BiRtH-$ToNe$
The Greeks believed that if an
amethyst was placed under the tongue while drinking it would prevent intoxication!
For many years the amethyst has been a symbol of peace and tranquility!
It is also said to be the stone of Saint Valentine,
who wore an amethyst engraved with the figure of his assistant,
Cupid. Saint Valentine's Day is still observed in February.
Birthstone:
Amethyst
March
Birthstone:
Aquamarine
People
believed this stone had the ability to aid seafarers. It was also believed
that if you dreamed aquamarine it meant you were going to meet a new friend!
Aquamarine has also been a symbol for youth and health for many years!
April
Birthstone:
Diamond
The diamond is the hardest of
all gems.
In ancient times they were believed to be hardened dewdrops or splinters of
lightning and stars that fell to the earth.
Warriors believed if they wore diamonds into battle that the gems would give
them strength and courage. In ancient times, only men wore diamonds.
The tradition of giving diamond engagement rings came much later. Today, the
gem is a symbol that reflects the strength of love!
Birthstone:
Emerald
The
Emeralds magnificent color has been said to rest and relieve the eye.
Romans dedicated the gem to the goddess Venus because it symbolized the reproductive
forces of nature. Early Christians considered the gem a symbol of the resurrection
of Christ! In present time, the emerald is a symbol for happiness and fertility.
Birthstone:
Pearl
According to Indian
mythology, a pearl was formed when dew drops during a full moon fell from
the heavens into the sea and were captured by shellfish.
Warriors in India encrusted pearls into the handles of their swords to symbolize
the tears a sword can bring. In present time, the pearl is a universal symbol
of purity.
Birthstone:
Ruby
The ruby is known as "The Lord
of the Gems"!
In the Orients it was believed to be the spark of life and was thought to
be drops of blood from the heart of Mother Earth! In other parts of the world,
the ruby was perceived as self-luminous and was called glowing stone or lamp
stone.
During medieval times, many thought the ruby could warn of misfortune or illness
to its owner by turning a deeper red. Today, it is a symbol for nobility.
August
Birthstone:
Perido
The peridot is formed by a volcanic
action. Greeks believed it brought royal dignity upon its wearer and it was
also considered a symbol for the sun. Ancient legends considered the peridot
as a powerful amulet that warded off evil.
Birthstone:
Sapphire
It is a common theory that the
Ten Commandments were written on tablets made of Sapphire.
In ancient times, the sapphire was believed to hold special powers. Many felt
the gem gave its owner the ability to foretell the future. It has been a symbol
for wisdom ever since
October
Birthstone:
Opal

Throughout history, there are as
many different legends about the opal as there are colors in this precious
gem. There is an Indian legend about the origin of the opal. Quoted from
"Gemstones" by Willard Heaps: "...the gods Brahma,
Vishnu and Shiva once vied in jealous love for a beautiful woman.
This angered the Eternal, who changed the fair mortal into a creature made
of mist. Thereupon each of the three gods endowed her with his own color so
as to be able to recognize her.
Brahma gave her the glorious blue of the heavens,
Vishnu enriched her with the splendor of gold, and Shiva lent her his flaming
red.
But all this was in vain, since the lovely phantom was whisked away by the
winds. Finally, the Eternal took pity on her and transformed her into a stone,
the opal, that sparkles in all the colors of the rainbow." In Australia, a
legend existed of a huge opal that governs the stars and guides human love,
as well as controls the gold in all the mines.
The Aborigines have an altogether different legend concerning the opal.
They believed it to be the devil that lurks in the ground made up of half
man and half serpent that lures men to destruction. Arabs believed the wearer
of an opal had the power of invisibility, hence it became a popular talisman
of thieves and spies.
The Romans considered the gem to be a symbol of love and hope. In the orients,
it was called the anchor of hope. The two beliefs of love and hope, above
all the others has carried over into today's beliefs.

Birthstone:
Topaz
The name Topaz is derived from
the Sanskrit word meaning "fire".
In ancient lore, it was believed that topaz could control heat and cool boiling
water, as well as calm excessive anger. During the Middle Ages, the topaz
was used mostly by royalty and clergy.
A 13th century belief held that a topaz engraved with a falcon helped its
wearer cultivate the goodwill of kings and princes. Topaz was once thought
to strengthen the mind, prevent mental disorders, and increase wisdom.
December
Birthstone:
Turquoise
Turquoise was used in some of
the earliest jewelry known to man.
Pharaohs in Egypt have been unearthed wearing turquoise jewelry that date
back to 55oo B.C. Native Americans in the southwest called turquoise "Chal-cui-hui-ta"
which means "The highest and most valued thing in the world." They believed
the blue represented heaven and the green earth. Turquoise was considered
by some as a symbol of good fortune and success. It was also believed to bring
prosperity to its wearer.
Birthstones!
Most
gem scholars agree that the tradition of birthstones arose from the Breastplate
of Aaron:
a ceremonial religious garment set with twelve gemstones that represented the
twelve tribes of Israel.
Many found a correspondence with the twelve signs of the zodiac.
In later times, the stones became associated with the twelve months of the year
and many believed that the stones
possessed power when worn or owned.
Thus, the tradition of giving and wearing birthstones began!
Birthstone:
Garnet
Legend has it, that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for
illumination! The garnet was believed to protect from nightmares and give guidance
at night. The Crusaders used them as protection against wounds and accidents
during their journeys. Today, it is a symbol for guidance and constancy.