Amethyst, the February birthstone, is the purple variety of quartz and is said to cure drunkenness and make you quick-witted in business. In fact, “amethyst” comes from amethystos, a Greek word meaning “sober.” You once had to be quite wealthy to own this stone thanks to its royal colouring, but new finds over recent decades have made it far more affordable. Until the 19th century, amethyst was primarily mined in Russia. However, supply dramatically increased when natural sources of its crystals were discovered in Brazil. Today, amethyst can be found all over the world, from Africa to Asia, to South America. Amethysts have been used to symbolize deep love, happiness, humility, sincerity, and wealth for centuries.

MARCH

The birthstones for this month are Aquamarine and Bloodstone

Aquamarine and Bloodstone are the two birthstones for March. One evokes blue skies and calming waters while the other represents health and strength. 
Aquamarine's name comes from the Latin for "seawater" and ancient mariners claimed the gem would calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. This March birthstone was also thought to bring happiness in marriage. 

The name "bloodstone" is derived from the belief by some that the color pattern has religious significance, representing the blood of Christ. Several metaphysical properties have been attributed to this March birthstone as well, they include increasing strength, giving invisibility, and preserving health and youth.

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APRIL

The birthstone for this month is Diamond

Those born in the month of April are lucky enough to call the Diamond, a scintillating and highly sought-after stone, their birthstone. The April birthstone is rich in history and can be found in many unique places all over the world. It is thought to provide the wearer with better relationships and an increase in inner strength. Wearing diamonds is purported to bring other benefits such as balance, clarity and abundance. Choosing the perfect Diamond (whether Natural or Lab Grown) is quite a process as the quality of a Diamond is based on the 4 C's. These stones are easily the most popular choice for engagement and wedding rings as they have the highest light refraction and thus tend to sparkle the most.

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JUNE

The three birthstones for this month are Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone

Pearl, alexandrite and moonstone are the three birthstones for June. Pearls have long been associated with purity, humility and innocence and were once traditionally given as a wedding gift. The pearl birthstone was also thought to have beneficial properties such as balance, harmony, attracting prosperity and good fortune. In ancient wars, warriors would wear this gem for protection.

Alexandrite is a rare form of chrysoberyl and is the gemstone of luck, prosperity, intellect and embracing change. It represents the balance between the physical and the spiritual, and is said to bring you into the balance of who you are.

Moonstones are said to carry the power of the new moon, and just like the moon's cleansing light, it is purported to be able to wash away self-doubt and negative vibrations. Moonstone is a stone for intuition and insight.

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JULY

The birthstone for this month is Ruby

BIRTHSTONE OVERVIEW

Ruby, the king of precious gems represents passion, love and success. If you're shopping for a July birthstone you want to consider saturation and vividness of colour first and foremost. The color must be neither too dark nor too light to be considered the finest quality. People in the trade expect rubies to have at least some inclusions because inclusion-free rubies are extremely rare. Long associated with the life force of blood in the veins, ruby was a symbol of power and youthful energy in Indian jewelry. In past centuries, some believed this birthstone could predict misfortune or danger, and others claimed it would cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. This stone is traditionally gifted on one's 40th anniversary.

 

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AUGUST

The three birthstones for this month are Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx

BIRTHSTONE OVERVIEW

If you were born in August then you have a plethora of birthstones to choose from. Some believe "Peridot" is derived from the Arabic word "faridat" meaning “gem” or from the Greek word, "peridona" which means “give in abundance”. Given its resemblance to the color of money, peridot has often been associated with prosperity and good fortune. Known as the stone of compassion, Peridot is also believed to bring good health, restful sleep and peace to relationships by balancing emotions and mind.

Spinel gems are said to help set aside egos and to help one become devoted to another person. Like most fiery red stones, spinel is believed to encourage great passion, devotion and longevity.

Roman soldiers wore sardonyx rings with the image of Mars carved on them for protection in battle. Today, this August birthstone is associated with courage, happiness and clear communication, bringing stability to marriage and partnerships.

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SEPTEMBER

The birthstone for this month is Sapphire

BIRTHSTONE OVERVIEW

Sapphire, the September birthstone, comes in all the colors of the rainbow – except red. Red Sapphire is called a Ruby. Considered the birthstone of wisdom, loyalty, nobility and romance, this gemstone has adorned royalty and the robes of the clergy for countless centuries. The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed that blue sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy. A sapphire is believed to be good for attracting abundance, blessings, and gifts. It has been used to protect against negative energies, calm the mind, strengthen intuition, and invite spiritual clarity. Sapphire is also the traditional 45th wedding anniversary gift and is said to represent a couple's deep, endless love for one another.

 

 

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OCTOBER

The birthstones for this month are Opal and Tourmaline

BIRTHSTONE OVERVIEW

Opal and tourmaline are the two birthstones for October. Both of these gemstones are known for their endless colour combinations and were once believed to have been created from rainbows. Bedouins once believed Opal held lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms. Ancient Greeks thought Opals bestowed the gift of prophesy and protection from disease. Europeans long maintained them to be a symbol of purity, hope and truth.

Tourmaline has long been associated with friendship and it is believed that those who wear it will have long-lasting relationships. Black tourmaline is thought to bring about confidence, pink is more associated with compassion and green is commonly believed to promote courage and strength.

 

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NOVEMBER

The birthstones for this month are Topaz and Citrine

BIRTHSTONE OVERVIEW

Topaz and Citrine are the two birthstones for November. Both are fairly abundant making them affordably priced in the gemstone market. These two November birthstones are known for their calming energies and can be found all around the world. The topaz birthstone symbolizes love and affection, and is said to bestow strength and intelligence on the person who wears it, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. A gift of blue topaz is said to be a promise of love and fidelity. 

 

The name for “Citrine” comes from the Latin root for “lemon”. No wonder this sunny-hued and golden stone has been thought to be a healing crystal that brings happiness, health, energy, prosperity and vitality of life.

 

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DECEMBER

The three birthstones for this month are Tanzanite, Turquoise and Zircon

BIRTHSTONE OVERVIEW

Tanzanite, Turquoise and Zircon are the three birthstones for December. These December birthstones are mined all over the world and each have their own unique spectrum of the colour blue, allowing you to choose the birthstone that best fits your style and taste. Tanzanite ranges from deep blue to violet and are said to be very magical stones that connect you with ancient wisdom.

The Turquoise birthstone is said to represent a host of positive personality traits including happiness, honesty, and spirituality. It's also said to represent strength, serenity, and creativity.

The meaning of the Zircon birthstone is wisdom, prosperity, and confidence. Zircon symbolizes these traits and is thought to aid in sleep quality and warding off evil spirits. During the Victorian era, this stone was a prized gem often adorned in necklaces and other decorative pieces.

 

Photos Courtesy of GIA