Birthstones

1. Birthstones by Month

2. What is a gemstone? • It is the name given to a mineral or rock after it has been cut and polished and then made into jewelry or another accessory Raw diamonds for engagement rings Cut and polished diamonds

3. What is your birthstone?

4. January- Garnet • Garnet, the birthstone for January,  signifies eternal friendship and trust.  References to the gemstone date back to 3100 B.C., when the Egyptians used garnets as jewelry.    Today the most important sources for garnet are Africa, Sri Lanka, and India.

5. February-Amethyst Amethysts are said to keep the wearer clear-headed and quick- witted.  The gemstone has been linked with many myths, legends, religions, and cultures.  Historically, the finest amethysts were found in Russia and were featured in royal European jewelry.  While Brazil is the primary source of this gemstone today, amethysts can be found elsewhere in the world, especially in Zambia.

6. March-Aquamarine • This gemstone was believed to protect sailors and guarantee a safe voyage.  The aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded.  This gemstone is mined mainly in Brazil, but also is found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique.

7. April-Diamond The diamond is the hardest gemstone and one of the most valuable. Diamonds are the symbol of innocence and constancy. Diamonds have been prized as Crown jewels. They are used today as an engagement ring. Most diamonds come from South Africa.

8. May-Emerald • The emerald is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Today most of the world’s emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia.

9. June-Pearl • Pearls have been used as an adornment for centuries.  They were one of the favorite gem materials of the Roman Empire. Pearls are unique as they are the only gems that come from living sea creatures and require no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty.

10. July-Ruby The name ruby is derived from the Latin 'ruber' meaning red. To own a ruby is said to have contentment and peace. Placed under a pillow, the ruby may ward off bad dreams. Ruby mines are found in the United States, Sri Lanka, Burma, Vietnam, and Thailand.

11. August-Peridot Peridot is believed to have magical and healing powers to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power, influence, and a wonderful year. Peridot is a gemstone that forms deep inside the Earth and is brought to the surface by volcanoes. Today, most of the peridot supply comes from Arizona. Other sources are China, Myanmar (Burma), and Pakistan. 

12. September-Sapphire • Sapphires have been popular since the Middle Ages and, according to folklore, will protect your loved ones from envy and harm. Sapphires are mined all over the world. There are sapphire mines in India, Ceylon, Burma, Australia, Brazil, Thailand, Vietnam, the United States, and Africa.

13. October-Opal • As the birthstone for October, the opal stands for hope. Opals range in color from milky white to black with flashes of yellow, orange, green, red, and blue. Opals are found in Australia.

14. November-Citrine • Citrine is known as the "healing quartz". This golden gemstone is said to support health while providing hope, energy, and warmth within the wearer. It is one of the most affordable of gemstones and is plentiful in the world. Citrine is found most frequently in Brazil, Bolivia, and Spain.

15. December-Turquoise • Turquoise describes one of the earliest known gemstones.  It protects the wearer from negative energy and brings good fortune. Turquoise varies in color from greenish-blue to sky blue. It is plentiful in the world and available in many sizes. Although its popularity changes in fashion, it is always favorite in the American Southwest.