Birthstones

What is a Gem?
Gem Cuts
Gems that Last
Choose a Diamond
Birthstones
Gem Resources
Agates
Amethysts
Aquamarine
Citrines
Diamonds
Emeralds
Garnets
Iolite
Jade
Lapis Lazuli
Opals
Peridot
Quartz
Rubies
Sapphires
Star Sapphires
Sunstones
Tanzanite
Tigereye
Topaz
Tourmaline
Turquoise

Birthstones

It is believed that the concept of assigning a particular stone to each of the twelve months of the year dates back to Roman times, though it is possible that the idea may have been around amongst the Israelites even farther back than this. Magical and curative powers were attributed to various gems.

They were thought to heal illness, ward off poisons and bring love to the possessor. Obviously, it was only the select few who were wealthy enough to own these mirculous talismans, but in sixteenth century Poland, the custom of giving and wearing birthstones became popular. Luckily, it is still popular today. What could be finer than the gift of a birthstone to a special person, showing them that not only are they valued, but that the month of their birth is special to you, too. A beautiful gift for a mother or grandmother is a ring, necklace or bracelet featuring all of the birthstones of her children or grandchildren. A gift of a ring or tie tack from a wife to husband featuring her birthstone is certainly romantic, as is a bride choosing her fiance's birthstone for her engagement ring. Every month of the year offers more than one option for choosing a birthstone and we hope you'll find this list helpful to you in dreaming up gifts for those you love - including you!

January Birthstone: Garnet or Rose Quartz
February Birthstone: Amethyst or Onyx
March Birthstone: Aquamarine or Bloodstone
April Birthstone: Diamond or Rock Crystal (Quartz)
May Birthstone: Emerald or Chrysoprase
June Birthstone: Alexandrite or Moonstone or Pearl
July Birthstone: Ruby or Carnelion
August Birthstone: Peridot or Sardonyx
September Birthstone: Sapphire or Lapis
October Birthstone: Opal or Tourmaline
November Birthstone: Topaz or Citrine
December Birthstone: Zircon or Turquoise

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