Birthstone Stories
Within our earth, gemstones are thought to be a spiritual energy connection. This origin dates back to early civilizations that believed wearing a gemstone provided healing powers. For example, in China, doctors had prescribed that mothers wear pearls for heart related illnesses for over a 1,000 years. Even today, China uses powdered pearl to help the skin. In 1912 a list of stones to months was adopted. Sit back and enjoy the stories that evolved through our historical time.
Feburary
March
January
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
January - Garnet
The most common garnet is a reddish brown. It is believed to guide you through dark times. Keep it close to your life and it will bring you happiness. In medieval times garnets were thought to cure depression and relieve diseases.
Feburary - Amethyst
This is the most valuable of the quartz group with its violet hues. Its color signifies love for blooming hearts. Through history this gem was worn by royalty and was considered more precious than a diamond. This gem is thought to have strong talismanic properties and crystals that are still used today in forms of natural healing.
March - Aquamarine
Part of the beautiful beryl family of gemstones. The seawater of blue gives this gemstone its name. In medieval times, this stone was thought to continue the love of married couples. Along with giving soldiers strength in troubled times. When carried, it was thought to give a sailor a safe journey. It continues to have many meanings which include giving a person love in making new friendships.
April - Diamond
The diamond is known for their sparkles that now come in many colors, mainly in white. Some are heat treated to get the variations of reds, blues, black, greens. This king of gems and is the hardest mineral on earth. The Greeks thought this gem would protect against poisons, the Hindus believed that a flawed diamond would bring misfortune.
In medieval times, anyone who got a hold of this stone would be safe guarded against the plague. In the Victorian era, this gem was a way of displaying wealth and is still. This stone represents strength and has become the symbol of love and fidelity since the 15th century.
May - Emerald
This gem is a beautiful light green. Emeralds almost always have mineral inclusions. Wearing this gem symbolizes health with healing abilities. Associated with this comes wisdom through a spiritual meaning. Hundreds of years ago this stone was thought to have powers that would restore eyesight. During the renaissance period this gem was traded by the aristocracy to test ever lasting friendships. It was believed if the stone didn't break, the friendship would last.
June - Pearl
This beauty is a soft organic miracle must be allowed to breath with a little moisture. Wearing this beauty on your skin, does just that. Historically, this organic luster was thought to be tears of joy from the gods. According to a roman writer named Pliny, it is said that Cleopatra dissolved a priceless pearl in her wine and drank it as a symbol for her love for Marc Antony. Wear this and you will be associated with purity and passion.
July - Ruby
The prized ruby is usually a rich red and has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs Scale of harness. The mining of rubies dates back to 2,500 years ago. It is said to bring harmony, protection, courage, integrity, devotion and positive powers. During the 15-16th century rubies was high demand to counteract poison.
When rubbed on your skin this was suppose restore youth. In the Middle Ages, this stone was considered to be a prophecy to the people. It was believed that the stone would darken when danger approached.
August - Peridot
This lime green gem was said to have been discovered in Egypt 4,000 years ago. The green was so connected to nature that the early Egyptians drank from cups make of peridot. Known as the evening emerald they believed this stone glowed at night and was invisible during the day.
It was also found in the black sands of Hawaii. This stone was created from extreme heat. Legend stories have said that this gem were the tears shed by the volcanic goddess Pele. The peridot is known for its good luck. King Edward the VII of England wore this gem for this very purpose.
September - Sapphire
It is called the, “gem of the heavens." brilliant blue, pinks and other colors lie buried 6 to 18 miles below our earth. The colors you find depend on nature’s way of mixing up the mineral base of corundum. It has been recorded that nobility was associated with this gem over 2,000 years ago.
Sapphire goes back to what was once Persia of the Middle East and date back to 800 BC. The Persians thought the earth rested on a giant sapphire and that the blue of the heavens was its reflection. Our human psychology has linked the color blue with a connection to calmness. It brings wisdom, truth and a life of sincerity. Representing romance and loyalty, perhaps this is why this gem is famous for engagements.
October - Opal
The rainbow display of colors is the opal and dates back to prehistoric times. Opal means "color of change" and displays; pinks, blues, and greens. Opals contain up to 30% water and must be protected from chemicals and heat. To keep their beauty they must not be dried out. This beauty brings happiness, confidence, faithfulness, hope and loyalty. Ancient monarchs used this stone for protective powers.
November - Citrine
Citrine is a golden version of quartz and is colored by its iron content. The colors vary from lemon to dark amber. Heat can be applied to the gem to vary the hue. This stone is not mentioned until the first century BC. It was discovered that the Romans were the first to wear these. The crystal properties are still used as an ancient art. It is believed that certain crystals give off powerful needed energy for the body.
December -Topaz/Turquoise
It was known that the ancient civilizations believed that topaz had cooling properties that improved vision, sleep and to soothe. So hold this gem in your hands can help you stay clear and focused.
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It was first discovered in Turkey and was the first gem stone to be placed in jewelry. It was said that it was used in ancient time to ward off evil spirits. To the Aztecs it was the,"stone of God." Today in the southwest, the sleeping beauty turquoise mine is closed and has since become a copper mine. This is your purest blue without swirls of iron and copper. Small stones are usually only found today. Therefore, it makes this stone more valuable. It is said that the wearer of the stone is represented by having happiness, and good luck.
