Garnet

January

Some believe that Garnets empower it's wearer with truth, constancy, and faith. This January birthstone is most popular and most well known as a wine red gemstone although they come in a variety of other beautiful hues. Many middle age cultures believed that this red stone would prevent bleeding and would prevent blood disorders and infections. Garnets are also thought to be protective of journeyers and are symbolic of love and the safety of a love one's travel. Garnets are also said to attract love, strengthen bonds and protect the wearer from nightmares. A gift of a Garnet is a gift of love and is traditionally given for the 19 th Wedding Anniversary.

Amethyst

February

This February birthstone gained most of popularity in the Victorian Era and was then acceptable to wear in the latter forms of mourning. The Amethyst was believed by Greek Mythology to protect the wearer from drunkenness and in other myths it is said to protect from negativity, calm nerves, and to help focus. This stone is also said to help the wearer be financially secure. Amethysts may range in hues of purple but is known to be at its best quality when it is a deep medium purple with flashes of a rose color. Based on the availability of this gemstone around the world it is categorized as a semi-precious stone and can be found in most forms of jewelry in a variety of metals.

The word Aquamarine come from the Roman words for Water and Sea, and it is easy to see why the ancient Romans believed that this gemstone reminded them of the Mediterranean . The most natural Aquamarine color is a pale bluish green but with a simple heat treatment the green pigment can be removed. The more intense the shade of blue that an Aquamarine has the more valuable it is believed to be. Unlike many other gemstones, Aquamarines are flawless. A gift of an Aquamarine symbolizes both safety and security. During the Middle Ages this stone was also believed to overcome the effects of poison and ensure a safe passage.

Diamonds are said to have a timeless elegance and are desired in most forms. Both men and women find Diamonds intriguing and valuable. Diamonds are typically associated with engagement rings, anniversary bands and as a birthstone for the month of April but are traditionally set in all metals and all forms of jewelry as they are hardest stone. There are many shapes, sizes and fancy colors that diamonds can range in, but the most popular are typically round and are in the near colorless range. Diamonds have been mined for over 4000 years and have stood for wealth, power, love, spirit and magical powers. This gemstone was originally thought to have cured mental illness and to impart courage and wisdom in battle but is still traditionally a gift that symbolizes love. Please reference our Diamond page for more information on Diamonds through the ages.

The exotic green of Emeralds has attracted people for many centuries. This gemstone is associated as the birthstone for May and for the 20th wedding anniversary. The rich, royal green is believed to enhance well-being and promise good luck. While Emeralds are classified as precious stones and are very rare they are accepted as highly included gemstones. The most complementary cut for an Emerald is the Emerald cut although they do come in many different shapes and carat weights. Egyptians were the first known miners of Emeralds but Brazil is currently the top export for the stone. At times Emeralds have been more desired than Diamonds and have always been a classic stone that deserves a part into your collection.

As the birthstone for June, Pearls are perfect for any season. Pearls are the oldest known gemstone, dating back nearing 2000 years. The qualities that are important to determining the value for pearls include their luster, surface perfection, color, shape, and size. Akoya Pearls are typically the best quality pearls and are known for their high luster and rich color. The contributing factors that make a specific Pearl a Pearl are defined by where in the world the Pearl is from and what kind of Oyster that cultivated it. Pearls are the classic piece of jewelry everyone must own as they are beautiful, organic and a timeless addition to your collection.

Peridot

August

Opal

October

Citrine

November

Citrine is the birthstone for November and also the gemstone for a 17 th anniversary. The most popular color range is yellow, yellow-brown, orange, dark orange-brown, and a reddish-brown. Almost all Citrine that is available on the market is heat treated to bring out its deep, warm color. The most flattering metal to set Citrine in is Yellow Gold because of its warm reflections. The heat treated citrine will have a red tint, while the natural gemstone does not. Most Citrine is mined from Brazil but it can also be from North Carolina! This semi-precious stone is said to ‘be ruled by Jupiter' and is known as a healer gemstone. Citrine represents a long and happy life, wisdom, wealth, fame and honors.

Blue Topaz

December

Blue Topaz is a gorgeous way to bring some color into a wardrobe and is the birthstone for those born in December. Although this stone has been around for over 2,000 years many Designers have recently begun to incorporate this stone in to their designs (such as John Hardy and David Yurman). Pure Topaz is transparent but can be irradiated which turns the stone into its beautiful blue color. The three shades of Blue Topaz are Sky, Swiss, and London blue. Ancient civilizations believed that this gemstone was most known for it's cooling properties with boiling water and hot tempers! Giving a gift of Blue Topaz symbolizes love and fidelity.