Birthstones have been
around since ancient times, and in those days were believed to possess some
magical force that could protect the owner or wearer of the stone. These
birthstones were traditionally linked to the Zodiac.
However, modern birthstones are linked to calendar months, and each month has
its own unique birthstone, with its own fabled properties. Many people love to
wear jewellery set with their birthstone, as the ancient meanings and
associations with these stones still intrigue them.
You can get many types of jewellery containing birthstones, such as birthstone
rings, a birthstone pendant and birthstone earrings. Giving someone an item of
jewellery set with their birthstone is a touching and wonderful gift, and
whether you give them a birthstone ring, a birthstone pendant or a birthstone
brooch, it is something that they are likely to treasure forever because it has
real meaning and significance.
Below you will find a listing of each of the birthstones used today.
January
The birthstone for this month is the garnet, which was once thought to be
connected with the blood. This stone is supposed to protect the wearer from
nightmares and offer guidance through the dark.
Garnets are long lasting and durable gems, with a fiery, ravishing beauty. This
is type of gem that the wearer will treasure forever, no matter what item of
jewellery it is set into. Garnets are traditionally thought of as deep red, but
actually come in a wide range of colours, so there is something to suit every
taste for this month.
February
The birthstone for this month is the amethyst, and the folklore attached to
this gem associates it with sobriety, tranquillity, protection and peace. This
birthstone as also been linked to improving the skin and preventing baldness,
as well as protection from deceit, so it has a lot to live up to!
The amethyst birthstone comes in varying shades of purple, and can be a pale
lilac in colour. On the other end of the scale, you can also get deep violet amethysts,
which means that you can enjoy a birthstone that is as subtle or as rich as you
like. This birthstone is very hardwearing, and its strength and durability will
ensure that it lasts for a very long time.
March
This month's birthstone is aquamarine, which has been linked to the making of
new friends as well as affection and love, hope and health. This stone was once
also thought to protect those at sea.
As the name of this birthstone suggests, it is a green-blue in colour and has a
rich, sparkling look. You can get aquamarine birthstones in a variety of shapes
and sizes, and you can also get this stone in varying shades of green-blue.
April
One of the most popular gems throughout history, diamonds are the birthstone
for this month, and these stones are linked to love, eternity and strength.
This has contributed towards diamonds being the most popular gems of all time
when it comes to romance, such as engagement rings and wedding bands.
Diamonds are very strong and hardwearing, making them the perfect birthstone to
wear on a daily basis. You can enjoy many different cuts of this stone, and the
fiery, glamorous sparkle given off by diamonds is positively captivating.
May
This month's birthstone is the beautiful emerald, once linked to health and the
curing of ailments, as well as being associated with the ability to see in to
the future, giving them an almost bewitching, magical reputation.
These fiery green gems are amazing to look at, and can be found in a variety of
shapes and cuts. The beauty and richness of this stone makes it the perfect gem
for birthstone jewellery, and is something that the wearer can show off and
take pride in for a long time.
June
The elegant pearl is the birthstone for the month of June, and this gem has
been linked with chastity and modesty, making it something of an angelic, pure
birthstone. They are also linked to successful and happy marriages.
These round, stunning birthstones come in a variety of colours, and a range of
sizes. Pearls can look spectacular yet modest in all manner of jewellery from
birthstone rings, to earrings and necklaces, making them a perfect gift.
July
The birthstone for this month is the ravishing ruby, a stone traditionally
linked with protection and harmony. This birthstone has been mined since
ancient times, and boasts a spectacular beauty.
Deep red in colour, rubies are stunning birthstones that will liven up and
enhance any piece of jewellery. These gems have a unique, vivid and fiery
appearance that would delight anyone.
August
The birthstone for the month of August is peridot, which was commonly linked
with protection against evil and night terrors, as well as a gem that enhanced
the properties of healing drugs.
Lime green in colour, this birthstone is a by-product of volcanic action, and
comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This birthstone gives off its own
unique energy, and is strong and durable.
September
Sumptuous sapphire is the birthstone associated with September, and this gem
has been linked with faith and purity, as well as foresight. It was thought
that the stronger the sparkle of the gem, the more faithful and honest the
wearer.
These birthstones look stunning in all types of jewellery, especially in white
gold and platinum metal. However, sapphires can come in other colours as well
as blue. These are strong and durable gems that will last for years to come,
and can be passed down to future generations.
October
The birthstone of October is the opal, a stone that has been linked to purity,
hope and innocence. This gem has also been linked to healing forces, friendship
and emotion, so it has experienced its fair share of folklore over the years.
This type of birthstone comes in white or black, and both variations have
remnants of other colours within them. Opals have a unique look and beauty,
making them a very interesting birthstone with a strangely exquisite
appearance.
November
The birthstone for this month is topaz, once linked with sanity, healing, and
life, as well as being connected to strength by the ancient Greeks. This stone
has even been linked to an ability to make the wearer invisible in dangerous
situations.
This birthstone comes in a range of colours, all of which will enhance any
jewel with a fiery sparkle. Colours include golden, blue, pale green, pink and
red, as well as some other rare colours. A stunning gem, topaz boasts both
beauty and strength.
December
The given birthstone for December is turquoise, and this precious stone was
once linked to happiness, fortune and luck, making it a very popular gem in
centuries gone by.
Turquoise can range in colour from mid-blue to a green-blue or light green
colour, and this birthstone is unusual and beautiful, making it a very
distinctive and unusual addition to any jewellery collection.
Summary
Giving a birthstone to someone special as a gift means giving so much more than
just a piece of jewellery. The ancient meanings associated with each of these
birthstones make them extra-special, giving them a quality that is impossible
to achieve with any other gem.
Whether you decide to give a birthstone ring, necklace earrings or any other
piece of jewellery, you will always find stunning pieces where the precious
metal and the birthstone complement one another perfectly. Birthstone jewellery
makes a unique, beautiful, and affordable gift with real sentiment behind it.
By Reno Charlton
About The Author:
Award winning author and freelance writer, Reno Charlton has completed a number
of informative articles providing consumer information on such topics as birthstones
and gemstones, promise rings, and celtic wedding rings.
Refrence: http://www.e-tarocchi.com/blog/article/2011/10/the-beauty-and-meaning-of-birthstones/department/23