Birthstones
Birthstones:
January- Those born in January are lucky enough to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. Garnets are commonly red but also come in and extraordinary range of beautiful colors, including orange, yellow, purple and vibrant green. There are even garnets that change color from blue to purple in different lighting. Garnet is also used as the gem for the 2nd wedding anniversary.
February-If you were born in February, your birthstone is amethyst the purple variety of quartz that has captivated mankind for millennia. Its lilac to deep purple hues can be cut to many shapes and sizes, and it can also be manufactured in a lab as well as being mined. Amethyst is also used as the gem for both the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.
March-The beautiful blue gem for March is called an aquamarine. Aquamarine’s name comes from the Latin word for seawater. It was said to calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. March’s birthstone was also thought to enhance the happiness of marriage. This gem is also used for the 19th anniversary.
April-April babies are probably the luckiest. Sparkling with an internal fire all its own, diamond is one of the world’s most sought after and adored gemstones. Those born in April are the luckiest to be able to call this amazing gem their birthstone, a symbol of clarity and strength. Diamonds are so strong, in fact, that its name comes from the Greek word “adamas”, which means “invincible” or “unbreakable.” The timeless charm of a diamond was cherished long before it became the April birthstone, and the places it where diamonds come from are as fascinating as the lore the surrounds it. Diamond is also the gem for the 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries.
May-Emerald, the birthstone for May, has been loved for generations. Evoking rebirth and renewal. Widely regarded as the definition of green, emerald is the perfect color for spring. From the poetic description of Ireland as “the Emerald Isle” to the vibrant green of the famed gemstone itself-the May birthstone has captured hearts and minds through the ages. It was once believed that emeralds had the power to make it wearer more intelligent and quick-witted and was even thought to have the power to cure Cholera and Malaria. Today the gem is given for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
June-If you were born in the month of June, you are lucky enough to have three birthstones to call your own! The June birthstones are Pearl, alexandrite and moonstone. Each with their own beautiful characteristics and meanings, individuals with June birthdays can have a birthstone that fits their mood or budget, due to the different colors and price points these gems offer. Alexandrite replaced the pearl as birthstone when it was believed that alexandrite was more abundant than pearls. ... High quality alexandrite is extremely rare and highly sought after. The greenish blue stone is known for its ability to change colors in incandescent light. It changes from green to red or purple. Pearl is also used as the gem for the 3rd and 13th anniversaries. Where alexandrite is used as the gem for the 55th anniversary.
July-Ruby is July’s birthstone- and its one of the most coveted of gems. The name is derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red”-the color of love and passion. Few things catch the eye like the ruby birthstone. The finest color of the birthstone for July is a deep red with a hint or purple, called “pigeon’s blood” in the trade. A variety of the mineral corundum, ruby gets its color from trace amounts of the element chromium. The more chromium, the stronger the red color. Ruby is also used as the gem for the 15th and 40h anniversaries.
August-Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx are the three birthstones for August. The peridot birthstone is known for being formed under extreme condition, as it can be found in the hardened lava that carried it from deep within Earths mantle as well as in meteorites that traveled from outer space. The spinel birthstone was under appreciated until recently, as today’s consumers look for a more modern option to the traditional peridot or sardonyx. Sardonyx is the original birthstone for August dating back more than 4,000 years. Peridot is also used as the gem for the 15th anniversary.
September-The September birthstone is sapphire- a gem that has been cherished and appreciated for thousands of years. Although the term sapphire usually refers to the blue variety of corundum (ruby is the red variety), this birthstone comes in a rainbow of other colors. Sapphires have long been associated with royalty and romance are also said to symbolize fidelity and soul. “Sapphire” comes from the Greek word sappheiros, and the blue sapphire is one of the most popular colored stones. Sapphires are also used as the gems for the 5th and 45th anniversaries.
October- Those born in October enjoy two spectacular birthstones to commemorate their birthdays- opal and tourmaline. Both October birthstones have endless color combinations and beautiful coloring characteristics. Because opal has the colors of the other gems, the romans thought it was the most precious and powerful of all. The two gems are very different, and not just in their colors. Opal is in a class by itself, since it is opaque with flashes of color. It usually is cut as a cabochon, which means a flat or domed smooth top. Tourmaline is usually clear, comes in many colors, and is often faceted to create sparkle. Tourmaline has become the more modern choice for the October birthstone with opal being the traditional of the two. Tourmaline is also used as the gem for the 8th anniversary.
November-November birthdays have two beautiful gemstones to choose from-topaz and citrine. Topaz comes in a rainbow of colors; citrine is prized for its charming yellow and orange hues. Both November birthstones are known to have calming energies while bringing fortune and warmth to the wearer. Most topaz and citrine birthstones are affordably priced, as good-quality gems are not as rare as for many of their counterparts. This means hat those born in November have many options to choose from. Citrine is used as the gem for the 13th wedding anniversary.
December-If you had to pick one December birthstone, which would it be: tanzanite, turquoise or Zircon? From the blue to bluish purple of tanzanite, to the intense blue and green of turquoise, to the rainbow varieties of zircon-there’s a color for everyone! If blue is what you’re looking for all three December birthstones have their own unique take on this favorite hue. Whatever your color, style or budget preferences may be, you will be able to find the perfect December birthstone for you or a loved one. Tanzanite is used as the gem for the 24th anniversary and turquoise is used to represent the 11th anniversary.