The Beauty and Meaning of Birthstones

Reno Charlton

Birthstones have been around since ancient times, and in those
days were believed to possess some magical force that could
protect the owner or wearer of the stone. These birthstones were
traditionally linked to the Zodiac.

However, modern birthstones are linked to calendar months, and
each month has its own unique birthstone, with its own fabled
properties. Many people love to wear jewellery set with their
birthstone, as the ancient meanings and associations with these
stones still intrigue them.

You can get many types of jewellery containing birthstones, such
as birthstone rings, a birthstone pendant and birthstone
earrings. Giving someone an item of jewellery set with their
birthstone is a touching and wonderful gift, and whether you give
them a birthstone ring, a birthstone pendant or a birthstone
brooch, it is something that they are likely to treasure forever
because it has real meaning and significance.

Below you will find a listing of each of the birthstones used
today.

January

The birthstone for this month is the garnet, which was once
thought to be connected with the blood. This stone is supposed to
protect the wearer from nightmares and offer guidance through the
dark.

Garnets are long lasting and durable gems, with a fiery,
ravishing beauty. This is type of gem that the wearer will
treasure forever, no matter what item of jewellery it is set
into. Garnets are traditionally thought of as deep red, but
actually come in a wide range of colours, so there is something
to suit every taste for this month.

February

The birthstone for this month is the amethyst, and the folklore
attached to this gem associates it with sobriety, tranquillity,
protection and peace. This birthstone as also been linked to
improving the skin and preventing baldness, as well as protection
from deceit, so it has a lot to live up to!

The amethyst birthstone comes in varying shades of purple, and
can be a pale lilac in colour. On the other end of the scale, you
can also get deep violet amethysts, which means that you can
enjoy a birthstone that is as subtle or as rich as you like. This
birthstone is very hardwearing, and its strength and durability
will ensure that it lasts for a very long time.

March

This month’s birthstone is aquamarine, which has been linked to
the making of new friends as well as affection and love, hope and
health. This stone was once also thought to protect those at sea.

As the name of this birthstone suggests, it is a green-blue in
colour and has a rich, sparkling look. You can get aquamarine
birthstones in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you can also
get this stone in varying shades of green-blue.

April

One of the most popular gems throughout history, diamonds are the
birthstone for this month, and these stones are linked to love,
eternity and strength. This has contributed towards diamonds
being the most popular gems of all time when it comes to romance,
such as engagement rings and wedding bands.

Diamonds are very strong and hardwearing, making them the perfect
birthstone to wear on a daily basis. You can enjoy many different
cuts of this stone, and the fiery, glamorous sparkle given off by
diamonds is positively captivating.

May

This month’s birthstone is the beautiful emerald, once linked to
health and the curing of ailments, as well as being associated
with the ability to see in to the future, giving them an almost
bewitching, magical reputation.

These fiery green gems are amazing to look at, and can be found
in a variety of shapes and cuts. The beauty and richness of this
stone makes it the perfect gem for birthstone jewellery, and is
something that the wearer can show off and take pride in for a
long time.

June

The elegant pearl is the birthstone for the month of June, and
this gem has been linked with chastity and modesty, making it
something of an angelic, pure birthstone. They are also linked to
successful and happy marriages.

These round, stunning birthstones come in a variety of colours,
and a range of sizes. Pearls can look spectacular yet modest in
all manner of jewellery from birthstone rings, to earrings and
necklaces, making them a perfect gift.

July

The birthstone for this month is the ravishing ruby, a stone
traditionally linked with protection and harmony. This birthstone
has been mined since ancient times, and boasts a spectacular
beauty.

Deep red in colour, rubies are stunning birthstones that will
liven up and enhance any piece of jewellery. These gems have a
unique, vivid and fiery appearance that would delight anyone.

August

The birthstone for the month of August is peridot, which was
commonly linked with protection against evil and night terrors,
as well as a gem that enhanced the properties of healing drugs.

Lime green in colour, this birthstone is a by-product of volcanic
action, and comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This
birthstone gives off its own unique energy, and is strong and
durable.

September

Sumptuous sapphire is the birthstone associated with September,
and this gem has been linked with faith and purity, as well as
foresight. It was thought that the stronger the sparkle of the
gem, the more faithful and honest the wearer.

These birthstones look stunning in all types of jewellery,
especially in white gold and platinum metal. However, sapphires
can come in other colours as well as blue. These are strong and
durable gems that will last for years to come, and can be passed
down to future generations.

October

The birthstone of October is the opal, a stone that has been
linked to purity, hope and innocence. This gem has also been
linked to healing forces, friendship and emotion, so it has
experienced its fair share of folklore over the years.

This type of birthstone comes in white or black, and both
variations have remnants of other colours within them. Opals have
a unique look and beauty, making them a very interesting
birthstone with a strangely exquisite appearance.

November

The birthstone for this month is topaz, once linked with sanity,
healing, and life, as well as being connected to strength by the
ancient Greeks. This stone has even been linked to an ability to
make the wearer invisible in dangerous situations.

This birthstone comes in a range of colours, all of which will
enhance any jewel with a fiery sparkle. Colours include golden,
blue, pale green, pink and red, as well as some other rare
colours. A stunning gem, topaz boasts both beauty and strength.

December

The given birthstone for December is turquoise, and this precious
stone was once linked to happiness, fortune and luck, making it a
very popular gem in centuries gone by.

Turquoise can range in colour from mid-blue to a green-blue or
light green colour, and this birthstone is unusual and beautiful,
making it a very distinctive and unusual addition to any
jewellery collection.

Summary

Giving a birthstone to someone special as a gift means giving so
much more than just a piece of jewellery. The ancient meanings
associated with each of these birthstones make them
extra-special, giving them a quality that is impossible to
achieve with any other gem.

Whether you decide to give a birthstone ring, necklace earrings
or any other piece of jewellery, you will always find stunning
pieces where the precious metal and the birthstone complement one
another perfectly. Birthstone jewellery makes a unique,
beautiful, and affordable gift with real sentiment behind it.

Antigone Arthur is an award-winning author and freelance writer
providing consumer information on such topics as birthstones and
gemstones, promise rings, and celtic wedding rings.

http://www.1st-4-jewelry-stores.com/birthstones-gemstones.html