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Garnet is the birthstone for January. It is known to stimulate the senses and increase vitality and stamina. It is the stone of passion and courage. During the Middle Ages, primitive cultures believe that red stones, particularly garnets help stop bleeding and are helpful in preventing or curing blood disorders.
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Amethyst is the birthstone for February. It is the most prized member of the quartz family. The name “amethyst” comes from the Greek and means “sober” or “not drunken,” perhaps due to the belief that it fends off the effects of alcohol. Folklore suggests that this gem brings good fortune in war and in hunting, protects crops against locusts and drive out evil spirits. It is also believed to inspire intellect and keeps their wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. It is also known to bring calmness and clarity.
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Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. It belongs to the family of the mineral beryl. The name comes from the Latin “aqua” which means “water” and “mare” which means “sea.” Its light blue provokes a feeling of trust, sympathy, harmony and friendship. It is also known to accelerate intellectual reasoning. During ancient times, it is believed to protect sailors and to guarantee safe voyage, as well.
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Diamond is the most valuable and durable gemstone of all time. It is also the hardest substance found in nature. It is expensive because it is rare and costly to mine. It is special because of its magic combination of composition, structure and formation. A diamond often symbolizes love, beauty and power. Click to see all of our Diamond jewelry
White Topaz is also used as birthstone for April as a less expensive alternative for Diamond. Also called “silver topaz”, it is believed to be a soothing and empathetic stone that directs energy to the place where it is most needed. It heals, energizes and is a promoter of truth and forgiveness. In the ancient times, White Topaz is also considered to provide strength and promote individuality and creativity. Click to see all of our White Topaz jewelry
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Emerald is the birthstone for May. It is the green variety of the mineral beryl. Its name comes from the Greek “smaragdos” from the Old French “esmeralde” which means “green gemstones.” Though it usually contains inclusions and other flaws, these flaws are not treated as negative aspects for they are considered part of the stone’s character and are used to assure the purchaser or wearer of a natural stone. The green of the emerald is the color of constant love and beauty. It is also believed to relieve stress and eye strain because of its luscious green color.
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Pearl is the birthstone for the month of June. It is considered to be one of the favorite gems of the Roman Empire. It is very unique as it is the only gem that does not require faceting or polishing to reveal its natural beauty. It symbolizes purity, honesty and femininity. Greeks believed that wearing pearls would promote marital bliss and prevent newlywed women from crying.
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Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July. It is the red variety of the mineral corundum, one of the hardest natural minerals on Earth. It is the chosen stone of ancient leaders and kings and known to be the stone of nobility. Ruby is hailed to be the king of gemstones and is considered one of the most valuable gemstones on Earth as it has everything a precious stone should have: wonderful color, outstanding hardness and brilliance. This gem represents wisdom and success.
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Peridot is the modern August birthstone. It is the gem variety of the mineral chrysolite or olivine. Peridot is called gem of the sun by the Egyptians and it has always been associated with light. It is believed to bring power, influence and wonderful year to its wearer.
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Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. It is the gem variety of the mineral corundum. Though it comes in many colors, blue is the main color of the sapphire and this color is associated with feelings of harmony and sympathy, friendship and loyalty. The blue of the sapphire fits in with everything that is constant and reliable. This gem has always been associated with royalty and romance. It also symbolizes truth, sincerity and faithfulness. Folklore suggests that its powers include spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.
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Tourmaline is the official birthstone for the month of October. It is referred to as the “gemstone of the rainbow” because of its variety of colors. The name comes from the Singhalese words “tura mali” which means “stone with mixed colors.” It is known to relieve stress, anxiety and confusion. It is also believed to attract success in all endeavors. Click to see all of our Tourmaline jewelry
Opal is the modern birthstone for October. It is perhaps the most familiar phenomenal gem because of its play-of-color. It has a wide range of colors ranging from milky white to black with flashes of different colors. In the ancient times it believed to provide the gift of prophecy and protection from illness and diseases. Myths have it that it helps to develop inner beauty, aids faithfulness and improves eyesight. Click to see all of our Opal jewelry
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Citrine is the alternate birthstone for November. It was named after the French word “citron” as citrine has a lemon color. It is known to be the “healing quartz” and is said to support health and vitality. It brings abundance, success, happiness, joy and an optimistic outlook in life. Folklore suggests that this gem develops creativity, enhances personal clarity and prevents self-destructive drives.
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Blue Topaz is the modern December birthstone. The name topaz comes from the Sanskrit and means fire. A topaz undergoes a stable enhancement process to become blue. It is believed to dispel sadness, anger and night-time fear and warn its wearers of poisons and prevents sudden death. Click to see all of our Blue Topaz jewelry
Tanzanite is the first gemstone since 1912 that was added to the birthstone list of the American Gem Trade Association as another birthstone for December. It is the blue/purple variety of the mineral zoisite. It is a relatively new gemstone discovered only in the late 1960’s in northern Tanzania. It is rarely pure blue in color and typically displays purple overtones. Tanzanite is rare, durable and has the beauty to equal other gemstones. Click to see all of our Tanzanite jewelry
Turquoise is also the modern December birthstone. It is one of the most valuable non-transparent mineral used in the jewelry trade. It is said to be one of the oldest known gemstones mined since 3,200 BC. Egyptian royalty used turquoise in their jewelry and Native Americans used them to adorn their ceremonial dresses. It is said to invite love, money and success. Its powers include healing, courage, friendship, protection and luck. Click to see all of our Turquoise jewelry
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