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Just about everyone knows
what his or her birthstone is.
Why is that?
Because people still enjoy
the folklore associated with the tradition of the birthstone. They like
believing that wearing a birthstone brings them good luck and protects
them.
Early civilization as far
back as the Assyrians (1400 BC) invested rare and beautiful gemstones
with magical properties. Some minerals were thought to contain a force
or possess certain values and powers. For instance, amethyst was said
to prevent intoxication.
Tradition associates a gem
with each sign of the zodiac based on a color system. Color was thought
to unleash the power attributed to the stone.
In time, birthstones became
associated with calendar months rather than the zodiac. And people
began to select birthstones in colors other than the original.
The Roman, Arabic, Jewish,
Polish, Russian and Italian lists were all different.
The following list of
birthstones, which is the one commonly used today, was adopted in 1912
by the American National Association of Jewelers, which later evolved
into the Jewelers of America.
The following information
includes the fascinating facts and folklore attributed to each
birthstone.
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January
Garnet
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Color : Dark Red
Garnet is the accepted
birthstone for the month of January. It is also the accepted
anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage.
When most people think of
garnet, they picture the dark red bohemian garnet that was popular in
Victorian times. You may be surprised to learn that garnets are found
in every color except blue, including brilliant green tsavorite garnet,
raspberry pink rhodolite garnet, and orange Malaya garnet. Bright red
"anthill" garnets are found in Arizona. The Tsars of Russia favored
rare green damantoid garnets.
Garnets offer enough variety
in appearance to suit every taste, as well as an outstanding price
range to suit every pocketbook.
Legend holds that Noah hung
a large garnet in the ark for illumination. It reportedly also gives
its wearer guidance in the night, protection from nightmares, and
according to the Egyptians, is an antidote for snake bites and food
poisoning. It was also thought to have a special affinity with the
blood.
Garnets are durable and
brilliant and will give years of pleasure.
As with all gemstones, care
should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, and extreme
tempera-ture changes.
Garnets are found in the U.S., Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil and India.
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February
Amethyst
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Color : Purple
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 rich, deep 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 indulged 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, as well as protect 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.
It is found mainly in Brazil, Uruguay
and Zambia.
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March
Aquamarine
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Color : Pale Blue
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 pastel sea blue. Stones with a clear blue
color without green or gray are generally the most valuable.
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 emerald.
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, some aquamarines are heated to remove traces of
yellow.
To maintain the brilliance
of this beautiful gemstone, it should be immersed in 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, Zambia,
Madagascar and
Ukraine.
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April
Diamond
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Color : White (Clear)
Diamond is the birthstone
for the month of April. Besides being the most popular gemstone for
engagement rings, diamond is the accepted anniversary gem for the 10th
and 60th years of marriage.
The name "diamond" comes
from the Greek word "adamas" meaning unconquerable-suggesting 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" colored 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 damage 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 1/2 hour, or use a home ultrasonic machine with its
recommended cleaner.
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May
Emerald
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Color : Bright Green
Emerald is the 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
"smaragdos" which means green stone. The most prized is pure grass
green.
Emeralds are often
characterized by a garden of included crystals trapped within, known as
the "jardin", because 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 wide 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 or
resin so small voids are not as noticeable.
Care should be taken to
protect it from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals, and
extreme temperature changes. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine.
Emeralds are found mainly in
Colombia, Brazil, Zambia
and Zimbabwe.
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June
Pearl
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Color : Cream
Pearl is
the birthstone for 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
either by man (cultured) or naturally, the oyster immediately surrounds
it with layers of a substance called nacre. This forms the exquisite
gemstone know 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.
Pearls have been recognized
as the emblem of modesty, chastity and purity. They have come to
symbolize a happy marriage.
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.
Moonstone is sometimes used
as an alternative by those born in June since it physically resembles
some pearls.
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July
Ruby
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Color : Red
Ruby is the accepted
birthstone for July. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for
the 15th and 40th year.
Ruby is known as the "Lord
of the Gems" because of its rarity and beauty. Derived from the Latin
word "ruber", it simply means red. Ruby, like sapphire, is a variety of
corundum and only exists as a true red in color. The finest 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
are 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 since ancient times. Other sources include Thailand, Vietnam,
Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania,
Cambodia, Afghanistan and India.
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August
Peridot
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Color : Pale Green
Peridot is the accepted
birthstone for August. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for
the 16th year of marriage.
Peridot should be a lively
lime green, without a brownish or olive cast.
Peridot is the child of
volcanic action. Tiny peridot 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, they intensified the effects of the drug.
Care should be taken to
protect peridot 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.
The most important source of
peridot in the world is the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation near
Globe, Arizona,
where it is mined by native Americans.
Large sizes are mined in Myanmar (Burma)
and peridot is also found in China.
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September
Sapphire
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Color : Deep Blue
Sapphire is the September
birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary gem for the 5th and 45th
years of marriage.
Sapphire, a variety of
corundum, comes in all colors except red (the red variety being known
as ruby), but is especially popular in deep blue. Fancy colored
sapphires-including pink, green, orange, and golden yellow-are
magnificent when combined in a necklace or bracelet.
Prince Charles chose a blue
sapphire for Princess Diana's engagement ring. The stone's durability,
combined with its beauty, makes it the perfect alternative for an
engagement ring.
Ancient priests and
sorcerers honored sapphire above all gems, for this stone enabled them
to interpret oracles and foretell the future. Ancients believed the Ten
Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet. Marriage partners put
great faith in the stone. If its luster dimmed, one knew his or her
spouse had been unfaithful. Sapphire refused to shine when worn by the
wicked or impure.
As part of the customary
fashioning process, virtually all blue, yellow and golden sapphires are
heated to permanently produce or intensify their color.
As with all gemstones, care
should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.
Sapphire is found in Sri
Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), Kasmir, Australia, Nigeria,
Kenya, Tanzania, China and the U.S.
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October
Opal
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Color : Variegated
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.
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.
Sometimes tourmaline is used
as a birthstone for October and spans the spectrum from red to violet.
It also occurs in color combinations in one stone which accounts for
its popularity. It is not as fragile as opal and is sometimes selected
by those who prefer faceted stones.
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November
Topaz
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Color : Yellow
Topaz is the accepted
birthstone for November. Blue topaz is the accepted anniversary
gemstone for the 4th year; Imperial topaz for the 23rd year of marriage.
Most people think of topaz
as a transparent golden yellow gemstone. However, this gemstone occurs
colorless as well as orange-yellow, red, honey-brown (dark sherry),
light green, blue and pink.
The name topaz is derived
from the Greek word meaning "to shine" and also implies "fire".
Orange-red "Imperial" topaz and pink colors are rare and most valuable.
The lore, magic and romance
of topaz goes back many thousands of years. It holds the distinction of
being the gemstone with the widest range of curative powers. The Greeks
felt it gave them strength. In addition, it supposedly cooled tempers,
restored sanity, cured asthma, relieved insomnia and even warded off
sudden death. Topaz is said to make its wearer invisible in time of
emergency. It proved the loyalty of associates by changing color in the
presence of poison.
As part of the normal
fashioning process, most brownish to sherry brown topaz are heated to
produce a permanent pink color. Certain types of topaz are irradiated
and heated to produce shades of blue.
Topaz is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria,
Sri Lanka, Pakistan and China.
Citrine is often used an
alternative to topaz because it appears in many of the same colors as
topaz. Unlike topaz, citrine is readily available and inexpensive even
in large sizes.
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December
Turquoise
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Color : Sky Blue
Turquoise is the accepted
birthstone for December and is the accepted anniversary gemstone for
the 11th year of marriage.
Colors in turquoise range
from sky blue (most desirable color) to blue green and apple green.
The name means "Turkish
stone" because the trade route that brought it to Europe used to come
via Turkey.
The best qualities are found in northeast Iran (Persian turquoise).
However, the United States southwest is now the world leader in
production.
The deposits in Sinai were
already worked out by 4,000 BC. At that time the stone was used for
jewelry, amulets and in the preparation of cosmetics.
During the 16th century
turquoise was used as currency by the Southwest Indians. They believed
the gemstone could bring spoils to the warrior, animals to the hunter,
and happiness and good fortune to all.
Although large quantities of
beautiful turquoise which have not been color enhanced are available,
today's turquoise is commonly stabilized with plastic to improve its
color and durability. Chalky varieties of turquoise are normally
impregnated with oil or wax to enhance color. This color change may not
be permanent.
Care should be taken to
protect it from scratches, sharp blows, hot water, and household
chemicals. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine.
Blue topaz has become a
popular alternative in recent years for those who prefer faceted stones.
To find out more about your
birthstone, or any gemstone, consult your local professional jeweler.
He or she will be able to show you the widest variety of colors, cuts
and designs to suit every pocketbook. Your jeweler can also tell you
how best to care for the gem, and will be available in the future to
service your jewelry.
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