For example, the birthstone for January is a garnet, while babies born in April get a diamond as their birthstone. The breastplate had 12 jewels distributed by four rows. Before we jump into the magical world of crystal healing, we start with an overview of the birthstones per month. These man-made alternative gems, along with sterling silver or low-carat gold mountings, provided three benefits: they (1) significantly reduced the cost of the item; (2) improved the size, color, and clarity of the stones that the buyer was able to afford; and, (3) allowed a better profit margin for sellers. Meaning: anti-depressant - stress reliever. March Birthstone Aquamarine And Bloodstone; Easy . It will give you all the information that you need about the various birthstones or flowers of your month of birth. December: Turquoise. [4]. Some of these stones exhibit multiple colors because they were cut from color-zoned crystals. Here is how that might happen... A shopper is looking for a gift for a niece and is having difficulty finding "the perfect item". Good: A number of gems are durable enough for use in any type of jewelry. The photo above shows examples of the man-made materials that are used. The purple color of amethyst can be so light that it is barely perceptible, or so dark that a faceted gem can be nearly opaque. Imbued with mythology, the origin of birthstones can be traced back to ancient times – when 12 stones were associated with the 12 signs of the zodiac. Spinel is a very hard and durable gem. Most jewelry stores sell pearl jewelry, most often with cultured pearls. Whether you were born in March or in the month of July , whether you look for birthstone mysticism or take facts only, whether you like diamonds or prefer agates , you are very likely to find what you are looking for here. This violet variety of quartz is magical and bewitching. Birthstones for each month. Some birthstone charts have more than one gemstone per month or list secondary or alternative gemstones. Very, very old. [1] The practice became popular in the United States, and in 1912, the American National Retail Jeweler’s Association (now named Jewelers of America) adopted a standardized list of monthly birthstones which went into use by jewelers throughout the country. Natural rubies have historically been expensive gems, but recent discoveries in Africa bring many attractive natural rubies into the market at affordable prices. March: lab-created spinel substituting for aquamarine. There are even opaque garnets that are usually cut as a cabochon (pink hydrogrossular and green grossularite). Some peridot falls to Earth in meteorites. Their soothing colors are evocative of calm seas and clear skies. Later the connection was made between … These sets are popular birthday and graduation gifts. Amidst the awe and clear crisp colour, the stone has a compelling clarity and depths like the sea. They are often engraved with the names of the children or with a special message. The mystery of birthstones is old. The accompanying photo shows some of the many different colors in which garnet can occur. Image copyright iStockphoto / IrisGD. Fair to Poor: Gems rated less than good have some defecit that makes them vulnerable to breakage or abrasion. Bright blue turquoise is the most preferred color. January – Garnet. The second month’s birthstone is the violet variety of quartz. They appeal to audiences around the world regardless of gender, age, nationality or religion. If not, then this is the article for you. Birthstones are the stones that have been said to represent each month and the people born in those months. length x width x depth, The list shown at the top of this page is one recently published by the Gemological Institute of America. A “Mother’s Ring” is a woman’s ring that is set with the birthstones of her children. Gem varieties vary in density, so carat weight is not a good indication of size, Please see our visual guide of "Birthstones By Color" here. Pure green emeralds are the most popular and valuable. Contrary to its translation, this stone has been known to … 1-800-464-1640. Many people enjoy the light-colored stones which are much more affordable. Bloodstone is a popular and durable gem for men's rings, cufflinks, and tie tacks. This disclosure is very important because many people only want to purchase jewelry made with natural gems. (Cameos are often cut from many other materials, especially shell materials, but many of the finest cameos are cut from sardonyx.). Citrine is not an original modern birthstone for November. Birthstones carry secrets, attributes and lore that are unique to each gemstone. A variety of corundum and a very hard gemstone, Sapphires are usually blue in color and will shield those born in September against negative thoughts. The niece will likely be happy with her birthstone gift. Turquoise is a birthstone for the month of December. Lab-grown rubies have been in the United States jewelry market since the early 1900s. Farrington posits that the modern list of birthstones by month may have formed from a hybrid of the Hebrew breastplate and Arabic astrology. Emeralds range in color from slightly yellowish green, to pure green, to slightly bluish green. February: Amethyst. A colorful assortment of dazzling gemstones generally bears month wise association. The gem shown here is a beautiful reddish purple amethyst from the Four Peaks Mine in Maricopa County, Arizona. Most of the months on the birth stone chart have at least one stone, in at least one category, that you will be able to buy. Birthstone list for each month of the year is quick & easy. Diamond is the birthstone of April. Sometimes even the same chart type, for example a Traditional Birthstone Chart, can differ from source to source. July: Ruby. The richly colored aquamarines with the purest blue color are most popular. Upon learning that the niece was born in February, the salesperson shows the shopper to a nice display of amethyst jewelry. Some (but not all) birthstone lists include sardonyx as a birthstone for August. A growing trend in bridal jewelry is the "birthstone engagement ring". These gems are garnet (January), amethyst (February), bloodstone (March), sardonyx (August), tourmaline (October), and citrine (November). The buyer and the recipient of an emerald birthstone gift might be pleased with this option. Spinel is a mineral that occurs in a wide variety of colors. Pearl (June), opal (October), and turquoise (December) all have a low hardness and are easily scratched. Birthstone By Month. Aquamarine is the the birthstone for the month of March. Image copyright iStockphoto / mikheewnik. Meaning: spiritual protection. Peridot is the gem variety of a mineral group known as olivine. The color purple has always been … Birthstones by Month: January: Garnet. Birthstones are associated with each month of the year, and each has a special meaning and significance. Moonstone (June), topaz (November), and tanzanite (December) all have perfect cleavage and will break easily. 03 March Birthstone - Aquamarine and Bloodstone . It has been a popular gemstone for at least two thousand years. January Birthstone: Garnet. But first, are you curious how birthstones originated? March: Aquamarine, Bloodstone. Ruby (July), sapphire (September), aquamarine (March), alexandrite (June), and spinel (August), are durable enough to serve as an engagement ring gem. Ruby is an excellent choice for an engagement ring. This birthstone is a traditional protective gemstone for travelers. It is the world's most popular gem. Some modifications of the original list that are in general agreement include: (A) tourmaline was added as an August birthstone to give people color choices beyond yellowish-green peridot, (B) spinel joined opal as an October birthstone for greater durability and the option of a faceted stone, (C) the lapis lazuli of December was replaced by zircon and later tanzanite - after its 1967 discovery. Most tanzanite sold in jewelry today has a blue to bluish purple to bluish violet color that is produced by heat treatment. Garnet, the birthstone of January, is mined in a rainbow of colors. Mother’s rings are sometimes purchased by a mother but they are often a gift to the mother from her husband or from her children. Since time immemorial they have been mythically revered as encapsulates of mystical properties. Like horoscope signs, when you ask someone “what is your birthstone?” they almost always know the answer. Birthstones by Month and Their Meanings. It was added to most birthstone lists in 1952. Birthstones serve as both a purchasing and marketing aid. Toll Free - USA & Canada only: There are two ways how to choose a birthstone: you can choose the birthstone according to the month in which you were born, or choose the birthstone by your zodiac sign.Unfortunately, there is no simple way how to choose the right one. Birthstones By Month. Learn … It has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8. If you want to secure a happy marriage and a contented family, an emerald is for you. Image copyright iStockphoto / mikheewnik. The most desirable and valuable colors are pure red and slightly purplish red. Birthstones offer a gorgeous and meaningful gesture. © 2005-2021 GemSelect.com all rights reserved. Numerous legends tell of specific stones used for specific purposes - be they birthstones that give overall protection or stones that are chosen by birth year but change depending on life circumstances. Blue Topaz is the birthstone for those born in the month of December. Amethyst is the birthstone for February. Zircon is another gem that serves as a birthstone for the month of December. However, because of their hardness they are subject to being scratched or abraded. Your birthstone color determined by the month you were born in. The green sand beaches of Hawaii contain peridot crystals weathered from basalt. [1], "However, in spite of this early testimony, we have no instance of the usage of wearing such stones as natal stones until a comparatively late date; indeed, it appears that this custom originated in Poland some time during the eighteenth century." An acceptable alternative birthstone for ANY month is a gem of the same color any of that month’s official birthstones. Others decide to purchase a more affordable lab-grown diamond. The story of birthstones dates back to the sacred breastplate worn by Aaron - brother of Moses - the first High Priest of the Israelites. Birthstones for each month. Website “Birthstones by Month” is created and maintained by Astrology and Zodiac enthusiasts.We find energy and properties of gemstones fascinating so we decided to share our knowledge. The origin of birthstones trace back to the bible, specifically to the breastplate of Aaron which contained 12 gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Birthstones are a fun, popular and colorful introduction to the world of gemstones. These gems are also suited for use in any type of jewelry. Image copyright iStockphoto / barbaraaaa. Although many people think of a red gem when they think of garnet, it is actually available in almost every color - green (tsavorite and demantoid), orange (spessartine and hessionite), purple (rhodolite), yellow (mali and topazolite), pink (malaya), red (almandine and pyrope), black (melanite). The first jewelry item that many children receive is often a birthstone ring, earrings, or pendant. It is most often set into sterling silver jewelry. Learn about the birthstone colors, the birthstone properties, the healing powers of the birthstone, the symbolism of the birthstone, where the birthstone can be found, and largest stone of its kind that has been found. Do you know what each stone or flower indicates? Birthstones have been around for a very long time, with the Jewish historian Josephus believing there was a link between the 12 stones on Aaron’s chest plate and the 12 months of the year. When it is pink, orange, green, purple, yellow, or any of these other colors, the name "fancy sapphire" is used. Below is a Chart of birthstones for each month, including the Traditional Birthstones, Modern Birthstones, Mystical Birthstones as well as Ayurvedic Birthstones. They have a hardness of at least 7.5 and very good durability. You can personalize your engagement ring to the month of your birth and in your own unique style. Both these authors distinctly proclaim the connection between the twelve stones of the high-priest’s breastplate and the twelve months of the year, as well as the twelve zodiacal signs." January | Garnet. As an example, emerald is the birthstone for the month of May. The calming properties of this cool blue gem relieves stressful situations and is an ideal meditation stone. Fortunately for people born in November who like blue, colorless topaz can be treated with irradiation and heat to produce a variety of blue colors. Most common of this birthstone color is reddish brown. Shown here is a violet-blue tanzanite measuring 7 x 5 x 3 millimeters in size and weighing 1.02 carats, antique facet cut. Meaning: Prosperity and good luck - compassion and truth - prosperity and honor. Most natural zircons are yellow, red or brown, but heat and irradiation treatments can transform them into blue, green and many other colors. Shown above is a gold ring with a large amethyst cabochon. Image copyright iStockphoto / MadKruben. Birthstones are gemstones that represent the month of a person's birth. Twelve birthstones for the twelve months of the year. But first a little introduction to birth stones by month. Perhaps the makers of these lists wanted to give people born in August a wider variety of color choices. Numerous legends tell of specific stones used for specific purposes - be they birthstones that give overall protection or stones that are chosen by birth year but change depending on life circumstances. Welcome to birthstone.guide - arguably the most informative and comprehensive birthstone guide / blog / website on the English speaking internet. A birthstone is associated with the month that a person was born. "Tanzanite" is a trade name that was first used by Tiffany and Company for gem-quality specimens of the mineral zoisite with a blue color. Shoppers can expect to find it in almost every jewelry store. Image copyright iStockphoto / solidcolours. Also, there are primary birthstones for a given month or house, and there are secondary, third, and fourth stones. It’s not a single species but rather consists of several species and varieties. It is durable because of its Mohs hardness of 7 and affordable because of its abundance. Both traditional as well as modern category involves similar correlations. diameter x depth, Select gems by size, not by weight! Birthstones are not only assigned by month and day, but various cultures assign birthstones according to the zodiac sign, season, and even hour of the day. Natural alexandrite of good color and clarity is an extremely expensive gem, however, lab-created alexandrite can be found in many jewelry stores. The United States has created an official birthstone list, assigning a different color for each month … Very Good: Next in overall durability are aquamarine (March), alexandrite (June), and spinel (August). This high hardness makes ruby just one of a few colored gemstones that are durable enough for daily wear across a lifetime. [6], The Hard Truth About Birthstone Engagement Rings, Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries. The most common use for birthstones is to use to make crystal birthstone jewelry. Meaning: Nurturing and purity - sacred femininity. See Birthstone Chart with your months birthstone. The month of June has three birthstones – Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone. [2] Birthstone jewelry is still very popular in the United States. Many of them will likely be synthetic or lab-grown ruby. Before we jump into the magical world of crystal healing, we start with an overview of the birthstones per month. If you know someone with a September birthday who lives in Montana, a Yogo sapphire might be the perfect birthstone gift. November: Topaz, Citrine. August: Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx. In Sanskrit the word for topaz is “tapas”, meaning fire. Diamond is one of the most expensive birthstones. The birthstone engagement ring can be a logical, affordable, and attractive choice for these couples. Creative Commons photo of a gem from Barnes Jewelry, Helena, Montana, by Montanabw. So, people born in May have emerald as their birthstone. Many believe that wearing a gemstone of a specified month provided healing powers. It occurs in many other colors as well. Birthstone Gems: Shown here are examples of birthstones for each month. What is a birthstone? Way back in the days of Exodus, Aaron, high priest of the Israelites — and brother to the prophet Moses — wore a breastplate adorned with 12 gems. Blue is the most popular zircon color. Opal is an original modern birthstone for the month of October. Whether you were born in March or in the month of July , whether you look for birthstone mysticism or take facts only, whether you like diamonds or prefer agates , you are very likely to find what you are looking for here. A beautiful rich colored gem. Image copyright iStockphoto / Greg Stanfield. Named after aqua - the water, the Aquamarine is march’s birthstone. As its name suggests, Citrine is a yellow gemstone which strengthens your will power. The shopper quickly finds an amethyst jewelry set consisting of a ring, a pendant necklace, and a pair of earrings. Birthstone colors include the sparkly red of January’s garnet and the cool blue of December’s topaz. May: lab-created spinel doublet substituting for emerald. Moonstone is a feldspar mineral that produces a "pearly" luster when light enters the stone and is reflected by mineral layers within the gem. October: lab-created corundum substituting for tourmaline. It occurs in a range of colors from slightly greenish blue to a nearly pure blue hue. Mother's Birthstone Ring: A Mother's Ring displaying a lab-grown birthstone for each of her children. The popularity of birthstones dates back to ancient times when civilizations believed that gemstones had incredible powers such as luck, health and prosperity. The other traditional birthstone for the month of May, agate, which is also the zodiac stone for Gemini, was regarded as the birthstone for May in most other ancient calendars. The ratings below apply only to natural gems. June: Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone. Except for the orange hessonite from Sri Lanka, all of these garnets were mined in Africa, the relatively new source of spectacular garnets. That is why one glance at the deep red seeds of a pomegranate reminds of this amazingly beautiful stone. Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May. Most pearls in today's market are cultured pearls, which are very affordable when compared to natural pearls, and make a much nicer gift than imitation pearls. Emeralds have long been associated with love and loyalty within the home. Fortunately, there are only a few points of departure among the many lists used in the United States and the United Kingdom. Zircon gives the shopper an opportunity to select from a variety of colors. From the fiery … Some of the lab-grown alexandrite has a spectacular appearance! Let us guide you on an exploration of the history and lore for each of the twelve primary birthstones, as well as some of the secondary stones, where you will abound in the mystical, the fantastic, and the beautiful! Many couples are looking for color, or are looking for a stone other than diamond. 1-800-464-1640 Tourmaline occurs in a wide variety of colors. If you have tanzanite jewelry, look at the stone face up and then from the side - you might be able to notice a slight color difference. Our birth month is associated with a gemstone, or more. This grade of tanzanite is often seen in mall and chain store jewelry. Blue Topaz is the birthstone for those born in the month of December. These are called "rainbow moonstones" and they are market favorites. Standardization of the birthstone list in 1912 was a good thing to do. July: Ruby. About Birthstones Each Month. The translations and interpretations of this have varied over the years, but wearing a single birthstone is only a few centuries old. February: Amethyst. Birthstones facilitate the purchase and sale of many jewelry items. Its color has an interesting feature - it changes depending upon the angle of viewing. LIST OF BIRTHSTONES BY MONTH. [1]. Birthstone Guide - Birthstones by Month Birthstones are gemstones corresponding to one of the 12 months of the year, each with its own unique look, value and beauty. If not, then this is the article for you. Many people can afford to purchase genuine turquoise, but lab-created turquoise is available in some stores for cost-conscious shoppers. Nearly pure blue hue and day, month, read on below, one thing every! 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Birthstone as the luckiest of gems are also many different colors in which garnet can occur of associating certain with... Name from the fiery … blue topaz is a like pool of freshwater, refreshing and blue... Best-Selling gem with a large amethyst cabochon traditionally, a birthstone ring: the most desirable and valuable are...