The Meaning of Birthstones
E ach month of the year is associated with a different gem and each stone has a unique significance. Long ago, supernatural powers were attributed to certain gems. Today, birthstones set in jewelry are the perfect gift to celebrate birthdays and other special events, such as wedding anniversaries. A nice gift for Mother's Day might be a broach or pendant made with the birthstone of each child.
Wearing the stone of your birth month supposedly brings good luck. But what if you really love the color purple and your birthstone is white or yellow? Fear not — it seems that there are other alternatives to pick from. There are gemstones associated with each day of the week, the hour of your birth, names of apostles, and even guardian angels, so pick the one you feel relates the best.
The International Gem Society (IGS) has a very interesting web page dealing with birthstone alternatives and the site itself has a wealth of info and even offers a Gemology certification course: Gem Society
If you want to know what day of the week it was when you came into the world, visit: Time and Date
To learn more about the history of birthstones, visit: Birthstone
The Jewelers of America have a 30 page pdf leaflet available with lots of information, including the care of each gem: Gem Leaflet
GARNET
January
This beautiful Garnet stone symbolizes peace, prosperity and lasting friendship and was thought to keep travellers safe. Commonly rust-colored to a deep violet red, it can also be found in other colors such as pink, orange, brown, purple and black. Rare garnets in green or blue will be more expensive.
AMETHYST
February
A beautiful purple, this quartz gem is attributed to strengthening friendships and bringing peace, courage and stability to its wearer. Ancient Greeks believed the Amethyst guarded against intoxication. The way the gem is cut is important to its final color, depending on the light it is seen in, ranging from light pinkish violet to a deep purple blue. It is also used to celebrate the 6th and 17th year of marriage.
AQUAMARINE, BLOODSTONE
March
The lucky individuals born in March have two birthstones that look very different from each other. Both symbolize good health, tranquillity and hope. As the name states, Aquamarine is the color of the sea (greenish-blue) in different hues. The darker the color, the more valuable. In ancient times the gem was soaked in water and then the water was given as medicine to people suffering from digestive and liver ailments.
A Bloodstone is a dark green color, usually flecked with spots or stripes of red. Many today regard this gem as a lucky charm or amulet with healing powers.
DIAMOND
April
This gemstone is the hardest mineral on Earth. Although most think of it as colorless, diamonds come in a variety of colors and are a symbol of everlasting love (think engagement rings). Wearers will also find protection from
negative energies. Celebrate a 60th or 75th wedding anniversary by giving a diamond.
For more information on how to buy a Diamond ring click below:
EMERALD
May
The brilliant green Emerald was revered by Cleopattra and still is a favorite among the rich and famous. Associated with prosperity and love, it is said to grant the owner a good memory, peace and security. The deeper the green, the more valuable it is.
PEARL, ALEXANDRITE, MOONSTONE
June
This month has three birthstones. Pearls are a symbol for purity and honesty and appear creamy white, but can also be dyed various colors. Black pearls are very rare and expensive. They also are the only gems that are made by living creature — mollusks. They will also dissolve in vinegar, so be careful! Pearl jewelry is a great gift to celebrate a bride-to-be or a 1st, 3rd, 12th or 30th anniversary.
Alexandrite is a chameleon-like gem that changes color from blue-ish green in daylight to purplish red under incandescent light. Because it is extremely rare, this gem is perhaps the most valuable birthstone.
Moonstones are almost colorless, transparent and have a blue-ish shimmer. They are considered fragile and are associated with lunar magic and fertility. They are said to have calming and balancing energies.
RUBY
July
Considered to be the “king of gems”, the fiery red Ruby is a symbol of love, passion and prosperity and is said to be the perfect wedding gift. Rubies are believed to amplify energy, heighten awareness, promote courage and bring success in love and battle. Celebrate a 15th or 40th wedding anniversary with this gem.
SARDONYX, PERIDOT, SPINEL
August
August also has three birthstones. Sardonyx shows parallel layers of reddish brown and white zebra-striped bands and is often carved into brooches. It is associated with courage, happiness and communication.
Known as the stone of compassion, Peridot is one of the few stones that comes in only one color — lime green. It is said to possess healing properties and protect against evil. It is the national gem of Egypt. Over 80% of the world’s supply is found in Arizona and makes a perfect gift for a 16th wedding anniversary.
Spinels resemble rubies and sapphires and have often been mistaken for them. They come in many colors but the most desirable is vivid red, followed by cobalt blue.
SAPPHIRE
September
When people think of Sapphires, it is usually the royal blue variety that comes to mind. This gem comes in many other colors (except red, which earns the classification of a ruby). Sapphires symbolize nobility and loyalty and have been associated with focusing the mind. Many years ago they were thought to ease pain and prevent poisoning. Anyone celebrating a 5th or 45th wedding anniversary would enjoy this brilliant gemstone as a gift.
OPAL, TOURMALINE
October
Opals can display various colors of the rainbow due to their composition. Australia produces 95% of the world’s supply. They were worn to repel evil and protect eyesight. Wearing an opal has been associated with good luck for people born in October (however it is deemed unlucky to anyone else). However, it is a traditional gift for those celebrating their 14th anniversaries.
Tourmaline has a large range of color options, but shades of deep brown to bluish-black make up the vast majority of this gem. When charged, tourmaline can act as a magnet and were once used by the Dutch to remove ash from tobacco pipes. Many believe that this gem can protect against radiation and negative energy. Present someone with this gem on their 8th wedding anniversary.
TOPAZ, CITRINE
November
Both November birthstones are known for their calming energies and are thought to bring good fortune and longevity to their wearer. Because of similarity in color, these gems are often confused for each other.
Many think that Topaz is only a reddish yellow, but it is available in many different colors. The stone has been said to reduce fever, relieve asthma, cure madness and have soothing properties for those with bad tempers. It is often given to celebrate 19th wedding anniversaries.
Citrine’s color ranges from a pale yellow to a brownish orange. This gem has also been said to attract wealth and prosperity. It is one of the most affordable and abundant gems on the market and can be given to celebrate a 13th wedding anniversary.
ZIRCON, TURQUOISE, TANZANITE
December
All three December stones are relatively inexpensive. The colorless zircon is best known for being a convincing match for diamonds while tanzanite is often a substitute for sapphire.
Zircon is the oldest mineral on earth, dating back 4.4 billion years. The colorless variety is often confused with cubic zirconia which is a synthetic. This natural gem comes in a variety of colors. Blue is the most popular, but earth tones are more common. People believe that this birthstone can induce sleep and promote prosperity and wisdom.
Turquoise is known for its distinct powdery blue hues and is a staple in Native American jewelry. Ancient Persians believed the gem offered strength, protection and victory to its wearer. It is a symbol of friendship and happiness. Gift this gem to someone on their 11th wedding anniversary.
Tanzanite is a fairly recent discovery (in the 60s) and can only be found in Tanzania. It is usually heat treated to minimize its natural brown color and enhance blue shades that mimic sapphire. Commemorate a 24th wedding anniversary with this gem.
For more detailed information get the book "Stonesetting for Contemporary Jewelry Makers/amazon.com" by Melissa Hunt.
By D Revelins
Photo Credits: See Acknowledgements