Birthstones By Month——Meaning & Knowledge Guide ( First Part )
Are you up for a stroke of good fortune? Well then, get yourself a birthstone jewelry today. A birthstone is a gemstone that represents the month of birth of an individual. It is also referred to as a birthday stone. People often choose the corresponding gems of the month as gifts for birthdays or anniversaries.
The belief in birthstones may have originated in the early Indian and Babylonian civilizations, when astrologers used gems of a certain color in conjunction with the zodiac to determine the fortune of a constellation. History has it as well that the breastplate of the priest Aaron in the Old Testament is embellished with twelve gems, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. In legends and myths, the birthstone has a great influence on people's fortune and health.
Though some might argue it is cliché, but understanding and purchasing your own birthstone is still very significant in contemporary times.
January Birthstone – Garnet, The 2nd Anniversary of Marriage
Historical tradition：The term Garnet was coined from the Latin word “granatum”, which means "seed", because the garnet looks very much like the bright red seeds in the pomegranate. In the 18th and 19th centuries, garnets were very popular in Europe. In the Victorian era, they were often used in jewelry. The Christian tradition holds that the blood red garnet is a symbol of the sacrifice of Christ. It is also considered effective against poisons.
Utility: in the Middle Ages, these stones were thought to cure depression, prevent bad dreams, reduce liver diseases and bleed. In Greek mythology, pomegranate was called a gift of love, and is related to eternity. In addition, garnet is also a love remedy, it is believed to cure the broken relationship between lovers, reinforce your love with this precious gem today. Traditional folklore establish a close connection between red garnet and blood.
Place of origin: Bohemia, now part of Czechoslovakia, was once the major source of garnet. Today, Mozambique's garnets are more popular.
Maintenance: You can clean the garnet with warm soapy water and a soft brush. After washing, be sure to rinse the stones. Do not use steam to clean your garnet. Protect it from violent shocks, harsh temperatures and chemicals.
Birthstone in February – Amethyst, The 6th Anniversary of Marriage
Historical tradition: In ancient times, amethyst found its place in the Christian church, it was worn on the bishop's signet ring. For a while, the purple color of this quartz stone symbolized the royalty, and it was as important as the diamond. However, its value declined after the lack of rarity.
Utility: Amethyst has been considered an excellent remedy for many diseases for centuries. In traditional Chinese medicine, amethyst is used to treat stomach aches and bad dreams, it is also believed to help detoxify the body, and is most useful in cleaning the chest area.
Place of origin: Deep purple is the most valuable color, and amethyst is also called "Siberia". Medium quality stone are from Uruguay, and the lower quality specimen from Bahrain. Light-colored stones are called "French Roses". Amethyst is mainly distributed in western India, southern Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, USA, USSR, Australia, South Africa, Southwestern Sri Lanka, South America and Africa.
Maintenance: keep the sun away, and your amethyst at bay. Intense heat has a propensity to discolor the gemstone. Avoid contact with chemicals from house and body care products such as household cleaners or hair sprays. To clean, use a soft toothbrush or cloth with a mild detergent and a warm aqueous solution, gently scrub the gemstone. You can also use a home ultrasonic device for cleaning.
March Birthstone - Aquamarine
Historical tradition: The term "aquamarine" comes from the sea of Latin. Both the Greeks and the Romans regard the aquamarine as a sailor's gem, it is believed to ensure a safe and prosperous passage through the wind and rain. Sapphire is considered the most appropriate anniversary gift, intended to reawaken the love of married couples.
Utility: Give your sailor husband a lucky charm to keep him safe at sea. In ancient and modern times, aquamarine is said to have countless positive impacts on the wearer. Modern therapists believe that this stone helps treat glandular diseases, and keep the eyes healthy. There are also many beliefs that regard aquamarine as a healing stone for mental and body pain.
Place of origin: The best quality gemstones are from Brazil, and have been found to weigh several kilograms of crystal. Other places of aquamarine are the Soviet Union, Madagascar (dark blue), the United States, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nigeria.
Maintenance: Clean using warm soapy water (a mild liquid soap) and a soft toothbrush, rinse off with water (avoid hot water). Enzyme cleaners and detergents should be avoided as they cause allergic reactions. It is also not recommended to clean aquamarine in an ultrasonic tank. Avoid exposure to sudden temperature changes, steam, contact with cosmetics, hair gels, perfumes or household chemicals.
April Birthstone – Diamonds, The 60th Anniversary of Marriage
Historical tradition: In 600 AD, diamonds were discovered on Borneo Island in northern Australia. In ancient India, people regarded diamonds as religious idols. The ancient Greek warriors wore diamonds, because the stone was believed to strengthen the muscles of the warriors and keep them invincible. The Renaissance was the first time when diamonds were used as engagement rings.
Utility: shine bright like a diamond. The most precious stone of the contemporary universe, diamonds bring great calm and inner peace, exuding an overall positive attitude. These beautiful stones are also believed to help prevent many body diseases, because they purify the body system.
Place of origin: In the 1700s, Brazil was a rich source of diamonds. In the 1800s, South Africa was known for its large number of diamonds. However, Australia has existed as the greater source of these gemstones since the 1970s.
Maintenance: Due to its hardness, it doesn’t require much attention to keep its glimmer. However, it can be polished regularly, so as to remain suitable for everyday wear. Other chemicals do not affect diamonds because they are the most durable and inert materials.
May Birthstone - Emerald
Historical tradition: The term is believed to have been coined from an ancient Persian term translated into Latin as“smaragdus”. As we all know, emerald was the most favorite gemstone of the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra. It has always been cherished by royalties and celebrities.
Utility: The ancients linked the jade to the Greek goddess Venus, who is believed to protect lovers from infidelity. In every language, there are reports about emeralds helping vision. This stone is also considered to be very clean, and to prevent infections and diseases. Emerald brings tranquility and balance, promotes creativity and eloquence, and restores faith and hope.
Place of origin: Some of the best emeralds today are from Colombia and are among the best in the Chivor and Muzo mines. A small amount of medium colored emeralds come from Brazil. Emeralds are also from Austria, India, Australia, South Africa, Egypt, the United States, Norway and Pakistan. In the past few decades, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania have also discovered more emeralds.
Maintenance: do not wear an emerald ring while washing dishes or doing laundry, as it will cause it to lose its glow and brilliance. It can be cleaned with regular tap water at room temperature, a soft toothbrush and a mild soap such as hand soap or Woolite. Brush repeatedly under the emerald to remove accumulated dirt and grease, and you will see the gemstone start to glow. Then rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Birthstone in June - Emerald (and Pearl) , The 55th Anniversary of Marriage
Historical tradition: Originally discovered in the 19th century, it does not have an ancient history or legend as most other gems. In 1839, the stone was first identified and called "alexandrites". Over time, emeralds have become one of the most precious gems of Russian aristocracy.
Utility: Since the discovery of emeralds, these gems have been thought to bring good fortune and love. It is said that it can also strengthen intuition, creativity and imagination. Alexandrites are also useful for a person's emotional health, and enhances one’s self-esteem and one’s ability to appreciate the world around them.
Place of origin: Almost all Russian emeralds were mined in the 19th century, after which larger deposits were discovered in Ceylon, Sri Lanka, Southern India. Later, Brazil became another contributor to the world's stone supply. Since the mid-1990s however, emeralds have been produced in southern Tanzania. It was also discovered in Zimbabwe, Myanmar, India and Madagascar.
Maintenance: Alexandrite is rated as an "excellent" adornment in everyday clothing, but must be used with care, and protected adequately from irritating chemicals, extreme temperatures and scratches. The best way to clean these stones is to use a soft toothbrush with mild detergent and warm water.