Birthstone Articles
The Famous Gem That Almost Wasn't: The Cullinan Diamond
It's shocking to think that the Cullinan diamond, a major piece of geological and British history, almost remained buried. Estimated to be worth billions of dollars in total, the original uncut stone was over 3,106 carats and weighed 1.369 pounds. That's a lot of sparkle!
Known as the Star of Africa, this amazing stone almost went undiscovered. In January of 1905, Captain Frederick Wells, the Premier Mine superintendent, was making his regular rounds when he saw what he thought was a glass shard.
Legendary October Birthstones: Tourmaline and Opal Myths
The October Birthstones,Tourmaline and Opal are set apart from other birthstones by their dazzling rainbow colors. Rubies, amethysts, emeralds; all of these stones have intense and gorgeous color, but none of them have the diversity of the October birthstones. Perhaps because of their unique coloration, opals and tourmalines are surrounded by myth, superstition, and folklore.
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.
Sapphire—A Gem Fit for Royalty
For centuries, sapphires have made their mark in the history of our world. SWCreations Sapphire Birthstone ArticleUnderstandably so—they are beautiful and unique gemstones that come in many different varieties. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers recognized sapphire for its wonderful qualities and named it as the official birthstone for the month of September. It is the designated gem given for the 5th, 23rd, and 45th wedding anniversaries and if a couple is blessed enough to make it to their 65th anniversary, the unique star sapphire is often given.
June’s Birthstone: The Ethereal Pearl
Pearl is June’s birthstone, lending its ethereal beauty to the traditional month for weddings. Since ancient times, when the month was dedicated to the Roman Goddess of marriage, it has been considered good luck to take marriage vows beneath June’s sunny skies. Even today, one cannot imagine June without conjuring images of brides in lace and, of course, pearls.
July’s Birthstone: Ruby Passions
July’s birthstone is ruby. Given that July is a month dedicated to Julius Caesar—a dictator who died in a pool of his own blood--the red gemstone seems somehow appropriate. But then, July has always been a month for red hot passions, whether murderous rages or ardent love affairs. In that respect, with its own internal fire, ruby is the ideal birthstone for the hottest month of the year.
Celebrities and their June Gemstones Birthstones
Do you know what Marilyn Monroe, Rafael Nadal, Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Anne Frank, George Bush, Donald Trump, Paula Abdul, Michael Phelps and Prince William have in common? We know that they are all famous on their own right. They some of the most popular actresses, actors, athletes, authors, musicians, entrepreneurs and politicians in the world. Well, the answer is actually not complicated. All of them are born in the month June
Emerald City - May Birthstone Gemstone
In the beloved movie “The Wizard of OZ,” Dorothy merrily skips along the yellow brick road on her way to find the Emerald City. Although it is a work of fiction compliments of L. Frank Baum, it is true that over the centuries emeralds have possessed a magnetic draw rife with mystical legend and lore. Ancient Egyptians wore them as a symbol of fertility, Cleopatra loved them so much that she had her own mines built, and the Incas worshipped the verdigris stone as a god.
About May Birthstone - Enduring Emerald
May’s birthstone is emerald, a green gemstone that heralds the lush landscape of spring. May is a month in which flowers blossom, grass unfolds, and everything seems new again. Emerald is a stone that capture’s all spring’s verdant splendor, ranging in color between a bluish jungle green to chartreuse. The stone and the month are a perfect pairing.
Information and Legends of Topaz - November Birthstone
Topaz is a gorgeous gemstone found in a wide range of colors. Striking shades of red, orange, peach, pink and gold are just a few shades of interest. However, yellow topaz is the official birthstone for the month of November. Commonly used as the suggested anniversary gemstone for the 4th, 19th, and 23rd years of marriage, this lovely stone has actually been quite famous throughout history.
About September Sapphires from Ancient Egypt to Today
In Ancient Egypt, sapphires were associated with the wisdom of the all-seeing Eye of Horus, which makes this gemstone the perfect birthstone for the month of September. Then, as now, September was a month for celebrating learning and knowledge. During September’s autumnal equinox, when day and night are in balance, the ancient Egyptians celebrated the wisdom of Isis, who used her knowledge to resurrect her dead husband, Osiris. And since ancient sapphires were prized by the Egyptians for their eye-opening qualities, they have come down to us as the birthstone for September--the month that starts our academic year, and our own quest for wisdom.
August - Birthstone - Cleopatra’s Favorite Gemstone
Perhaps gemstones are one of the greatest gifts we’ve been given in this world. For thousands of years, they have brought beauty and joy into our lives, and most have interesting folklore and legends associated with them.The August gemstone, Peridot, is often given to celebrate the 16th wedding anniversary, and is not lacking in either beauty or folklore.
