Uses of Birthstones
Posted: Monday, September 20, 2004
by lorien1973
Online Discount Mart Home & Garden Decor
January’s birthstone is garnet. When most people think of garnet, they think of a deep red stone, but garnets come in every color of the rainbow, except blue. If garnet is your birthstone, you are lucky indeed, you can wear your birthstone in any color. Garnet is believed to provide illumination, giving the wearer guidance.
March’s birthstone is aquamarine. A beautiful ocean-blue color, aquamarine’s name is derived from the Latin meaning “sea water." Sailors commonly wore aquamarine for protection while traveling on the sea. Aquamarine is thought to bring the wearer love and affection. It is also a symbol of youth, fidelity, hope, and health.
April’s birthstone is diamond. One of the most popular and expensive gemstones, a diamond is, of course, associated with love and romance. The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were stars that fell to the earth. In ancient times only kings wore diamonds. They were a symbol of strength, courage, and invincibility. Today the diamond is considered the ultimate gift of love.
May’s birthstone is Emerald. The richest green of all gemstones, emerald is known as the queen of gems and the gem of queens. It is frequently found as a centerpiece in royal jewelry and adornments. Emerald is believed to sharpen the wearer’s eyesight and mind. It is also thought to protect the wearer while traveling.
June’s birthstone is pearl. The pearl’s breathtaking luster has captivated man’s imagination for centuries. In China, the pearl is known as the gem of the moon. Pearls come in many colors, from rare black to rose, peach, and the ever-enduring white pearl. Pearls are an emblem of modesty, chastity and purity. They are also a symbol of a happy marriage.
July’s birthstone is ruby. The best rubies are a stunning blood red color, and gazing into a ruby it is easy to see why they rival the diamond in value. It was once believed that rubies were capable of healing illness and reconciling lovers. It was also believed that a person should never ignore a ruby or it will grow dull from not being seen.
August’s birthstone is peridot. Sometimes called “evening emerald," peridot glows brilliant green under artificial light, and is yellow-green to light-green in sunlight. Peridot symbolizes eloquence and persuasiveness. It is also believed to be a powerful amulet against all evil. Peridot was used extensively in cathedrals built during the Crusades. Peridot is also believed to protect the wearer from nightmares.
September’s birthstone is sapphire. The most popular shade of sapphire is blue, but sapphires come in all colors, except for red. A red sapphire is actually a ruby. Sapphires were believed to be a powerful cure for any illness. It was also thought that a sapphire wouldn’t shine if it was worn by the wicked or impure. A belief which once made it a popular symbol of marriage.
October’s birthstone is opal. Fiery, colorful, and mysterious are terms often used to describe opals. The finest opals exhibit flashes of every color of the rainbow. Opal symbolizes hope, innocence, and purity. It was often worn by fair-haired maidens during the middle ages in hopes of protecting the lovely blonde color of their hair. Ancient Romans believed opal was the king of gems because it held the colors of the rainbow.
November’s birthstone is citrine. A variety of quartz, citrine is typically a vivid yellow-orange, but may range from pale yellow to bright red. Citrine was once worn or carried as protection against the plague. It has also been used to ward off venomous snake bites. Some believe that citrine protects the wearer from evil thoughts.
December’s birthstone is blue topaz. The name topaz comes from the Greek word meaning “to shine like fire." Topaz is thought to cool tempers, restore sanity, and relieve insomnia. The Greeks believed it gave them strength. Topaz was also said to change color in the presence of poison.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)GREAT!!! needs a little more info. Otherwise GREAT! KEEP IT UP
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