| Birthstones: An Overview A birthstone is a gem that is associated with a month of the year. According to tradition, a birthstone brings good luck to a person born in its month. It is thought that the belief in birthstones originated from a Biblical story about Aaron, the first high priest of the Israelites. The breastplate of Aaron is of interest to gem lovers and jewelers, because it is an early account of the use of gemstones for both decoration and symbol. The breastplate is described in Exodus 28:15-20, where it is noted that Aaron's breastplate was decorated with 12 precious stones that symbolized the 12 tribes of Israel. The gemstones were to be attached in four rows of three, and each gem was to have the name of a tribe inscribed upon it. As it is written in Exodus 28:29, "Whenever Aaron enters the Holy place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastplate of decision as a continuing memorial before the Lord." Early writers later linked these 12 stones with the 12 months of the year. The following is a list of the gem or gems that are accepted by most jewelers as the birthstone for each month, along with the characteristic associated with that particular stone: •January - Garnet: Constancy •February - Amethyst: Sincerity •March - Aquamarine/Bloodstone: Courage •April - Diamond: Innocence •May - Emerald: Love •June - Pearl/Alexandrite/Moonstone: Health •July - Ruby: Contentment •August - Peridot/Sardonyx: Happiness •September - Sapphire: Clear-Thinking •October - Opal/Tourmaline: Hope •November - Topaz: Faithfulness •December - Turquoise/Zircon: Wealth The custom of wearing the stone that represented a person's birth month has become widespread over the years. Today, many people wear birthstones on bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings. It is special to wear and give birthstone jewelry because it has a personal meaning and is more likely to be cherished. Birthstone jewelry is perfect for meaningful gifts that will be treasured and passed down from generation to generation. January - Garnet January's birthstone, the garnet, is thought to encourage sweet dreams and keep the wearer safe during travel. Garnet is known to symbolize constancy, which means firmness of mind, or stability. The garnet also signifies eternal friendship and trust, and is the perfect gift for a friend. Garnet, derived from the Latin word "gratatum," means seed, and is called so because of the gemstone's resemblance to a pomegranate seed. A Greek myth associated with the garnet is the story of the young goddess of sunshine, Persephone, who was abducted by Hades, god of the underworld. Hades eventually released Persephone -- but not before he offered her some pomegranate seeds, which guaranteed her return to him. Historical texts suggest that the healing properties of the garnet includes strength as well as protection, and was often worn to relieve inflammations of the skin, regulate the heart and blood flow, and aid in curing depression. Most commonly known to be a deep dark red, the garnet is found in a rainbow of colors including muted yellows, vibrant oranges, rosy pinks, lime greens, and violets. This diversity is caused by fluctuating amounts of elements within the gem, such as iron, calcium, and manganese. References to the garnet date back to 3100 B. C. when the Egyptians used garnets as inlays in jewelry. Archaeologists have found primitive-style garnet jewelry dating back to the Bronze Age. The garnet is mined in Sri Lanka, Africa, Australia, India, Russia, South America, and in the United States, particularly in Arizona and Idaho. Not all garnet is of gem quality. Garnet is also a very effective abrasive and is used commercially for grinding and polishing. Garnet-coated sandpaper is one such industrial usage. Today, the garnet continues to be the protective gemstone for travel. The garnet is the suggested gem to give for the 2nd and 6th anniversaries. Garnet is used in personalized jewelry to signify the wearer's birth month, anniversary month, or to celebrate the birth month of a child. February - Amethyst Amethyst, the birthstone for February, was believed by ancient Greeks and Romans to ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus, the god of wine and intoxication. In fact, the word 'Amethyst' comes from the Greek word"amethystos" , meaning sober. The legend of the origin of amethyst comes from a Greek myth. Bacchus, the god of wine was angered one day by an insult from a mere mortal and swore revenge on the next mortal that would cross his path. In order to perform this, he created fierce tigers. Then along came the unsuspecting Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana. Diana turned Amethyst into a statue of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the brutal claws of the tigers. Bacchus wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue. The god's tears stained the quartz purple creating the gemstone as we know it today. Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts. Amethyst has been used as a dream stone and to help insomnia. When placed under one's pillow it has been thought to bring about pleasant dreams and restful sleep. It has also been said to relieve headaches when rubbed across the forehead. Amethyst has been said to keep the wearer clear-headed, quick witted and sincere. Amethyst occurs naturally as crystal within rocks. Amethyst is purple quartz, a beautiful blend of violet and red that can be found in Brazil, Canada, Australia, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia, Sri Lanka; and in the United States. February's purple birthstone has been found amongst the possessions of royalty throughout the ages. The intense violet hue of amethyst appealed to early monarchs perhaps because they often wore this color. Purple dye was scarce and expensive at the time, so it was reserved for the garments of kings and queens. Amethyst has been found in ruins dating as far back as the ninth century, adorning crowns, scepters, jewelry and breastplates worn into battle. Because amethyst was thought to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety, it was very important in the ornamentation of Catholic churches in the Middle Ages. Amethyst was in particular, considered to be the stone of bishops and some still wear amethyst rings today. A large amethyst is among the closely guarded gemstones in the British Crown Jewels. The gift of amethyst is symbolic of protection and the ability to overcome difficulty. It is said to strengthen the bond in a love relationship, so it is an ideal anniversary or engagement gem. Amethyst is also commonly given as a gift to those who are born in February. Mother's and children's bracelets and birthstone necklaces and earrings are the most current and trendy way to present a gemstone that has lasting meaning. These pieces often contain high quality Swarovski crystals to represent the birthstone color. March-Aquamarine Derived from the Roman word "Aqua" meaning water, and "mare" meaning sea, this pale blue gem does indeed resemble the color of sea water. The ancient Romans believed that the aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea, having fallen from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed onto shore. Early sailors wore aquamarine talismans engraved with the likeness of Neptune. This gemstone was thought to protect sailors as well as guarantee a safe voyage. Since early times aquamarine has been said to endow the wearer with foresight, courage and happiness. The association with water lead to the belief that Aquamarine was particularly powerful when submerged in water. In ancient times, this water was then used to heal a variety of illnesses of the heart, liver, stomach, mouth and throat. Aquamarines were also used to reverse poisoning and aid in fortune telling. The serene color of aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded. Aquamarine varies in color from a blue-green to a light sky blue. The color is more intense in larger stones. Unlike other gemstones, the majority of aquamarines are flawless. It's pale, cool color beautifully compliments spring and summer wardrobes and is a lovely stone for bridal jewelry. Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family. The mineral beryl was used as far back as two thousand years ago to correct vision and is still used in the manufacturing of eyeglasses today. Beryl is a very hard mineral making it ideal for use in jewelry. Aquamarine is mainly mined in Brazil but is also found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique. Aquamarine symbolizes both safety and security, especially within longstanding relationships. Aquamarine is the gemstone used to mark the 19th wedding anniversary. Next Page >> 2 |
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