Birthstone Articles
Emerald City - May Birthstone Gemstone
In the beloved movie “The Wizard of OZ,” Dorothy merrily skips along the yellow brick road on her way to find the Emerald City. Although it is a work of fiction compliments of L. Frank Baum, it is true that over the centuries emeralds have possessed a magnetic draw rife with mystical legend and lore. Ancient Egyptians wore them as a symbol of fertility, Cleopatra loved them so much that she had her own mines built, and the Incas worshipped the verdigris stone as a god.
About May Birthstone - Enduring Emerald
May’s birthstone is emerald, a green gemstone that heralds the lush landscape of spring. May is a month in which flowers blossom, grass unfolds, and everything seems new again. Emerald is a stone that capture’s all spring’s verdant splendor, ranging in color between a bluish jungle green to chartreuse. The stone and the month are a perfect pairing.
April’s Birthstone: Diamond Showers and Spring Flowers
April showers bring May flowers, so what better birthstone than diamond to represent that glistening awakening? Like nourishing raindrops on a sunny day, clear diamonds cast dazzling rainbows whenever exposed to the sun.
In fact, it was once believed that diamonds were made by the very rainstorms which loosened them from their deposits and swept them into riverbeds. The ancients who found diamonds washed ashore likened them to the tears of the gods, fallen stars. Some even believed that diamond gemstones were the physical manifestation of lightning bolts.
March Birthstones: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
Aquamarine is March’s birthstone and its blue and green hues help usher in the springtime thaw. Greener aquamarine gemstones herald the arrival of Saint Patrick’s Day and springtime flowers while the bluer stones bring Easter Eggs to mind.
Aquamarine is both the color of sea and sky, and was always considered to be a traveler’s stone. Sailors in ancient times carved aquamarine into shapes honoring Neptune and slept with the gemstone beneath their pillows to see them home safely. Ancient Egyptians often put aquamarine beaded jewelry in their tombs to ensure a successful journey to the afterlife.
Aquamarine is both the color of sea and sky, and was always considered to be a traveler’s stone. Sailors in ancient times carved aquamarine into shapes honoring Neptune and slept with the gemstone beneath their pillows to see them home safely. Ancient Egyptians often put aquamarine beaded jewelry in their tombs to ensure a successful journey to the afterlife.
December Birthstone - Turquoise and Blue Topaz
Turquoise is December's birthstone, blue as a winter sky or a Christmas forest. These cool turquoise shades have endeared December’s birthstone to cultures from antiquity to today. Even though this opaque gemstone brings to mind the native tribes of the American Southwest, historically, the largest source of turquoise beaded jewelry was the Middle East.
Information and Legends of Topaz - November Birthstone
Topaz is a gorgeous gemstone found in a wide range of colors. Striking shades of red, orange, peach, pink and gold are just a few shades of interest. However, yellow topaz is the official birthstone for the month of November. Commonly used as the suggested anniversary gemstone for the 4th, 19th, and 23rd years of marriage, this lovely stone has actually been quite famous throughout history.
November’s Citrine and Topaz - Sunny Disposition
With fallen leaves swirling on chill winds, November marks our last fond farewell to warmer days. As trees turn color and people get cozy with spiced cider, the gemstones for this month are bound to bring seasonal cheer. Citrine and yellow topaz are November’s birthstones, heralding the harvest with their warm and sunny hues.
About September Sapphires from Ancient Egypt to Today
In Ancient Egypt, sapphires were associated with the wisdom of the all-seeing Eye of Horus, which makes this gemstone the perfect birthstone for the month of September. Then, as now, September was a month for celebrating learning and knowledge. During September’s autumnal equinox, when day and night are in balance, the ancient Egyptians celebrated the wisdom of Isis, who used her knowledge to resurrect her dead husband, Osiris. And since ancient sapphires were prized by the Egyptians for their eye-opening qualities, they have come down to us as the birthstone for September--the month that starts our academic year, and our own quest for wisdom.
August Birthstone “Peridot”
The Peridot gemstone, Augusts’ birthstone is a rare and most beautiful gemstone. Thought for centuries to have the remarkable ability to help alleviate problems, cultivate good experiences and improve one’s rapport with others. The complex unique green color tones reveal a beauty almost indescribable in words. As Augusts’ birthstone Peridot was a gift from Mother Nature, providing multiple colors from light yellow-green, bright green to an olive dark green.
August - Birthstone - Cleopatra’s Favorite Gemstone
Perhaps gemstones are one of the greatest gifts we’ve been given in this world. For thousands of years, they have brought beauty and joy into our lives, and most have interesting folklore and legends associated with them.The August gemstone, Peridot, is often given to celebrate the 16th wedding anniversary, and is not lacking in either beauty or folklore.
July Birthstone Gemstone – Symbolic Fortune of Love
Handcrafted jewelry adorned with Ruby gemstones, the month of July’s birthstone, has been accepted through the years as a symbolic fortune of love, passion and the ability to enrich one’s life. Through history the Ruby gemstone is revealed as a powerful spiritual deterrent banishing sorrow and disharmony. As well as offering protection from bad friendships and possible dangerous situations that life may throw at you.
Ruby - July's Gemstone of Hot and Spicy Fun
Ruby is a semi-precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is most often found in shades of opaque or translucent...
