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Birthstones
Traditional symbols of prosperity and good health
Feeling commemorative
January
Mozambique Garnet - glowing deep red with hints of orange and brown, enhances designs that blend the exotic flavors of India, Africa, and the Orient. Styles reflect today’s culturally diverse society with sophisticated urban looks. The affordability of Garnet adds to its allure making this gem readily accessible to the youth market.
February
Amethyst - Several descriptive terms have been coined in the gem trade to describe the colors of amethyst. “Rose de France” is usually a pale pinkish lavender or lilac shade. The most prized color is an intense violet with red flashes and is called “Siberian.” Because of its depth and richness, Amethyst has always been associated with intense emotion. It is also associated with the astrological signs of Pisces, Aries, Aquarius, and Sagittarius and is a symbol of heavenly understanding.
March
Aquamarine – One of the most popular of all gemstones, Aquamarine ranges in color from intense, deep blue to lighter shades of sky and water. The name means “ocean water,” and tales of Aquamarine date back to ancient seafaring days. Sailors of old believed that these glittering, watery gems came from the treasure chests of mermaids. Perhaps it’s no wonder that Aquamarine is said to bring luck to all who sail the seas.
April
Diamond - No other stone offers the clarity, brilliance, and breathtaking depth of a diamond. And for centuries, those who wore such stones were believed to share their virtues. Fabulous tales abound of luck and success, fearlessness and invincibility. Today, diamonds remain the most potent symbol of devotion. They are also the most classic of all jewels. Their unmatched beauty and elegance make them ideal for marking life’s most important occasions.
May
Emerald – Lush, exotic, untamed. This is no polite, garden-variety green. More valuable than even diamonds, fine-quality Emeralds of significant size are among the world’s most bewitching jewels. Their incomparable dark green color is produced only under extremely rare conditions. Because these conditions also result in tiny cracks and cavities in the stone, inclusions are allowed in top-quality Emeralds. The hue of nature itself, Emerald enjoys appeal year-round.
June
Pearl – Tahitian Pearls, cultivated in the warm waters of the South Seas, are among the most exotic wonders of nature. Their opalescent black hue, shimmering with peacock green, gray, and purple overtones makes a sensual, smoldering statement in jewelry designs for both men and women. They come in a variety of shapes and used individually or in a combination with white or golden Pearls, create superbly fashionable jewelry that, with proper care, will last for generations.
July
Ruby - the gemstone that brings red to vivid life. The “king of gems,” Ruby is one of the world’s oldest and most revered gemstones. It is also one of the rarest. The mineral Chromium is responsible for the gem’s startling color. Fiery and romantic, showing brilliant depth and intensity, the red hue of Ruby sends a message of drop-dead glamour and femininity. Geometric-inspired jewelry designs featuring Ruby are equally appealing to both men and women who seek to convey strength, honor, and classic style.
August
Peridot - The green-apple crispness is a perfect complement to today’s lively fashion scene. As the popularity of lime green continues to grow, so does the youthful appeal of this citrus-hued gem. Peridot is treasured by Hawaiians who believed the gem to be the tears of the Goddess Pele. Peridot was known in the ancient world as well; the Romans named the gem “Evening Emerald” as its brilliant color did not fade in lamplight, but instead seemed to glow in the evening hours.
September
Blue Sapphire - Ranging from the deepest midnight to brilliant cornflower blue, Sapphires have long been prized for their intense, velvety color. The calming influence of blue also makes it an enduring symbol for loyalty and trust – one reason that women choose Sapphire for their engagement rings. Flattering to all skin tones, blue is truly a color for all seasons.
October
Mexican Fire Opal - bursting with life and vitality. A riot of dazzling color. Its blazing orange color, one of the boldest of nature’s hues, communicates security and success as well as health and vitality. Brilliant orange, shot through with bolts of flaming red or electrifying yellow, and strengthened by the sparkle of a richly faceted surface, combines especially well with Peridot, Aquamarine, and Amethyst.
White Opal - often reserved for royalty. The changeable color and flashing fire seen in Opal are symbolic of love, life, hope, and truth. Its rainbow of color makes Opal an ideal fashion accessory with year-round appeal.
November
Topaz - From the pale amber gold of old cognac to the warmly glowing browns of aged whiskey and fine sherry, Precious Topaz invites us to drink in its beauty. Its warm golden hues, touched with peach overtones, bring a youthful blush of color to those who wear it. The mesmerizing hue of Precious Topaz is symbolic of love and affection. And so remarkable is the gemstone’s transparency and brilliance that famous examples have been confused with diamonds. Topaz brings a smoldering shimmer to jewelry designs.
December
Tanzanite - deep, vivid blue, with a purplish tinge that dances about the stone. Bold yet meltingly beautiful, it is a favorite of both men and women. Tanzanite’s rarity and exotic origin are also part of its fascination. This modern gemstone was unknown until 1967, when Massai herdsmen in eastern Africa noticed blue crystals sparking in the sun. Tanzanite’s dramatic discovery, coupled with its scintillating beauty, caused a worldwide sensation. To date, the world’s only source for the gem remains the hills of northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. |
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