Birthstone Jewelry

The concept of birthstone jewelry mainly emerged from the minds of astrologers who associated certain stones with respective properties and qualities which were believed to correspond to the various signs of the zodiac and in turn proved to be beneficial to the wearer. To put it simply and as we know them now, every month of the calendar year corresponds to a particular gemstone which is also the birthstone for the given month and is said to bring good luck and good fortune if worn by all those who are born in that particular month.

Irrespective of the form they are worn in whether birthstone rings, birthstone earrings, birthstone pendants, birthstone charms or birthstone bracelets, birthstone jewelry is said to bring immense good luck and good fortune to the wearer. Not only that, birthstone jewelry when worn also helps to bring about good health and prosperity besides successfully warding off illness and negativity. Interestingly birthstone jewelry finds mention in the Bible as well and it is believed that Aaron’s breastplate was encrusted with twelve different gems.

Birthstones and birthstone jewelry initially were believed to correspond to the various zodiac signs but with time they came to be associated with the different months of the calendar. These days birthstone jewelry holds great popularity and is a rage in the jewelry world with more and more people wanting to buy birthstone jewelry for themselves and for those who are dear to them. It cannot be denied that birthstone jewelry qualifies as wonderful and very significant gifts that are always cherished not just for their beauty but also for the things they signify.

Since we are discussing birthstone jewelry here, it would incomplete to not mention the different birthstones that correspond to the twelve months of the calendar year. The lovely maroon garnet is the birthstone for January, while amethyst stands for February. The charming aquamarine is the birthstone for March and the glittering diamonds are meant for all who are born in April.

The vivid green emerald is the birthstone for May and the pretty pearls are for June while the resplendent red ruby is for all born in July. The alluring peridot is the birthstone for August while it is the sensuous sapphire that is for September while opal is for October. The brightly colored citrine is sure to bring loads of good luck for all born in the month of November while the stunning turquoise is for all who celebrate their birthdays in December.

Amethyst is the birthstone the month of February. It is also the Zodiac stone for ‘Pisces’ and the anniversary stone the 6th year of marriage. The word amethyst is derived from Greek ‘amethystos’ which means ‘not intoxicated’, ancient Greeks believed that the stone was a protection against intoxication or poison. Moses described this gemstone as a symbol of Spirit of God. For many centuries this gemstone has been the most prized member of the quartz family. Known for its splendid violet color, amethyst is believed to drive out the evil spirits and bring in the intellect.

The birthstone the month of March, Aquamarine comes from the Beryl family of stones. The stones from this family are also zodiac stones for the constellation ‘Scorpio’. These gemstones come in a wide range of shades from light sky blue to deep sea blue. The name comes from Latin word ‘Aqua’ which means water and ‘mare’ sea. It was due to their resemblance with the sea water that these stones got such a name. Aquamarines are the anniversary stones for 19 years of marriage and symbolize trust, harmony and friendship in a relationship. Aquamarines, given their scintillating color and relative abundance have become a favorite choice for modern jewelry.

Gemstones that are known for their timeless beauty, fire, brilliance, Diamonds, are the birthstones for the month of April. Though widely known for being colorless, diamonds come in a spectral range of colors including blue, red, green, pink and even black. In ancient times, these gemstones were thought to possess many mystical powers and it was believed that the snakes in the valleys guarded diamonds. Historically India has been their classic source, but now South African mines account for the major supply of diamonds. Known as the hardest gemstone, Diamonds are also the anniversary stone for 60 and 75 years of marriage. They are symbolic of love and passion in a relationship.

Rubies are the birthstones for the month of July and the Zodiac stones for the constellation ‘Capricorn’. These gems come from Corundum family of stones that are known for their excellent hardness, next only to the diamonds. Ruby along with sapphires and emeralds are known as the three most precious gemstones. In ancient Sanskrit scriptures, it was referred to as ‘Ratanraj’ which means ‘king of gemstones’. Given its radiant red hue and brilliance there could not have been a better name to describe this stunning stone. Ruby is the anniversary stone for 15 and 40 years of marriage and is symbolic of love, passion, and power.

Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August and zodiac stone for the constellation ‘Libra’. It is said that wearing it, would free a Libra wearer from any evil spells. Peridots occur in a single color, the famous green yellow hue. Their presence can be traced even in the 2nd B.C. in Egypt. The Egyptians gave peridot the name ‘gem of the sun’ for its light properties and believed that it would protect the wearer from ‘terrors of the night’. The ancient Romans also valued this stone given its radiant shine that does not change even in artificial light. Peridots are also the anniversary stones for 16 years of marriage.

The month of November has topaz and citrine as its birthstones.

The birthstone for the month of November Topaz is also the zodiac stone for the ‘Sagittarius’. Topaz were thought to come from the Topazios, the old Greek name for an Island in the Red Sea. It is also one gemstones that the twelve gates of Holy City of Jerusalem was built upon. These precious stones come in wide array of colors including blue, yellow, brown, red, pink and purple. Ancient Greeks believes that these stones impart strength and make its wearer invincible. Blue topaz are also the anniversary stone for the 4 years of anniversary.

Citrine, another birthstone for November is one of the most popular gemstones owing to its enchanting yellow and orange hues. Due to its color, it is often confused as yellow. Its name has been derived from the Latin word ‘citrus’, which means a fruit resembling lemon. These gemstones are also the anniversary stones for the 13 years of marriage and symbolizes health and vitality. These gemstones given their golden glow and affordable prices make excellent center pieces.

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Turquoise is the birthstone of the month of December and in 2002 the American Gemstone Trade Association added tanzanite to the list of birthstones in December. Popularly called ‘ gemstones of the 20th century’ tanzanite were discovered in the year 1967 only in an Eastern state of Africa, Tanzania. Tanzania is the only place in the world where these beautiful stones are found and so their name is dedicated to its origin. Given their rarity, rich violet blue color, these stones are highly prized. Tanzanite are also the anniversary stones for 24 years of marriage.

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Garnet is the birthstone for the month of January. These stones come in a wide array of colors (except blue) but are best known for their blood red color. The word garnet is derived from the Latin word ‘granatus’ which literally means grain or seed. The name was given for garnet’s close resemblance to pomegranate seed. In Hebrew tradition garnet is also believed to be one of the 12 gemstones in Aaron's breastplate. These stones are the Zodiac stones for ‘Aquarius’ constellation and also the anniversary stone for the second year of marriage. Garnets are believed to guarantee true friendship when worn.