Birthstones Are Magical!

Birthstones are the gems associated with the date of a person's birth. Each month of the year is assigned a particular stone. Those who wear their birthstone and/or keep it in close proximity are believed to receive good luck, health and fortune. There are many myths and legends about each of these stones that date back as far as the 1800s. Astrologers believe that each of these gems have their own individual supernatural powers, each noted for a different one.

Birthstones come in a variety of styles, colors and jewelry types. Their color shades and gem quality are what determine the cost. These stones generate a plethora of perfect birthday gift ideas. There are so many different ways to apply a person's birthstone to their gift. It is fun to learn about the origins, history, facts, legends, folklores and other stories pertaining to a birthstone.

Many believe you can tell a lot about a person based on their monthly stone. Certain stones and months are said to correlate with particular personality traits, just as the astrological signs claim to. You pretty much cannot go wrong with giving a birthstone themed gift to someone. It will be appreciated no matter what.

Birthstone : Garnet Birthstone Color: Deep Red

January's birthstone gem is the Garnet, a deep red colored jewel that is both breathtaking and rich. The name comes from the succulent pomegranate fruit seeds that its color so closely resembles.

There are many legends about the Garnet gem. One states that Noah hung this stone on the ark to lead the way in the dark nights along God's the myths and legends surrounding the garnet. One Biblical reference says that Noah hung this gem on the ark to light his way through the dark and stormy nights.

First mined in Sri Lanka, the Garnet is also found in Africa, Australia, India, Russia, and South America; and in the United States, in Arizona and Idaho. Although most commonly recognized as the red gemstone, the garnet comes in a variety of other colors, including muted yellows, vibrant oranges, rosy pinks, lime greens, and violets.

The Garnet is said to protect all travelers on each of their journeys around the world. It is symbolic of love and the desire for a loved one's safe travel and speedy return. This gemstone is a beauty for sure!

April Birthstone : Diamond Birthstone Color: White, Clear

Lucky you are if you were born in the month of April. The gemstone named for this month is the ever-so-popular and most sought-after stones of them all, the unequivocal Diamond, of course. It also just happens to be hardest substance that exists on the earth. This simplistic, clear colored stone has the unique ability to reflect light creating vivid flashes of brilliant color.

Diamonds have been admired and desired for centuries. They have been used in the past to accent and embellish royal jewelry, crowns, swords, emblems and clothing. In the Middle Ages, Diamonds were thought to have healing properties, though the ailing person had to take it to bed and warm it up first, before it would take effect. Their beauty and sparkle capture the attention of everyone and they are symbolic of everlasting love, which is why they are the most popular when it comes to engagement rings.

These gems are formed deep within the earth's surface where there exists intense pressure and heat. They are really just crystallized carbon. The volcanic activity back then brought the Diamonds to the surface where you can either find them within volcanic rock formations or washed out into various bodies of water. India is believed to have been the first river-bed source of Diamond mining. Nowadays, these sparkling gemstones are only found in Africa, the Soviet Union and Australia.

The true beauty and value of the Diamond was not discovered until the 16th Century, when gemstone polishing and cutting practices were being refined and perfected. Before that time, it was considered bad luck to alter a Diamond from its original state in any way. Ironically enough however, the quality of a Diamond today is determined by how well it is cut and faceted.

There is no better way to say I love you than to give the gift of Diamonds. Today Diamonds are purchased for many different occasions like engagements, weddings, anniversaries, holiday gifts, birthday gifts and even just because. The allure of the Diamond has lingered in people's hearts for ages and will always be in style. And remember, "Diamonds are a girl's best friend!"

October Birthstone : Opal Birthstone Color: Multi-colored

October's birthstone, called the Opal, is quite different from the other stones; it is almost like all of the stones in one. Opals have an iridescent-type appearance to them when the light hits. Its name originates from the Latin word "opallus," meaning precious jewel. The Opal, like the Diamond, has the amazing ability of reflecting and retracting light creating an explosion of shimmer colors. One legend claims that the first one ever discovered fell down from the heavens in a strike of lightening!

Ancient royalty truly valued the Opal Stones, both for their beauty and presumed protective powers. They were thought to have healing properties. When ground up and ingested, they could prevent bad dreams from occurring. They were also said to ward off all evil and to significantly improve alertness and vision of the person wearing it. For those reasons, Opals were used on crowns, jewelry, clothing and other common fabrics.

Opals come from Southern Australia, Nevada, Brazil, Czechoslovakia and Mexico. This attractive gem is very costly, due to the extra care that needs to be taken when cutting, setting and polishing these particular stones. This intricate care is important because the Opal is a softer stone, made from almost 30% water, and can damage easily.

They must be protected from heat or harsh chemicals as well, both will cause drying, cracking and loss of iridescence. Those wearing rings made of Opal must also be cautious not to bang them against anything. The result would be a damaged or broken stone. Opals are symbolic of faithfulness and confidence, two very important characteristics to develop in a person's make-up.

December Birthstone : Blue Topaz Birthstone Color: Blue

As cool and inviting as the clear blue ocean on a hot summer day, the birthstone for December is Blue Topaz, whose name comes from the Sankrt word "tapas, which means fire. It is named so because the Blue Topaz was believed by ancient civilizations to have cooling properties; not just temperatures but hot tempers as well. This gemstone was also said to have the ability to cure vision problems, insanity, insomnia and asthma. The Blue Topaz was even thought to be magic and make its wearer disappear to protect her in a threatening situation.

Blue Topaz is the hardest silicate mineral of all. The blue color of this usually clear gem is generated when heat is applied to it. These gemstones are found mostly in Mexico, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Mexico, China, Pakistan, and the United States. Blue Topaz is known to be symbolic of love and fidelity, so would also make a perfect engagement/marriage ring.