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The Beauty and Meaning of Birthstones
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by:
Reno Charlton
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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.
About the Author
Antigone Arthur is an award-winning author and freelance writer providing consumer information on such topics as birthstones and gemstones, promise rings, and celtic wedding rings.
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