In the bazaars I’ve joined in the past, clients would always ask if I had birthstone jewelry available. This frequent request (also true with online orders) has made me decide to create and maintain a collection of birthstones. Included in my packaging are descriptions of the collection as well as the meaning of each, which I will share with you in this entry.

January (Garnet/Emerald)
Red garnet is thought to help with prosperity. Facilitates night vision, ensures success, and provides guidance, protection, purification, and warmth. The ancient Egyptians believed that garnets could purify the body of various types of toxins. It is also the traditional anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage.

A Greek myth tells the story of Peresphone, the young goddess of sunshine, who was abducted by Hades, god of the underworld. The devil eventually released her, but not before he offered her some pomegranate seeds, which she ate and which guaranteed her return to him. Thus garnets have come to represent fidelity and commitment

However, if you do not want a red stone, the mystical birthstone for January is Emerald.

February (Amethyst)
Found in varying shades of purple, the amethyst represents royalty, piety, and sobriety. This gemstone is given as a sixth anniversary gift in addition to symbolizing sincerity and stability. Amethyst is symbolic of piety, spirituality, and a devotion to God. The intense violet hue of February’s birthstone appealed to early monarchs, perhaps because they often wore this color as a symbol of their elevated position. Purple dye was once scarce and expensive, so it was reserved for the garments of royalty, and the color came to symbolize power and status.

The Greeks believed that whoever wore an amethyst or drank from an amethyst cup would not become intoxicated. In fact, the word amethyst is derived from the Greek word “amethystos,” meaning sober. In ancient Greece, the gemstone was associated with the god of wine, and it was common practice to serve this beverage from Amethyst goblets in the belief that this would prevent overindulgence.

March (Aquamarine)
The accepted anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage. Created by combining Latin words for water (aqua) and sea (mare), aquamarine does indeed resemble the bottomless blue of seawater. As a gift, aquamarine is unsurpassed in its legendary abilities to preserve and enhance mutual love, to ensure truth in relationships and to maintain a good marriage. aquamarine is believed to release anger and negativity replacing them with mental peace and clarity, providing emotional and mental balance. It has been used as an aid in meditation and to assist in self-expression.

Ancient Romans believed the magnificent gemstone was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea. Some legends say that it was gift from mermaids, while others suggest that Neptune retrieved it after it fell from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed onto shore. Early sailors wore aquamarine talismans, engraved with the likeness of Neptune, as protection against dangers at sea. The association with water led to the belief that the Aquamarine was particularly powerful when immersed. Water in which this gemstone had been submerged was used in ancient times to heal a variety of illnesses of the heart, liver, stomach, mouth and throat

April (Diamond)
Enhances competence, trust and love. It also the anniversary gem for the 10th and 60th years of marriage when eternity bands and other diamond-detailed rings replace original wedding bands. The word Diamond is derived from the Greek word “adamas” which means “hardest metal” which reflect the property of the stone. It is associated with enhancing relationships and increasing inner strength. The Traditional Metaphysical Properties for the April Birthstone Diamond are balance, clarity and abundance.

The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters of stars fallen to earth. It was even said by some that they were the tears of the Gods or perhaps crystallized lightning or hardened dew drops. In fact, the exact origin of diamonds is still something of a mystery, even to scientists and geologists.

MAY (Emerald)
Symbolizes serenity and peace of mind. It also the anniversary gemstone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage. Some people believe wearing an emerald brings wisdom, growth…patience. It is perhaps this last attribute that may explain why a gift of emerald for an anniversary — or any occasion — is symbolic of love and fidelity. The Emerald is also used to enhance mental capabilities.

The word “emerald” is a variation of the Greek word “smaragdos,” which means “green stone”.

JUNE (Pearl/Moonstone)
The Pearl is given on the 1st, 3rd, 12th, and 30th wedding anniversaries. The symbolic meaning of the color white is purity and virtue. The Traditional Metaphysical Properties for the June Birthstone Pearl are modesty, chastity and purity. The Pearl is also used to enhance personal integrity. The traditional color associated with the Pearl is the milky white color and was strongly favored as a popular gem in Victorian jewelry.