Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Birthstones and Their Meanings

A gift that incorporates birthstones is a thoughtful one for a mother or grandmother, especially when a new baby has come into the family. And of course, they make great birthday presents!

garnet necklace

January

GARNET

Traditional Gem(s): Garnet, Rose Quartz

Modern Gem(s): Garnet

The garnet was once thought to be connected with the blood. This stone is supposed to protect the wearer from nightmares and offer guidance through the dark.

February

Traditional Gem(s): Amethyst, Onyx

Modern Gem(s): Amethyst

The folklore attached to he amethyst associates it with sobriety, tranquility, protection and peace. This birthstone as also been linked to improving the skin and preventing baldness, as well as protection from deceit.

March

Traditional Gem(s): Bloodstone

Modern Gem(s): Aquamarine

The aquamarine has been linked to the making of new friends as well as affection and love, hope and health. This stone was once also thought to protect those at sea.

April

Traditional Gem(s): Diamond

Modern Gem(s): Diamond

One of the most popular gems throughout history, diamonds are linked to love, eternity, and strength.

May

Traditional Gem(s): Emerald, Chrysoprase

Modern Gem(s): Emerald

The emerald was once linked to health and the curing of ailments, as well as being associated with the ability to see in to the future, giving them an almost bewitching, magical reputation.

June

Traditional Gem(s): Alexandrite

Modern Gem(s): Pearl, Moonstone

The pearl has been linked with chastity and modesty, making it something of an angelic, pure birthstone. It is also linked to successful and happy marriages.

July

Traditional Gem(s): Ruby

Modern Gem(s): Ruby, Carnelian

The ruby is traditionally linked with protection and harmony. This birthstone has been mined since ancient times, and boasts a spectacular beauty.

August

Traditional Gem(s): Sardonyx

Modern Gem(s): Peridot

Peridot was commonly linked with protection against evil and night terrors, as well as a gem that enhanced the properties of healing drugs.

September

Traditional Gem(s): Sapphire, Lapis

Modern Gem(s): Sapphire

The sapphire has been linked with faith and purity, as well as foresight. It was thought that the stronger the sparkle of the gem, the more faithful and honest the wearer.

October

Traditional Gem(s): Tourmaline

Modern Gem(s): Opal, Tourmaline

The opal has been linked to purity, hope and innocence. This gem has also been linked to healing forces, friendship and emotion, so it has experienced its fair share of folklore over the years.

November

Traditional Gem(s): Citrine

Modern Gem(s): Yellow Topaz, Citrine

Topaz was once linked with sanity, healing, and life, as well as being connected to strength by the ancient Greeks. This stone has even been linked to an ability to make the wearer invisible in dangerous situations.

December

Traditional Gem(s): Zircon, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli

Modern Gem(s): Blue Topaz, Turquoise

Turquoise was once linked to happiness, fortune and luck, making it a very popular gem in centuries gone by.

Hope you found this helpful!

Birthstones and Their Meanings

GARNET

0 comments:

Post a Comment