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BIRTHSTONES
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Just
about everyone knows what his or her birthstone is.
Why
is that?
Because
people still enjoy the folklore associated with the tradition
of the birthstone. They like believing that wearing a birthstone
brings them good luck and protects them.
Early
civilization as far back as the Assyrians (1400 BC) invested
rare and beautiful gemstones with magical properties. Some
minerals were thought to contain a force or possess certain
values and powers. For instance, amethyst was said to prevent
intoxication. Tradition associates a gem with each sign
of the zodiac based on a color system. Color was thought
to unleash the power attributed to the stone. In time, birthstones
became associated with calendar months rather than the zodiac.
And people began to select birthstones in colors other than
the original. The Roman, Arabic, Jewish, Polish, Russian
and Italian lists were all different. The following list
of birthstones, which is the one commonly used today, was
adopted in 1912 by the American National Association of
Jewelers, which later evolved into the Jewelers of America.
The following information includes
the fascinating facts and folklore attributed to each birthstone.
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January
Garnet
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Garnet
is the accepted birthstone for the month of January. It
is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the second
year of marriage.
When
most people think of garnet, they picture the dark red bohemian
garnet that was popular in Victorian times. You may be surprised
to learn that garnets are found in every color except blue,
including brilliant green tsavorite garnet, raspberry pink
rhodolite garnet, and orange malaya garnet. Bright red "anthill"
garnets are found in Arizona. The Tsars of Russia favored
rare green damantoid garnets.
Garnets
offer enough variety in appearance to suit every taste,
as well as an outstanding price range to suit every pocketbook.
Legend
holds that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for illumination.
It reportedly also gives its wearer guidance in the night,
protection from nightmares, and according to the Egyptians,
is an antidote for snake bites and food poisoning. It was
also thought to have a special affinity with the blood.
Garnets
are durable and brilliant and will give years of pleasure.
As
with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from
scratches, sharp blows, and extreme tempera-ture changes.
Garnets
are found in the U.S., Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil and India.
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February
Amethyst
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Amethyst
is the recognized birthstone for February and the accepted
anniversary gemstone for the sixth year of marriage.
Amethyst
is a variety of quartz, and comes in pale lilac to rich,
deep purple shades. Ideally, it is a deep medium purple
with rose-colored flashes that give amethyst its beauty
and fire.
Because
of its abundance, it is readily available in all sizes and
shapes. It is durable and can be worn every day. Coupled
with the folk legend of the Greeks that it will prevent
intoxication when worn, it becomes a most desirable gem!
Amethyst
was said to have a sobering effect on the wearer-not only
those who indulged but on those over-excited by love's passion
as well. It has symbolized peace, protection and tranquility.
Some say it will prevent baldness and improve the complexion,
as well as protect from treason and deceit. Because royalty
has always adored the color purple, amethysts abound in
the ornaments of ancient Greeks and Egyptians, and in the
British Crown Jewels.
As
with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from
scratches and sharp blows.
It
is found mainly in Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia.
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March
Aquamarine
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Aquamarine
is the traditional birthstone for March. It is also the
accepted anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage.
The
ideal color of aquamarine is a refreshing pastel sea blue.
Stones with a clear blue color without green or gray are
generally the most valuable.
If
you are looking for a big, durable gemstone, aqua is readily
available in larger sizes and is truly dramatic when cut
in rectangular or oval shapes. It is a member of the important
beryl family, which also includes emerald.
In
ancient times, the stone was said to aid seafarers; thus
it is an excellent gift suggestion for sailors or one who
takes frequent cruises! To dream of aquamarine signifies
the making of new friends; to wear aquamarine earrings brings
love and affection. It is a universal symbol of youth, hope
and health.
As
part of the normal finishing process, some aquamarines are
heated to remove traces of yellow.
To
maintain the brilliance of this beautiful gemstone, it should
be immersed in jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water
and cleaned with a small bristle brush.
Do
not use a home ultrasonic machine.
As
with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from
scratches and sharp blows.
Aquamarine
is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar and
Ukraine.
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April
Diamond
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Diamond
is the birthstone for the month of April. Besides being
the most popular gemstone for engagement rings, diamond
is the accepted anniversary gem for the 10th and 60th years
of marriage.
The
name "diamond" comes from the Greek word "adamas"
meaning unconquerable-suggesting the eternity of love. In
fact, diamonds have been the traditional symbol of love
since ancient Greece. Discovered about 2,500 years ago in
India, the ancients believed they were splinters from the
stars, perhaps crystallized lightening or hardened dew drops.
Although
diamonds are associated with being a colorless stone, they
are occasionally found with a strong, bright color-green,
red, pink, blue, canary yellow and amber. These "fancy"
colored diamonds are highly-prized.
Occasionally,
to improve appearance, diamonds are laser-drilled and, sometimes,
a foreign substance is used to fill surface cavities or
fractures. Diamonds may also be irradiated and/or heated
to induce "fancy" colors.
Even
though it is the most durable of gemstones, care should
be taken to protect a diamond from sharp blows. Household
chemicals may discolor or damage the mounting. To clean,
you may use a jewelry cleaner, lukewarm soapy water and
a small bristle brush, soak in a half-and-half solution
of cold water and ammonia for 1/2 hour, or use a home ultrasonic
machine with its recommended cleaner.
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May
Emerald
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Emerald
is the birthstone for the month of May. It is also the anniversary
gemstone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage.
Emerald
is one of the most highly-prized of all the gems. The name
comes from the Greek "smaragdos" which means green
stone. The most prized is pure grass green.
Emeralds
are often characterized by a garden of included crystals
trapped within, known as the "jardin", because
under magnification you will see all sorts of lovely patterns
resembling foliage in a garden. A flawless, clear emerald
is very rare and is usually found in only small sizes. Small
to medium sized stones are often faceted in the "step"
or emerald cut. The gem is also lovely when cut into a cabochon
or dome shape. Sometimes emeralds are even carved.
According
to legend, the wearing of emerald not only cured a wide
range of ailments, including low I.Q., poor eyesight and
infertility, but also enabled the wearer to predict the
future.
As
part of the normal fashioning process, most emeralds are
immersed in colorless oil or resin so small voids are not
as noticeable.
Care
should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows,
household chemicals, and extreme temperature changes. Do
not use a home ultrasonic machine.
Emeralds
are found mainly in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
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June
Pearl
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Pearl
is the birthstone for the month of June. It is also the
accepted anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years
of marriage.
A
pearl is the product of an oyster's defense mechanism. When
a foreign irritant is introduced either by man (cultured)
or naturally, the oyster immediately surrounds it with layers
of a substance called nacre. This forms the exquisite gemstone
know as pearl.
Pearls
come in a wide range of colors. They should be relatively
free from skin blemishes. The more perfectly round the shape
the better. The higher the luster, or "orient",
the more valuable the specimen. The larger the pearl, the
greater the value.
Besides
the popular round shape, there are stylish mabe (large hemispherical
cultured pearls), fresh water (elongated in interesting
shapes and colors), and South Sea (large cultured pearls
10mm and up from Australia's and Indonesia's waters), to
name a few.
Pearls
have been recognized as the emblem of modesty, chastity
and purity. They have come to symbolize a happy marriage.
Avoid
household chemicals, cosmetics, hair sprays, and perfumes.
Don't use ultrasonic cleaners. Wash with mild soap and water
and store in a protective chamois pouch or tissue paper.
Moonstone
is sometimes used as an alternative by those born in June
since it physically resembles some pearls.
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July
Ruby
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Ruby
is the accepted birthstone for July. It is also the accepted
anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th year.
Ruby
is known as the "Lord of the Gems" because of
its rarity and beauty. Derived from the Latin word "ruber",
it simply means red. Ruby, like sapphire, is a variety of
corundum and only exists as a true red in color. The finest
color is a vivid, almost pure spectral red with a very faint
undertone of blue, as seen in Burmese rubies which are considered
the finest.
The
highest quality rubies are said to protect their owners
from all kinds of misfortune. A fine ruby assured the owner
he would live in harmony with his neighbors. It would protect
his stature in life, his home and land. Its protective powers
were intensified when set in jewelry, and worn on the left
side. Many believed rubies possessed an inner flame which
burned eternally.
As
part of the customary fashioning process, virtually all
rubies are heated to permanently improve their color and
appearance.
As
with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from
scratches and sharp blows.
The
finest rubies emanate from Burma, having been mined there
since ancient times. Other sources include Thailand, Vietnam,
Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Cambodia, Afghanistan and India.
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August
Peridot
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Peridot
is the accepted birthstone for August. It is also the accepted
anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage.
Peridot
should be a lively lime green, without a brownish or olive
cast.
Peridot
is the child of volcanic action. Tiny peridot crystals are
sometimes combed from the black sands of Hawaii.
Peridots
were favored by pirates, considered powerful amulets against
all evil, and when set in gold, were said to protect the
wearer from the terrors of the night. They had medicinal
uses, too. If fashioned into a chalice from which medicines
were drunk, they intensified the effects of the drug.
Care
should be taken to protect peridot from scratches, sharp
blows, household chemicals and extreme temperature changes.
Do not use a home ultrasonic machine for cleaning.
The
peridot is abundant, and is available in larger sizes. It
is found in Burma and the U.S.
The
most important source of peridot in the world is the San
Carlos Apache Indian Reservation near Globe, Arizona, where
it is mined by native Americans.
Large
sizes are mined in Myanmar (Burma) and peridot is also found
in China.
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September
Sapphire
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Sapphire
is the September birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary
gem for the 5th and 45th years of marriage.
Sapphire,
a variety of corundum, comes in all colors except red (the
red variety being known as ruby), but is especially popular
in deep blue. Fancy colored sapphires-including pink, green,
orange, and golden yellow-are magnificent when combined
in a necklace or bracelet.
Prince
Charles chose a blue sapphire for Princess Diana's engagement
ring. The stone's durability, combined with its beauty,
makes it the perfect alternative for an engagement ring.
Ancient
priests and sorcerers honored sapphire above all gems, for
this stone enabled them to interpret oracles and foretell
the future. Ancients believed the Ten Commandments were
written on a sapphire tablet. Marriage partners put great
faith in the stone. If its luster dimmed, one knew his or
her spouse had been unfaithful. Sapphire refused to shine
when worn by the wicked or impure.
As
part of the customary fashioning process, virtually all
blue, yellow and golden sapphires are heated to permanently
produce or intensify their color.
As
with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from
scratches and sharp blows.
Sapphire
is found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma),
Kasmir, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China and the
U.S.
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October
Opal
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Opal
is the October birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary
gemstone for the 14th year of marriage.
The
well-known Roman naturalist Pliny described opal as "made
up of the glories of the most precious gems... the gentler
fire of the ruby, the rich purple of the amethyst, the sea-green
of the emerald, glittering together..."
White
opal has a white or light body color with flashes of many
colors. Black opal has a black, dark blue, dark green or
gray body color with vivid flashes of color such as red,
pink and bright green.
Opal
has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages.
In the Middle Ages, young, fair-haired girls wore opals
in their hair to protect its lovely blond color. Medieval
writers believed opal could render its wearer invisible
when the need arose. It was also said to have a beneficial
effect on eyesight. It was thought to banish evil spirits
and favor children, the theater, amusements, friendships
and feelings.
Care
should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows,
household chemicals, and extreme temperature changes. To
maintain the brilliance of opal, it should be wiped clean
with a soft cloth. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine
or jewelry cleaner.
Opal
sources are Australia, Mexico and the U.S.
Sometimes
tourmaline is used as a birthstone for October and spans
the spectrum from red to violet. It also occurs in color
combinations in one stone which accounts for its popularity.
It is not as fragile as opal and is sometimes selected by
those who prefer faceted stones.
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November
Topaz
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Topaz
is the accepted birthstone for November. Blue topaz is the
accepted anniversary gemstone for the 4th year; Imperial
topaz for the 23rd year of marriage.
Most
people think of topaz as a transparent golden yellow gemstone.
However, this gemstone occurs colorless as well as orange-yellow,
red, honey-brown (dark sherry), light green, blue and pink.
The
name topaz is derived from the Greek word meaning "to
shine" and also implies "fire". Orange-red
"Imperial" topaz and pink colors are rare and
most valuable.
The
lore, magic and romance of topaz goes back many thousands
of years. It holds the distinction of being the gemstone
with the widest range of curative powers. The Greeks felt
it gave them strength. In addition, it supposedly cooled
tempers, restored sanity, cured asthma, relieved insomnia
and even warded off sudden death. Topaz is said to make
its wearer invisible in time of emergency. It proved the
loyalty of associates by changing color in the presence
of poison.
As
part of the normal fashioning process, most brownish to
sherry brown topaz are heated to produce a permanent pink
color. Certain types of topaz are irradiated and heated
to produce shades of blue.
Topaz
is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan
and China.
Citrine
is often used an alternative to topaz because it appears
in many of the same colors as topaz. Unlike topaz, citrine
is readily available and inexpensive even in large sizes.
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December
Turquoise
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Turquoise
is the accepted birthstone for December and is the accepted
anniversary gemstone for the 11th year of marriage.
Colors
in turquoise range from sky blue (most desirable color)
to blue green and apple green.
The
name means "Turkish stone" because the trade route
that brought it to Europe used to come via Turkey. The best
qualities are found in northeast Iran (Persian turquoise).
However, the United States southwest is now the world leader
in production.
The
deposits in Sinai were already worked out by 4,000 BC. At
that time the stone was used for jewelry, amulets and in
the preparation of cosmetics.
During
the 16th century turquoise was used as currency by the Southwest
Indians. They believed the gemstone could bring spoils to
the warrior, animals to the hunter, and happiness and good
fortune to all.
Although
large quantities of beautiful turquoise which have not been
color enhanced are available, today's turquoise is commonly
stabilized with plastic to improve its color and durability.
Chalky varieties of turquoise are normally impregnated with
oil or wax to enhance color. This color change may not be
permanent.
Care
should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows,
hot water, and household chemicals. Do not use a home ultrasonic
machine.
Blue
topaz has become a popular alternative in recent years for
those who prefer faceted stones.
To
find out more about your birthstone, or any gemstone, consult
your local professional jeweler. He or she will be able
to show you the widest variety of colors, cuts and designs
to suit every pocketbook. Your jeweler can also tell you
how best to care for the gem, and will be available in the
future to service your jewelry.
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