stimulate creativity, boost self-esteem, and cleanse negative energy.

Dive into a world of serene beauty with Blue Topaz, an exquisite gemstone that captivates with its enchanting blue hue. With its cool and calming color reminiscent of clear skies and tranquil waters, Blue Topaz has long been treasured for its ethereal charm and timeless elegance.

This gemstone, renowned for its clarity and brilliance, is a variety of the mineral topaz. Its mesmerizing shades of blue range from delicate pastels to deep, vibrant tones, allowing each gem to express its unique personality. Blue Topaz’s alluring color is often associated with qualities such as peace, tranquility, and emotional balance, making it a beloved choice for jewelry enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike.

Whether adorning a delicate pendant, a statement ring, or sparkling in a pair of elegant earrings, Blue Topaz brings an undeniable touch of sophistication to any piece of jewelry. Its radiant luster and remarkable clarity make it a true showstopper, effortlessly catching the light and casting a captivating glow.

Beyond its captivating aesthetics, Blue Topaz is also believed to hold a myriad of metaphysical properties. It is said to promote clear communication, enhance intuition, and inspire creativity. Its calming energy is thought to soothe anxieties, ease tensions, and foster a sense of serenity in the wearer, creating a harmonious balance within.

Embrace the serene allure of Blue Topaz and embark on a journey of elegance and tranquility. Let this enchanting gemstone adorn your world with its captivating beauty and infuse your life with a sense of peace and balance that transcends time.