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Birthstone Jewelry

Birthstones are gemstones that are specific to each month of the year. They range from the ever-precious diamond to the semi precious citrine. Each stone is considered to be lucky for their own particular month and with some rumored special powers they can become even stronger. So if you were born in May, your birthstone would be the emerald and you would get the most benefits from it by wearing it in - you guessed it - May!

We carry a wide selection of birthstone jewelry, including birthstone earrings, pendants and rings. Below is a list of each month with its corresponding birthstone information for your browsing pleasure.

January Birthstone: Garnet

• Birthstone Color: Deep Red
  
• Symbol: Symbol of love and hope for a journeyer's safe travel and quick return home.

The name garnet was derived from its resemblance to a pomegranate seed. Legend has it that Noah hung a garnet from his ark so he could see his way through the dark nights of God's wrath. The garnet comes in mostly red but it is also known to come in yellows, oranges, pinks, violets, and greens.

The garnet is a protective gem for journeyers and was usually worn as a birthstone ring or birthstone pendant

February Birthstone: Amethyst

• Birthstone Color: Purple
  
• Symbol: Protection and power in overcoming a difficulty
  

The word Amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethystos" which means "sober." The ancient Greeks believed that the Amethyst gemstone held several powers, one of them being protection against intoxication. Today, the Amethyst stone is believed to help people who are battling addictive behaviors.

This gemstone is also a symbol of piety and spirituality. It is used as an ornament in churches and crosses used in different religious ceremonies. Priests and bishops also wear it as a birthstone ring. At one time, this gemstone was considered more valuable than diamonds.

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

• Birthstone Color: Pale Blue
  
• Symbol: Security and safety mainly within a relationship
  

The word Aquamarine is derived from the Roman word "Aqua" meaning water and "mare" which means sea. The ancient Romans believed that the gemstone had fallen from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed onto the shore.

Its strong associations with water and the sea led people to believe that the Aquamarine gemstone became more powerful when submerged in water. In ancient times, the water in which the gemstone was submerged was used to heal many types of illnesses as well as fight against poisoning. It is also used in fortune telling as an aid to the reader. It is thought to rekindle lost love in troubled relationships. Makes a beautiful birthstone pendant

April Birthstone: Diamond

• Birthstone Color: White, Clear
  
• Symbol: Ultimate symbol of everlasting love
  

Probably the most recognized birthstone, the diamond has been cherished for decades. The ancient Hindus used to call the diamond "Vajra," which means lightening, because of its indestructible strength and the light that is thrown off by it. The diamond is actually the hardest substance on Earth. During the middle ages, diamonds were believed to cure sicknesses.

May Birthstone: Emerald

• Birthstone Color: Deep Green
  
• Symbol: Long lasting love and fidelity
  

An intense green color with miniscule inclusions and cuts, the French called it "jardin" meaning garden, due to its resemblance to foliage. The ancient Egyptians would engrave the emeralds with their symbol of foliage and bury it with the dead, representing eternal youth. Cleopatra actually fell in love with the gem and often wore lavish emerald birthstone jewelry. She would also give emeralds with herself carved in them to people who were visiting Egypt.

People believe that the emerald brings growth, patients, virtue, and wisdom to the person who wears it. All these benefits help in creating a strong, long lasting relationship.

June Birthstone: Pearl

• Birthstone Color: White
  
• Symbol: Purity and class
  

Made by one of the smallest of life forms, the mollusk, comes the pearl, on of the most beautiful and elegant gems on the face of the Earth. The ancient Greeks believed that pearls were the hardened tears of joy that fell from the goddess of love as she was born out of the sea

In the past, pears have been used to treat stomach pains and heart problems. Some cultures even claim that the pearl is a powerful aphrodisiac. Along with the emerald, the pearl was another one of Cleopatra's favorite gems. Usually, this gemstone is given in celebration of a newborn baby or for a recent marriage as birthstone earrings or a necklace.

July Birthstone: Ruby

• Birthstone Color: Red
  
• Symbol: Everlasting Love
  

One of the most highly prized gemstones in history, the ruby was thought to posses magical powers and was often worn by royalty. It was believed that it would grow darker when danger was near, and once the danger had past would return to its original color, only if it were with its true owner.

Representing power and heat, ancient tribes would use rubies as tips for the darts in their blowguns and would sometimes wear them as birthstone pendants. It was also ground into a powder and swallowed to cure indigestion. The rubies red color is said to come from a flame deep inside the ruby that can never be extinguished. Good luck is said to come to the person who wears a ruby on their left hand.

August Birthstone: Peridot

• Birthstone Color: Yellow Green
  
• Symbol: Strength within yourself and relationships. New growth
  

Many years ago, these gems were discovered in the sands of Hawaii by the natives. They were said to be tears shed by the volcano goddess, Pele. The Peridot has always been connected with nature. The earliest Egyptians would drink out of cups made from Peridot; they believed this would create a stronger connection with the goddess of nature, Isis. This green crystal, when set in gold, is considered to protect against evil.

September Birthstone: Blue Sapphire

• Birthstone Color: Deep Blue
  
• Symbol: Wisdom and purity
  

Legends of ancient civilizations believed that the world was set on a giant sapphire and was the reason that the sky was blue. It's also believed that the tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written were made of sapphire. In ancient times, the sapphire was thought to protect against poising and the envy of others. They would be grounded into a powder and used to strengthen eyesight and eve cure mental sickness.

The Sapphire is second to the Diamond in hardness, making it a durable gemstone for setting into birthstone jewelry. Giving the gift of a sapphire represents sincerity and faithfulness.

October Birthstone: Opal

• Birthstone Color: Multi-colored
  
• Symbol: Confidence and faith
  

The Opal gemstone gets its name from the Latin word "opalus" meaning precious jewel. Legend has it that the gemstone fell from the heavens in a flash of lightning.

Opal would be worn in jewelry, especially necklaces and crowns, in order to protect against evil. It was also grounded down to a powder and eaten for their healing properties as well as to stop nightmares.

This particular gemstone contains about 30% water, so it must be handled carefully and protected from heat. It is also fairly soft and breaks easily, so it should be guarded from direct blows

November Birthstone: Citrine

• Birthstone Color: Yellow Gold
  
• Symbol: Hope and strength, especially for those tough times
  

Its name comes from the French word "citrin", which means lemon, due to its lemon yellow color. The citrine gemstone is one of the rarer forms of quarts, ranging in color from a pale yellow to dark amber. It is known to change color when heated, so you shouldn't leave it in direct sunlight unless you want it to alter its color.

The citrine gemstone was believed to ward off evil thoughts and protect against snake venom. A birthstone ring made of citrine can add a flash of vibrancy to any outfit.

December Birthstone: Blue Topaz

• Birthstone Color: Blue
  
• Symbol: Love and fidelity
  

The blue topaz gets its name from the Sanskrit word "tapas" meaning fire. The blue topaz is believed to have many healing properties, curing bad eyesight, insomnia, insanity asthma, as well as short tempers. It was also believed to make its wearer invisible when they were in a dangerous situation. There are three different shades of Blue Topaz, sky Swiss and London, with London being the darkest of the three.

Anyone of these gemstones would make a great gift for a loved one and yourself. Please browse our selection of birthstone jewelry and see if anything catches your eye! And always remember, if you can't find what you're looking for just let us know and we'll make sure to get it for you. Thanks again for shopping with us at Earth's Treasure!

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