The Birthstone Lowdown

People wear birthstones for ornamental or psychological reasons. Some are fanatic about it and vehemently object to wearing any other stone that isn’t their own birthstone. Birthstones are also believed to bring good fortune and remedy various problems that the individual might be facing. Birthstones are usually categorized by month. Some categorizations also exist for sun signs and moon signs, and some are totally customized. Whatever be the categorization that suits your need, there is no denying the fact that gemstones are a sight to behold, with their color, cut and dazzle. They accessorize and bring to life any outfit. Birthstones and myths around them have been around since the days of yore. What you should worry about is finding the gemstone that matches your outfit and personality. If you like gemstones go all out and collect jewelry in all colors. There are plenty to choose from. Here is one categorization of birthstones based on month.

Garnet – January

Garnet is the birth stone for January and also the ideal gemstone to wear on second anniversaries of marriage. 

Garnet is traditionally portrayed as a red gemstone, but in reality the garnet family is available in almost all colors except blue.  They offer a great variety in appearance to cater to every taste.

Christian tradition considers the blood red garnet as a symbol of the sacrifice of Christ.  According to the Koran, it illuminates the Fourth Heaven.  Garnet was also believed to shed guiding light in the night allowing vision when nothing else could.  Egyptians believed that garnet is an antidote for poisoning and snake venom.

Amethyst - February

February has Amethyst as its birth stone and it is the ideal gift for sixth wedding anniversaries.

Amethyst is a type of quartz, typically deep or medium purple with rose colored tints. It also appears as a pale lilac to almost black and purple stone.

The Greeks believed amethyst will protect one from intoxication. It is also believed to sober down those who get over excited.  Symbolizing peace, tranquility and protection, some even say that an amethyst will prevent baldness, improve complexion and protect one from betrayal and deceit.  Royalty all over the world has always favored purple and amethysts abound aplenty in Greek and Egyptian ornaments.

Aquamarine – March

This birthstone for March is also the 19th year marriage anniversary gemstone.

Aquamarine is a refreshing sea blue.  This gemstone is available in large sizes and is quite dramatic when cut in oval or rectangular shapes.  It is a member of the beryl family of gems, which includes emerald.

Aquamarine means “sea water” in Latin, it is believed to aid seafarers; and therefore makes an ideal gift for sailors.  Wearing aquamarine brings love, affection, knowledge, inspiration and foresight. Aquamarine is also a symbol of youth, hope, fidelity and health.

Diamond – April

Diamond is the birthstone for April and the 10th and 60th marriage anniversary gem. They are the most popular gemstone for engagement rings.

Diamond is the hardest substance known to man. Diamonds were believed to be splinters of stars that have fallen to earth.  They were also believed to be crystallized lighting or even the tears of the Gods.

Kings used to wear diamonds as a symbol of courage, strength and invincibility.  Diamonds have, over time and thanks to advertising by jewelry companies, acquired the status of “the ultimate gift of love.”  In 1477, the Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond engagement ring to Mary of Burgundy, and thus began the tradition of diamond engagement rings.

Emerald – May

Emerald is the birth stone for May and the 20th and 25th anniversary gemstone. 

Known as the Queen of Gems and also as the gem of queens, emerald is colored green or bluish green. Emeralds have crystals trapped within, which under magnification reveal themselves as lovely patterns resembling flora in a garden. A flawless and clear emerald is found very rarely, if found it is usually very small. 

Ancient travelers believed that emeralds would protect them against the perils of long journeys.

Cultured Pearl - June

Pearl is the birthstone for June and the 3rd and 30th marriage anniversary gemstone.

A pearl is produced by an oyster as it attempts to defend itself against a foreign irritant.  Pearls are available in a wide range of colors - from a delicate rose tint to white and even black. 

The higher the luster of the pearl, the more valuable it is. Pearls are emblems of chastity, modesty and purity. 

Ruby – July

Ruby is the gemstone for July and 15th and 40th wedding anniversary.

The ruby is rich red, very durable and its hardness is surpassed only by a diamond. Large rubies are rare to find and very expensive, costing about 2 to 3 times that of a diamond of comparable size and quality.

Rubies are believed to be capable of curing illnesses and reconciling lovers’ quarrels.

Peridot – August

Peridot is the birth stone for August and the stone for the 16th anniversary.

It is also called “Evening Emerald” because it glows green under artificial light. Good quality peridot is transparent and it could be colored anywhere between yellow green to a brilliant light green.

Peridot is considered a powerful charm against evil and is said to protect from nightmares. 

Sapphire – September

It is the birthstone for September and also the gemstone for 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries. 

Sapphire comes in almost all colors except red, but the most popular is deep blue.  Like ruby, the hardness of sapphire can be competed with only by diamonds.

Sapphires were believed to be an all-purpose medicine and an antidote against poison. 

Opal – October

Opal is the October birthstone and the gemstone for 14th anniversaries.

Opal is available in a wide range of fiery and iridescent colors. The most popular stones are white with flashes of other colors called “fires.”

Opal symbolizes hope, purity and innocence.  Romans held opal as the king of gems because it had all the colors of rainbow within itself.

Citrine – November

Citrine is the November birthstone and the anniversary gemstone for the 13th year of marriage, and ranges in color from pale yellow to red.

Citrine is readily available at most gemstone stores and is quite affordable.

People used to carry citrine as a protective talisman against plague, evil thoughts and bad skin.  It was also used to guard against snake venom.

Blue Topaz – December

Blue topaz is one the birthstone for December and the 4th anniversary gemstone.

Topaz occurs colorless as well as yellow, orange, red, honey-brown, light green, blue, and pink. 

Topaz is the gemstone which is believed to have the widest range of curative powers.  It is believed to give strength, cool tempers, restore sanity, relieve insomnia and even guard against untimely death.