Birthstones

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Garnet

Garnet received it’s name from the Latin word for pomegranate, “granatum”, because crystals in rock reminded early scientists of pomegranate seeds.  The Persians considered garnet a royal stone, and primitive cultures believed garnets could be used to stop bleeding and cure inflammation.  Asian and North American tribes used garnets as bullets believing the stone would inflict fatal wounds.  Garnet occurs in all colors with the exception of blue, and all garnets – not just red – are birthstones for the month of January.  Of the many types of Garnets, the most familiar are pyrope, almandite, rhodolite, spessartite and tsavorite. 

Amethyst

Amethysts come from the Greek word “amethustos” which means,  “not to intoxicate”, and has been considered a charm against drunkenness – especially if the drinker used an amethyst cup.  Amethyst, also considered an aid to the brave was believed to protect soldiers in battle, control evil thoughts, help hunters capture wild beasts and make it’s owner shrewd in business matters.

Amethyst ranges in color from violet to red-purple, and, the most valuable shade, a deep purple with flashes of red known as Siberian.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine comes from the Latin word for “sea water”.  It is the greenish blue to blue green variety of the mineral beryl.  In the Middle Ages, aquamarine was believed to help the wearer conquer all wickedness, and it was also prescribed for eye trouble, respiratory disease and hiccups.  Aquamarine is also a symbol of happiness and everlasting youth. 

The typical range of aquamarine is wide, and stones are commonly seen in 10-30 carat sizes.  Faceted stones of more than 100 carats are also known to exist.  It is possible for some aquamarines to exhibit chatoyancy (a cat’s eye affect).

Diamond

The term diamond come from the Greek “adamas” meaning unconquerable, a fitting description for the hardest gemstone know to man.  Diamond is essentially pure carbon that has crystallized under enormous heat and pressure through volcanic activity.  Until the 19^th century, only men wore diamonds but, when Agnes Sorel, mistress of King Charles VII of France, began wearing them, it became a fashion for women also.  Diamonds were once considered a talisman against phantoms and nightmares and were supposed to give soldiers courage and virtue.

Emerald

Emerald is a variety of the mineral species beryl. To the ancient Egyptians, emerald’s green color stood for fertility and rebirth, and in many cultures emeralds were used to treat eye diseases.  The emperor Nero reportedly watched chariot races through lenses made of emeralds.  Many people believe that holding an emerald under one’s tongue would allow the future to be seen, while others thought wearing emeralds would strengthen memory and ward off evil spells.  

Emeralds occur in shades of green ranging from light to dark and from yellowish to bluish green. Inclusions are acceptable in emeralds, and flawless emeralds are rare.

Alexandrite

Alexandrite is the color change variety of the mineral chrysoberyl.  In incandescent or candlelight it turns to a purplish or brownish red color. In fluorescent or daylight it to a green or blue green color.  Due to this change, poets have given it the description of “emerald by day and ruby by night”. 

Alexandrite received its name from Alexander II, Czar of Russia, because it has been said that Alexandrite was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia on his birthday in 1830.

Ruby

Ruby comes from the Latin word “ruber” which means “red”. It is the red variety of the corundum family.  There are many legends about the ruby.  It was believed that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in affairs of the heart.  The wearer also acquired the magic ability to live in peace with his enemies, as long as the ruby was worn on the left hand or as a brooch on the left side. According to an ancient verse of uncertain origin, “ The gleaming ruby should adorn, All those who in July are born, For thus they’ll be exempt and free, From lovers doubts and anxiety”.

Peridot

Peridot comes from the Arabic word “faridat” which means, “gem”.  In the 18^th century, the French were the first to call this yellowish-green stone peridot. It had been called topaz up to that time.  As early as 1500 BC the Egyptians used peridot as a gem. It was considered the “gem of the sun”.  To develop its full strength as a talisman it had to be set in gold.  Legend tells us that miners searched for peridot crystals at night as moonlight made them easier to see.  They would mark spots and come back in the daylight to dig them up.

Sapphire

Sapphire is from the corundum family and is not only blue, but ranges from violet, green, yellow, orange, pink, and purple.  These other colors are generally known as fancy sapphires.  The only color from the corundum family that is not called sapphire is red (ruby).  The legends behind sapphire are many.  Kings in ancient times believed it protected them from harm and envy.  The Persians believed that the earth rested on a great sapphire, the color which reflected to give the sky its blue color.  It was also the symbol of truth and constancy.

Opal

Opal takes its name from the Latin word “Upala” meaning “precious stone”.  Pliny, a learned Roman Scholar, described the opal as having “ the fire of carbuncle, the brilliant purple of amethyst and the sea green color of emerald, all shining together in incredible union”.  The Romans believed the opal was the symbol of hope and purity. They called it “cupid paederos” (child as beautiful as love) and thought the wearer safe from disease.  The Arabs believed that opals fell from heaven in flashes of lightning and thus acquired their marvelous color.  Ancient Greeks also believed the opal had the power of giving foresight and the light of prophecy to their owners.

Topaz

Topaz gets its name from the island “Topazios” in the Red Sea.  Topazios is a Greek word meaning, “to guess”. This suited the island well as it was often obscured by fog, making it difficult to find.

For many years all yellow stones were called topaz. The ancient Greeks believed topaz bestowed strength to its wearer.  It was worn as an amulet to ward off enchantment, dispel sadness and strengthen intellect. Topaz was believed to assure beauty, fidelity, and long life.

Topaz occurs naturally in many colors; yellow, orange, brown, red, pink, light blue, pale green and colorless.  The blue shades (sky, swiss and london) are very popular in jewelry today.

Blue Zircon

Although thought by many to be relatively new to the gem market, zircon has been with us for many centuries.  In the Middle Ages zircon was worn to promote riches, honor, and wisdom.  It was also believed to drive away plagues and evil spirits.

The name is believed to originate from the Persian word “Zargun”, which means “gold colored”, blue to the yellow color of the stones found there.

Blue Zircon gained popularity in the 1880’s and was used extensively in Victorian jewelry.  In fact, jewelry from this period is a principle source today of blue zircons over five carats.

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