Birthstone Articles
Healing Properties of the March Birthstone
8 Things You Didn’t Know About the Garnet
Thinking about garnet birthstone jewelry for yourself or a loved one? Discover why this enchanting gem is much more than a January jewel.
- Over the centuries, garnets were believed to prevent and cure blood disorders and infections as well as stop bleeding, relieve skin inflammation, and ease depression.
- The name garnet has several possible origins, including from Old French (grenat) and Medieval Latin (granatum) meaning "of dark red color," or perhaps from the word pomegranate due to its resemblance to the shape of the seeds or the color of the pulp. It may also be from Medieval Latin granum "grain," in its sense of "cochineal, red dye."
Myths and Legends Behind Amethyst Birthstone Jewelry
Amethyst is an instantly recognizable purple quartz stone that is used for jewelry and healing purposes throughout the world. Ranging in shade from pale lavender to the deepest purple, the gem is prized for its beauty and properties and is the birthstone for the month of February. With these amazing properties, amethyst birthstone jewelry is an ideal gift for a beloved friend or family member -- or even for yourself.
Amethyst Origins
One of the earliest legends surrounding the amethyst comes to us from Ancient Greece and explains the origins of this highly regarded purple stone. In the story, Dionysius, the Greek god of wine and revelry was angered at a mortal woman, who failed to pay him the proper respect.
December Birthstone – The traditional birthstone for December
Sapphire—A Gem Fit for Royalty
Creative Ways To Use Topaz In Jewelry
June’s Birthstone: The Ethereal Pearl
July’s Birthstone: Ruby Passions
August’s Birthstone: Peridot, the Evening Emerald
Enchanting August Birthstone: Sardonyx
The enchanting verdant tones of the peridot have long been recognized as the eighth month’s birthstone. But little do people know that the alluring green gem shares its limelight with a darker, more mysterious counterpart–the sardonyx.
A form of onyx from the mineral family of chalcedony, sardonyx differs in appearance from its more famous jet-black cousin. Since ancient times, sardonyx has enchanted with its reddish brown coloring caressed with delicate white bands. The smooth face of the gem has made it a popular choice for cameo jewelry. In fact, Greeks and Romans were so taken with it, that they used sardonyx as talismans. Warriors carved the raised, cameo style emblems of godly heroes like Mars and Hercules in the stones, believing these tokens would protect them, and give them an advantage in battle.
Celebrities and their June Gemstones Birthstones
