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Gemstones as Birthstones or Zodiac Stones There is an ancient belief that
gemstones came from the heavens. Each month (or birthstone) carries a set
of characteristics that govern those born under each sign. Some cultures
thinks in terms of each month of the year, and some cultures think in
terms of the zodiac signs. This varies from country to country. The custom
of wearing birthstones started in Poland in the 18th century and has
spread throughout the world. The custom of giving gemstones as gifts to
royalty, lovers and relatives used to actually be the gift of the set of
powers behind each stone. Warriors and soldiers wore gem-studded armor
plates believing in the protection of the gemstones and their particular
powers. Below is the list of birthstones, and what each stone means.
January: The birthstone is the Garnet. The Garnet is also the anniversary gemstone for the year of marriage. Garnet jewelry has been found back as far as the Bronze Age, 3000 BC. The Garnet is believed to have medicinal value, to protect one from poisons and to cure those with blood disease or infections. As a birthstone, the garnet is a protective and guiding gem. February: The birthstone is Amethyst. Amethyst is also the anniversary stone for the 4th and 6th year of marriage. Egyptian rulers were often entombed with amethyst jewelry and the amethyst was an important part of Egyptian trade and commerce. The stone is thought to bring tranquility and stability to the wearer and to possess great healing powers. March: The birthstone is Aquamarine. Aquamarine is also the anniversary stone for the 19th year of marriage. It is named as the color resembles the color of seawater and it is considered sacred to Neptune, god of the sea. Colors vary from deep blue to blue-green. The stones are said to contain oceanic energy and sailors wore them to give them bravery and power when facing storms out at sea. April: The birthstone is the Diamond. The Diamond is also the anniversary stone for the 20th and 75th year of marriage. The diamond is the symbol of strength, courage and invincibility. It has become the sign of everlasting love. The first diamond engagement ring was introduced in 1477 when Archduke Maxmillan gave a diamond ring to his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy. May: The birthstone is the Emerald. The Emerald is also the anniversary stone for the 35th year of marriage. The Emerald is believed to improve the wearers memory, sharpen their wit, enhance intelligence and bestow eloquence. It is the symbol of the Greek Goddess Venus, meaning sincerity and giving the ability to foresee the future and bring good fortune. It is green, the color of rebirth, nature, the forest and creation. June: The birthstone is the Pearl. The Pearl is also the anniversary stone for the 45th and 55th years of marriage. Pearls signify marital bliss and and is the only precious gemstone to be made by a living creature. A string of Pearls was believed to keep a newlywed bride from crying and were traditionally a gift from a Knight to his lady. July: The birthstone is the Ruby. The Ruby is also the anniversary stone for the 15th and 40th year of marriage. The Ruby's day is Tuesday and its season summer. It is believed to give the wearer wisdom, happiness and health and to bring good luck to gamblers and lovers. Rubies are more rare than diamonds, emeralds or sapphires and have become a talisman for good luck. August: The birthstone is the Peridot. The Peridot is also the stone for the 16th year of marriage. It is believed to bring the wearer success, peace and good luck. It is a bright yellow-green to green gemstone that has caught the fancy of humans for thousands of years. September: The birthstone is the Sapphire. The Sapphire is also the stone for the 5th and 45th year of marriage. It is known as a gift from the heavens, the divine gemstone, and has been cherished for years. The ancient Persians believe the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflected is what colored the sky. The most valuable Sapphires are the deepest blue ones, although the stone can be found in all colors from blue to reddish orange or violet. October: The birthstone is the Opal. The Opal is also the stone for the 14th year of marriage. Opal comes from a Roman word meaning "to see a change in color". It is a treasured gemstone thought to bring their owners powers of foresight and prophecy. It is also a token of purity and hope. Eastern peoples believe it fell from the heavens and it is sacred. November: The birthstone is Topaz. The Topaz is also the anniversary stone for the 4th year of marriage. This stone is said to enhance one's spiritual potential, to increase intelligence and creativity and to impart wisdom and wealth. It is said to aid in meditation and in the manifestation of the desired outcome and to work with other minerals to enhance meditation results. It is a strong healing and rejuvenating mineral, giving new vitality and good health and protection against many diseases. It is said to dispel enchantments and helps to improve your eyesight. The Greeks believed it would increase strength and make the wearer invisible in times of emergency. It is said to change colors in the presence of poisoned food or drink. It is a cure for insomnia, asthma and hemorrhages. December: The birthstone is Turquoise. Turquoise is also the anniversary stone for the 6th year of marriage. Mined for many years, as far back as the ancient Egyptians, Mayans and Aztecs. It is worn as jewelry but also used in mosaics for decoration or religious purposes. In ancient Mexico it was reserved for the gods and not worm by mere mortals. The deep blue color was thought to have powerful metaphysical properties, giving warriors better aim, giving protection against demons and the evil eye. It is thought to promote prosperity.
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