Opal is October's birthstone and it has appeared in the stories of the gods. It's no wonder, considering the gem's striking features. Its color ranges from a liquid white to black, and each stone reflects unique flashes of color, ranging from red, yellow, and orange to blue and green.
The sapphire is the blue variety of the Corundum family. This gemstone is very desirable because of its beautiful color, luster, durability and hardness rating. In terms of durability, the sapphire comes in second to the diamond.
Peridot is August's birthstone and has been loved since the Ancient World . This green stone was first discovered and mined on islands in the Red Sea. The gem's name comes from the Greek for "to give richness", and for the Ancient World, peridot necklaces and peridot earrings were loved and worn by the rich. Peridot jewelry was so popular that it became known in Ancient Rome as "the emerald of the evening".
The warm oranges and rich reds of garnet, January's birthstone, remind one of a family fireplace, and therefore are the perfect balance to this cold winter month. Garnet jewelry has been associated with the power to heal and the strength of human relationships.
In the Middle Ages, garnet pendants were worn in an effort to cure inflammatory diseases and even cure the Black Plague. Today, it is believed by some that wearing garnet pendants can help with heart problems. Some also believe that wearing garnet jewelry can aid the body in clearing up infection.
December's birthstone, turquoise, is opaque, sometimes containing translucent sections. Turquoise hardness on the Moh's scale is about 6, only a bit harder than the glass used for windows. The color of turquoise can range from magnificent powder and sky blues to aesthetically pleasing combinations of bluish green and yellowish green. The shades of blue are created by copper and the greens are the results of impurities.
This magnificent stone has a very long history. The Ancient Egyptians inlaid much of their royal jewelry with turquoise, including one of the most famous burial masks, the one belonging to King Tut. Turquoise was also used in Persia (now known as Iran) to decorate royal palaces because the sky blue of the gem reminded the palace's builders of the heavens.
Today turquoise is no longer used to decorate... VIEW FULL ENTRY
Alexandrite is June's birthstone. It is an amazing birthstone because it changes color from day to night. This change happens because, during the creation of alexandrite, aluminum elements combine with chromium. This union absorbs certain wavelengths within the light spectrum, causing the stone to appear a different color when viewed in natural or artificial light. The most precious alexandrite appears green in the day and red at night. Other color change variations include yellow or pink during the day to red at night.
December's birthstone is turquoise. Turquoise is opaque and can occasionally contain thin translucent sections. Turquoise's color spans inspiring sky blues to beautiful combinations of blueish green and yellow-green. It is one of the few stones where retaining some of its matrix, or the stone it was formed in, can be desirable. This matrix creates the gray lines that run through some of the stones, adding to each gem's unique beauty.
Turquoise's unique beauty has been treasured for thousands of years and across cultures. In 3000 BCE, during the First Dynasty... VIEW FULL ENTRY
Citrine, November’s birthstone, belongs to the quartz family. Citrine’s name comes from “citron,” meaning lemon in French. The gem is perfectly named when one considers the brilliant range of luxurious reds, rich oranges, and youthful yellow shades citrine produces.
Citrine’s beauty has attracted people for centuries. Citrine jewelry has been worn since Ancient Roman times. The gem became extremely popular during the Art Deco period of the early twentieth century. Citrine pendants and citrine rings were seen everywhere, especially amongst the stars of Holly... VIEW FULL ENTRY
Along with the pink tourmaline, opal is the birthstone for the month of October. Its name was derived from the Sanskrit word ‘upala’ and Latin word ‘opalus’ which means precious stone. Opal has become popular these days due to its distinctive property where all the colors of the rainbow are displayed on the stone.
Before opal gained its popularity, the gems’ reputation was in dispute in 1829 when Sir Walter Scott published the novel ‘Anne of Geuerstein’ set in Central Europe. The story depicted opal as a stone representing bad luck due to the heroine’s misfortune. In the tale... VIEW FULL ENTRY
Sapphires are one of the hardest gems, and grouped with the top tier of precious stones: diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. The word sapphire comes from the Greek “sappheiros” meaning “blue stone.” While some sapphires are blue, they also appear as other colors.
In general, gemstone color has three parts: hue, saturation, and tone. Hue is the primary color of the gemstone. Saturation is the brightness of the hue. Tone refers to the range of light... VIEW FULL ENTRY
The August birthstone, the peridot, is flush with an idiosyncratic hue of green believed to have the powers to enhance openness, growth, and prosperity. It's so stunning, there's even a poem written about it:
"Wear a Peridot or for thee, No matrimonial fidelity, the August born without this stone, 'Tis said must live unloved alone." The poem echoes some of the hallmarks associated with this radiant birthstone like loyalty, faithfulness, truth, and love
The traditional metaphysical properties of the peridot have much to do with its vivacity; therefore,... VIEW FULL ENTRY
As perfect as a blooming red rose, as intriguing as snow white's lip against her milky white skin; ruby, the second hardest gem in the world, is indeed one of the most beautiful birthstones of all. Evoking emotions of deep passion and love, the Ruby stone has and is still referred to as the king of gems among the Hindu culture owing to its intriguing red hue. Come to think of it, would Snow White's lips be as exquisitely appealing to your imagination if they were petal pink
Those born during the month of June have one of the most coveted and desired gem as their birthstone, the pearl. It is also the anniversary stone for the 3rd and 30th year. The term pearl comes from the old French perle, originally from the Latin word for leg, perna, in reference to the shape of bivalves--clams, oysters and mussels
Considered the most feminine stone in the gem world, pearl is widely regarded as symbolic of chastity, modesty, and purity.
It has a hardness rating of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the most durable of the most recognized gemstones.
The term emerald probably originated from the Greek word for 'green gem', smaragdos. The gem occurs in many shades ranging from yellow-green to blue-green. The green color of the stone results from the small quantities of chromium and vanadium found in the crystal structure of emerald.
Beryl crystals can only be considered as emerald when the tone of the gem ran... VIEW FULL ENTRY
Diamond is sometimes thought of the ultimate gemstone. Indeed, the exquisite birthstone for April is revered as a symbol of power and wealth, luxury and good health for centuries
With a Mohs scale of 10, it is the hardest mineral found in nature. Such extraordinary characteristics correlate with the name "adamos," the original Greek root of "diamond," which means unbreakable or invincible.
Diamond is a timeless treasure, exhibiting incredible brilliance and fire. A longs... VIEW FULL ENTRY
Aquamarine, the blue to green species of beryl, has been used in ornamental jewelry for thousands of years. The traces of iron found in the gem caused the seawater like color that varies in intensity from dark blue, medium blue green to pale sky blue that is almost colorless.
During the middle Ages, aquamarine was believed to be an antidote for poison and it was once a popular adornment for European monarchy. Additionally, aquamarine renders some medicinal powers and was thought to cure throat, liver, mouth and stomach illnesses.
The birthstone for February, Amethyst is said to be the stone of St. Valentine known as the gem for lovers. It was believed that he wore a ring with Cupid's figure inscribed on it. Affiliated with fidelity, passion and love, the stone is so brilliant that it encourages a positive outlook towards commitment and loyalty to your partner.
Amethyst was also thought to be the first stone beautifully carved in heart shape. It makes sense why this gem is associated... VIEW FULL ENTRY
As adopted by the American Gem Trade Association in 1912, Garnet is the birthstone that best represents the month of January.
Often remembered for its deep red crystals, garnet was thought to signify passion and love and would attract sensual energies. Also known as the stone of commitment, garnet is said to have the ability to make married couples loyal to each other and discourage infidelity. Garnet is believed to symbolize a strong relationship, full of love, devotion and intimacy. This gemstone commends the 2nd wedding anniversary.
Opal is October's birthstone and it has appeared in the stories of the gods. It's no wonder, considering the gem's striking features. Its color ranges from a liquid white to black, and each stone reflects unique flashes of color, ranging from red, yellow, and orange to blue and green. 
VIEW FULL ENTRY
The sapphire is the blue variety of the Corundum family. This gemstone is very desirable because of its beautiful color, luster, durability and hardness rating. In terms of durability, the sapphire comes in second to the diamond.
Thes...
Peridot is August's birthstone and has been loved since the Ancient World . This green stone was first discovered and mined on islands in the Red Sea. The gem's name comes from the Greek for "to give richness", and for the Ancient World, peridot necklaces and peridot earrings were loved and worn by the rich. Peridot jewelry was so popular that it became known in Ancient Rome as "the emerald of the evening".
The warm oranges and rich reds of garnet, January's birthstone, remind one of a family fireplace, and therefore are the perfect balance to this cold winter month. Garnet jewelry has been associated with the power to heal and the strength of human relationships. 
December's birthstone is turquoise. Turquoise is opaque and can occasionally contain thin translucent sections. Turquoise's color spans inspiring sky blues to beautiful combinations of blueish green and yellow-green. It is one of the few stones where retaining some of its matrix, or the stone it was formed in, can be desirable. This matrix creates the gray lines that run through some of the stones, adding to each gem's unique beauty. 
Citrine, November’s birthstone, belongs to the quartz family. Citrine’s name comes from “citron,” meaning lemon in French. The gem is perfectly named when one considers the brilliant range of luxurious reds, rich oranges, and youthful yellow shades citrine produces. 
Along with the pink tourmaline, opal is the birthstone for the month of October. Its name was derived from the Sanskrit word ‘upala’ and Latin word ‘opalus’ which means precious stone. Opal has become popular these days due to its distinctive property where all the colors of the rainbow are displayed on the stone.
Sapphires are one of the hardest gems, and grouped with the top tier of precious stones: diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. The word sapphire comes from the Greek “sappheiros” meaning “blue stone.” While some sapphires are blue, they also appear as other colors. 
The August birthstone, the peridot, is flush with an idiosyncratic hue of green believed to have the powers to enhance openness, growth, and prosperity. It's so stunning, there's even a poem written about it: 
As perfect as a blooming red rose, as intriguing as snow white's lip against her milky white skin; ruby, the second hardest gem in the world, is indeed one of the most beautiful birthstones of all. Evoking emotions of deep passion and love, the Ruby stone has and is still referred to as the king of gems among the Hindu culture owing to its intriguing red hue. Come to think of it, would Snow White's lips be as exquisitely appealing to your imagination if they were petal pink
Those born during the month of June have one of the most coveted and desired gem as their birthstone, the pearl. It is also the anniversary stone for the 3rd and 30th year. The term pearl comes from the old French perle, originally from the Latin word for leg, perna, in reference to the shape of bivalves--clams, oysters and mussels
Emerald is the green form of the mineral beryl.
Diamond is sometimes thought of the ultimate gemstone. Indeed, the exquisite birthstone for April is revered as a symbol of power and wealth, luxury and good health for centuries
Aquamarine, the blue to green species of beryl, has been used in ornamental jewelry for thousands of years. The traces of iron found in the gem caused the seawater like color that varies in intensity from dark blue, medium blue green to pale sky blue that is almost colorless. 
The birthstone for February, Amethyst is said to be the stone of St. Valentine known as the gem for lovers. It was believed that he wore a ring with Cupid's figure inscribed on it. Affiliated with fidelity, passion and love, the stone is so brilliant that it encourages a positive outlook towards commitment and loyalty to your partner.
As adopted by the American Gem Trade Association in 1912, Garnet is the birthstone that best represents the month of January.
