March’s birthstone is Aquamarine, a great member of the beryl gemstone family. It’s been used in jewelry manufacturing since the third century BC. Because of its water like colors, it has been called for hundreds of years “The sailor’s stone”. It was thought that it protected sailors and travelers over seas.

From the first time aquamarine was discovered in India more than two thousands years ago, people have attributed various magical and spiritual properties to it. The Hindus used it to spark mental clarity and develop public speaking capabilities.

March Birthstone - Aquamarine

In medieval times, it was thought that this gem could prevent excessive water retention in the organism and improve intestinal transit of food. In the 19th century, the Chinese got more inventive and started carving small figurines into aquamarine stones.

Today, Aquamarine’s popularity is unprecedented, a reason for which it has become March’s birthstone in the past century. People wear it to get mental and religious inspiration and enhance communication.

Queen Elizabeth II owns a complete set aquamarine jewelry that was given to her as a gift from Brazilians at her coronation in 1953. She added some more items to the original set and she occasionally wears them at diplomatic meetings.

In the past, aquamarine was only available in small dimensions. But recently, mining in Brazil and Africa has led to the discovery of larger specimens that are now available to the jewelry industry.

This precious stone is tough, durable and takes an excellent polish. It can be worn in rings and bracelets with minimal risk if the settings are designed to protect the gems. Avoid steam cleaning or excess heat. Clear stones, called eye-clean, are free of inclusions to the naked eye and can be worn under most conditions.

Recently designers have begun combining aquamarines with golden citrines, emeralds or garnets, sapphires and pink tourmalines to create a new trend in the fashion jewelry industry.

This gemstone is available to everyone, even if you’re not a sailor or a person born in March. It’s a gem that wears well all year long.

What’s more interesting is that you can even get personalized aquamarine jewels from Gemvara. This way you make sure that the jewel you get is exactly the way you want.

They are Turquoise, Blue topaz and Tanzanite. Besides the current stones, other traditional birthstone gems include Zircon and a stone with a funny, exotic name: Lapis Lazuli.

Modern December birthstones

Turquoise

December Birthstone - Turquoise

Turquoise is the oldest and most popular of December’s birthstones. It was found on artifacts dating back 5000 years, in ancient Egypt, Sumeria and Mesopotamia. Its name means “Turkish Stone” in French because that’s where the first deposits of turquoise were first found in the ancient world, before the first mines in Egypt, and it is the route that the gemstone took when it was introduced in Europe.

The Egyptians were the first who to recognize the value of Turquoise and use it as a precious stone. The tomb of Tutankhamen was packed with turquoise jewelry, the stone being used on it sarcophagus and mortuary mask. Most likely, Cleopatra used ground-up turquoise for her eye paint.

Millennia later, Turquoise became a sacred stone for Tibetans and Native Americans who used it extensively in their specific religious rituals officiated by the shamans. Both Tibetans and the Native Americans believed Turquoise to promote spiritual and mental clarity and also help build trust, understanding and kindness within the community.

Unlike other precious stones, Turquoise was not a stone only for rituals or for the rich. It is believed that ancient warriors wore turquoise rings that they believer would save them from falling off the horse. Many cultures believed that turquoise helped children have a healthy night sleep preventing nightmares and also protecting against harm.

The Native Americans in the southwest used turquoise as money, believing it would bring animals to the hunter, riches to the warriors and overall happiness.

Turquoise ranges in color from sky blue to green. Very often, to enhance this color, jewelers use a lair of wax coat of the gem which means that the color is not permanent.

This December birthstone is relatively easy to scratch so you need to avoid hits and also hot water and household chemicals.

When shopping for turquoise jewelry, make sure you avoid “Vienna Turquoise”. It sound exotic and refined, but in reality it is just a cheap class imitation.
Modern Turquoise sources are Iran, China, Australia, Afghanistan, Mexico and the US.

Blue Topaz

December Birthstone - Blue Topaz

The second of the modern December birthstones is Blue Topaz. Its name comes either from the Sanskrit word “tapas” which means fire, the symbol of love and fidelity, or the greek word ‘topazos’ which means “green gemstone”.

As a precious stone, Topaz became known only in the classical era. In the middle ages, the name topaz was used to name any yellow gemstone. Only later did it receive it’s proper destination, describing the current stone.

In its pure form, Topaz is colorless. However, skilled jewelers can turn it into just about any color with a little treatment, such as green, pink, blue and pink.

Topaz symbolism

Traditionally, it was believed that topaz had healing powers, could dispel sadness, anger and nocturnal fears, to warn its wearer of poisons and protect him or her from sudden death. There are also a few weird beliefs, like if you wore a topaz ring, you could put your hand in hot water and not be harmed. I wouldn’t rely on that though.

According to some translations of the bible, Topaz is an apocalyptical stone. The Romans dedicated Topaz to their God, Jupiter.

Today, the Portuguese crown has a huge Topaz stone called that weighs 1680 carats. For a long time, it was thought that it actually was a diamond.

This December birthstone is more durable than turquoise, but you still need to avoid sudden temperature changes and rough surfaces.

You can see here a a wide selection of blue topaz jewels, which you can even personalize.

Tanzanite

December Birthstone - Tanzanite

In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association officially added tanzanite to the modern list of birthstones for the month of December.

It was first discovered in 1967 in Tanzania by a local Masai shepherd and it would soon become ‘the stone of the 20th century’, being popularized only two later by Tiffany’s with a massive marketing campaign.

Tanzanite has a beautiful, intense blue color. It varies from ultramarine blue to light violet-blue. In sizes over 10 carats, the effect is impressive. Some tanzanite crystals need to be treated at 500 degrees Celsius to enhance their color and resistance.

Tanzanite is so popular today both because of its fascinating color but also because of its rarity, the only known deposits being in Tanzania, at Merelani.

Without a long history like that of the other December birthstones, tanzanite does not have any powerful, mysterious powers associated to it. But what it lacks in history, it compensates with beauty.

December birthstone jewelry

Here’s a list of the jewelry that can be used to as a gift for the natives of this month.

December birthstone rings

December birthstone earrings

December birthstone necklaces

Turquoise, Tanzanite and Blue Topaz make up the modern December birthstone list and each stone has both physical and symbolic properties that you should consider when purchasing a ring for a gift.

It is a good idea when you offer the gift to all tell the story behind the precious stone that makes it special.

Turquoise is the oldest gem and because it’s been known since the time of the ancient Egyptians, it’s been associated numerous mystical properties.Both Tibetans and the Native Americans believed Turquoise to promote spiritual and mental clarity and also help build trust, understanding and kindness within the community.

Turquoise Ring

A ring that has Turquoise as its precious stone will most likely to instill these qualities in its bearer.Many cultures believed it could also help children have a good night sleep by preventing bad dreams.

Turquoise is a beautiful stone that rages in color from light blue to green, being often enhanced by jewelers with specific techniques.

Being easy to scratch, you should avoid rough surfaces and sudden temperature changes.

Click here to find a Turquoise December birthstone ring.

Blue Topaz was fist discovered in the ancient world, but it only became recognized for its precious properties in the classical era. In the Sanskrit language, its name means fire which is the symbol of love and fidelity.

Blue Topaz Ring

Blue Topaz rings have deep symbols attached to them thanks the mythical powers of the topaz. It is believed that it has healing powers, it can dispel sadness, anger and nocturnal fears and protect its owner from sudden death. There are also a few weird beliefs, like if you wore a topaz ring, you could put your hand in hot water and not be harmed.

Because it can be found in just about any color imaginable thanks to the jeweler’s talent, a topaz ring will definitely intrigue admirers.

Click here to see some really nice blue topaz rings, which are also customizable.

Tanzanite or ‘the gemstone of the 20th century’ was first discovered in 1967 in a remote region of Tanzania. To this day, that is still the only mine of its kind in the world which means that a tanzanite ring is one of the most unique gifts one can offer.

Tanzanite Ring

Being known for only 40 years, it does not have many mythical properties associated to it like other gemstones.

What it lacks in history however it compensates in beauty. With a striking blue transparent color, a December birthstone ring with a tanzanite stone will never get by unnoticed.

Go here to see a wide election of customizable tanzanite rings.

Turquoise, Tanzanite and Blue Topaz are the modern December birthstones and each gem has both physical and symbolic properties that you should consider when purchasing a necklace for a gift.

When offering the gift, you should always tell the story behind the precious stone that makes it special.

Tanzanite or ‘the gemstone of the 20th century’ was first discovered in 1967 in a remote region of Tanzania. To this day, that is still the only mine of its kind in the world which means that a tanzanite necklace is one of the most unique gifts one can offer.

Tanzanite Necklace

Being known for only 40 years, it does not have many mythical properties associated to it like other gemstones. What it lacks in history however it compensates in beauty.

With a striking blue transparent color, December birthstone necklaces with a tanzanite stone will never get by unnoticed.

Here’s a nice selection of tanzanite necklaces. What’s cool is that you have the option to personalize them.

Blue Topaz was fist discovered in the ancient world, but it only became recognized for its precious properties in the classical era. In the Sanskrit language, its name means fire which is the symbol of love and fidelity.

Blue Topaz necklaces have deep symbols attached to them thanks the mythical powers of the topaz. It is believed that it has healing powers, it can dispel sadness, anger and nocturnal fears and protect its owner from sudden death.

Blue Topaz Necklace

Because it can be found in just about any color imaginable thanks to the jeweler’s talent, a topaz necklace will definitely intrigue admirers.

For a wide selection of customizable blue topaz rings, go here.

Turquoise is the oldest gem and because it’s been known since the time of the ancient Egyptians, it’s been associated numerous mystical properties. Both Tibetans and the Native Americans believed Turquoise to promote spiritual and mental clarity and also help build trust, understanding and kindness within the community.

Turquoise Necklace

A necklace that has Turquoise as its precious stone will most likely to instill these qualities in its bearer.

Many cultures believed it could also help children have a good night sleep by preventing bad dreams.

Turquoise is a beautiful stone that rages in color from light blue to green, being often enhanced by jewelers with specific techniques.

Click here to see a wide range of Turquoise necklaces.

Turquoise, Tanzanite and Blue Topaz are the modern December birthstones and each gem has both physical and symbolic properties that you should consider when purchasing a pair of earrings for a gift.

When offering the gift, you should always tell the story behind the precious stone that makes it special.

Tanzanite Earrings

Tanzanite or ‘the gemstone of the 20th century’ was first discovered in 1967 in a remote region of Tanzania. To this day, that is still the only mine of its kind in the world which means that a pair of tanzanite earrings is one of the most unique gifts one can offer.

Being known for only 40 years, it does not have many mythical properties associated to it like other gemstones. What it lacks in history however it compensates in beauty. With a striking blue transparent color, December birthstone earrings with a tanzanite stone will never get by unnoticed.

Click here to see a selection of December birthstone earrings with tanzanite as their precious stone.

Blue Topaz Earrings

Blue Topaz was fist discovered in the ancient world, but it only became recognized for its precious properties in the classical era. In the Sanskrit language, its name means fire which is the symbol of love and fidelity.

Blue Topaz earrings have deep symbols attached to them thanks the mythical powers of the topaz. It is believed that it has healing powers, it can dispel sadness, anger and nocturnal fears and protect its owner from sudden death.

Because it can be found in just about any color imaginable thanks to the jeweler’s talent, a pair of topaz earrings will definitely intrigue admirers.

Click here to take a look at some December birthstone earrings with Blue Topaz.

Turquoise Earrings

Turquoise is the oldest gem and because it’s been known since the time of the ancient Egyptians, it’s been associated numerous mystical properties. Both Tibetans and the Native Americans believed Turquoise to promote spiritual and mental clarity and also help build trust, understanding and kindness within the community.

A pair of earrings that has Turquoise as its precious stone will most likely to instill these qualities in its bearer. Many cultures believed it could also help children have a good night sleep by preventing bad dreams.

Turquoise is a beautiful stone that rages in color from light blue to green, being often enhanced by jewelers with specific techniques.

Click here for a wide range of Turquoise earrings.

January’s birthstone is a wonderful colored gem called “garnet”. Due to its relative abundance compared to other precious stones, garnet jewels are significantly more affordable and make great gifts. It is said that it is the number one choice for anniversaries.

Its name comes from “granatus”, the roman word for “seed”. This association was made because some garnet varieties look strikingly similar to pomegranate seeds.

Garnets come in numerous colors and varieties. In fact, they have all colors but blue. Many of these are both rare and beautiful, producing genuinely precious gemstones. Some garnets are truly unique in the mineral kingdom and have much to offer as both gemstones and mineral specimens.

January Birthstone - Garnet

The January birthstone is said to possess many extraordinary capabilities. These have changed over time because of the fascination people had for these gems. Up until the 18th century, many soldiers wore garnets to heal their wounds. The red varieties, which can show as much fire as the rubies, were thought to influence the way blood flows inside the body.

Legend has it that Noah used a large garnet to light his ark.

It was also said that garnets changed color when the bearer was facing danger. They promote love and protect the house from fire and lightening. The orange, yellow and green gems helped increase sexual capability and energy.

There are two garnet species of greater importantance.

The first one, called hydrogrossular garnet, is better known as “Transvaal Jade” because it is often used as a cheaper substitute for jade. It looks like a green jade with small black spots. In medieval times, this species was hung by mothers above a child’s bed because it was said to make sweet dreams and also calm and protect him from emotional stress.

The second one is the rhodolite garnet which is the most transparent of all. The pink makes it look very similar to the pink sapphire. One legend says that it helps cure broken hearts and create romantic circumstances.

This gemstone is formed over millions of years at very high temperatures and enormous pressures in the Earth’s crust. For this reason, the garnet is very though. However, it can still be damaged if you are not careful.

Make sure you do not expose your gem to sudden temperature changes, hot steam or acids. To clean it, use warm water or ultrasounds at a specialized atelier.

For a nice selection of garnet jewels, you should check Gemvara, where you’ll also get the option to get personalized items. It’s totally worth it.

The February birthstone is amethyst, a gemstone with an overwhelming history of associated magical properties. Since it was fist discovered 5000 years ago in the ancient Egypt, people have attributed it with all sorts of amuletic qualities. Few other gems get so much attention.

In the antiquity, the Egyptians strongly believed that amethyst could prevent the owner from being poisoned. The high ranking officials wore them a lot because of the rivalry that existed for their position.

February Birthstone - Amethyst

In medieval times February’s birthstone became the symbol for Christian love and devotement. Churchmen wore amethyst rings and jewelry because they believed they helped them have divine revelations and wisdom.

Putting an amethyst under one’s pillow was thought to cure insomnia and bring beautiful dreams.

How to keep your amethyst in good condition

For thousand of years it has been a common practice in the jewelry industry to heat treat gemstones. This practice helps amethyst keep its original color and be more resistant. However, this doesn’t mean you don’t need take good care of your jewel. Avoid heat or hot steam cleaning.

Being used over the ages as everything from love charms to symbols of royalty status, this member of the quartz family became the February birthstone in the 20th century. It’s a very durable and great looking gem that helps people today have a royalty look at an affordable price.

What is really interesting is that you can actually get customized amethyst jewels for a pretty accessible price. The people at Gemvara can do that for you.

April is the most privileged month in the year because it has diamond as its birthstone. Diamonds are the most expensive precious stones because they have the most extraordinary properties in the mineral kingdom. And they look good with any outfit, being the first choice for many Hollywood actresses such as Cindy Crawford or Halle Berry.

Most diamond are more than a hundred million years old; some are three billion years old. They are the oldest gemstones known to man.

April Birthstone - Diamond

Their chemical composition is of pure carbon, crystallized over millions of years deep inside Earth’s core at an incredible pressure into the toughest object on the planet. There is nothing more resistant than it. You can only cut a diamond with another diamond. No need to worry that you’ll scratch it; it will never happen.

However, you should never use fire on diamonds. There is a story of a jeweler who went to the king of Spain to promise him that he could build him the biggest diamond in the world. For this, he asked to be given a bunch of smaller diamond that he would use to build the big one. The king agreed.

The jeweler’s plan was to melt the small diamonds into a huge, more beautiful one. To his surprise, the diamonds didn’t turn into an extraordinary precious stone, but into graphite which has the same chemical composition, but it’s worthless. When he was asked for the diamond, the jeweler could not explain what happened. The king thought he just kept the gems for himself, so he beheaded him.

When it comes to wearing diamonds, there’s no wrong way. Diamond brooches adorn business suits. Diamond studs are worn to the gym. This ground swell of wearing diamonds every day started a few years back when designers like John Galliano and Donna Karan popularized them on their runways.

Most recently, Galliano and other major European designers showed elaborate Belle Époque settings, and Oscar de la Renta showed diamonds exclusively in his collections. A lot of upwardly mobile professional women took note. They are today’s diamond customers who want diamonds, can afford them, and don’t have to wait for an engagement or 25th wedding anniversary to own them.

When looking for diamonds, customers must take a careful look for the 4 C’s: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. But people should understand that it is the cutting that releases the true brilliance of a stone.

Gemvara offers you a wide variety of diamond jewelry and you can even choose to get personalized items for a pretty accessible price.

May’s birthstone is the extraordinary Emerald. Emeralds were discovered approximately 4000 years ago and have since been prized by connoisseurs and sought by the rich and powerful. Cleopatra herself had an extraordinary collection of emeralds mined at the Red Sea which she wore lavishly.

When the Spanish arrived in the Americas, they were surprised to find that the Aztecs and Incas also possessed these gems, and that they used them as cult objects.

Columbia is considered the most important exporter of emeralds because it is here where the biggest and the purest gems have been found. In fact, the worlds largest such crystal of 7052 carats was found in the mines of Cruces in Achaia, Columbia. Besides Columbia, other exceptional emeralds come from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Brazil.

May Birthstone - Emerald

When looking for an emerald, the most important factor to consider is color. The more vivid the green, the more valuable the stone. Experts advise not to be put off by a few fissures, or inclusions, in your stone.

It is rare to find a crystal without these natural birthmarks, and they do not detract from the stone’s beauty or value as they might with another type of stone. However, these fissures do affect the way you take care of an emerald.

Emeralds will remain beautiful and durable for years if they’re taken care of properly. Do what the experts advise: Avoid abrupt temperature changes and contact with rough or sharp surfaces, including those of other gemstones.

Store your emeralds in a fabric-lined jewelry box or wrap them in a soft cloth or tissue. To ensure a long and safe life to your stone, go to the jeweler to check the setting at least once a year and also clean the stone.

While there is no official alternate choice for May’s birthstone, those seeking a different stone could choose one with an equally vivid shade of green. These include tsavorite garnet, green tourmaline or the less-known, but equally beautiful chrome diopside.

Whether the emerald actually has the power to heal maladies or improve vision as some ancient peoples believed, few can resist its universal beauty. Regarded as one of the rarest and most precious gemstones in the world, a verdant green emerald set into a ring or pendant can bring years of pleasure to the lucky owner.

Gemvara offers you a wide variety of emerald jewels and you also get the option to customize them for an accessible price.

For most of us, when we hear June, the things that come to mind are the summer, our favorite vacation spots and the overwhelming happiness floating in the atmosphere. But one thing with which it also associated is the pearl, which has been the official June birthstone for many centuries.

In the ancient mythologies, the pearl was associated with the moon, as it was believed that pearls were born out of teardrops of moon that fell into the ocean.

June Birthstone - Pearl

Of course, throughout history, June’s birthstone symbolized numerous traits of those born in this month. Because of its clean and simple appearance, it associated purity, wisdom and loyalty with those who celebrated their birthday in June.

The ancient Chinese believed the pearls could give eternal youth to the owner and even to this day, they use them into cosmetics that are meant to give a youthful look. The ancient Greeks believed that pearls could prevent brides from crying and perpetuate happiness among the owner’s friends.

The experts say that when you’re looking to buy Pearl jewels, you should pay attention to three characteristics: luster, a clean surface and the shape. Let’s take a closer look at each and find out what should be your focus:

Luster

This is the most important characteristic of a pearl. The luster is what gives its value. Pearls that look too dull or chalky are a sure sign of poor quality.

Clean Surface

Oysters are real living organisms and it’s almost impossible for them to grow a pearl with the surface completely clean of blemish. These blemish appear as bumps of cracks. The lesser faults like this, the more beautiful and more expensive the jewel.

Shape

Perfectly round pearls are extremely rare, and therefore are of high value. But one that looks round from about a meter or two is also good and you can get it for less than a quarter of the price of a perfect round one.

Having read the above, you now know more than 99% of birthstone shoppers and you’ll certainly get the best piece of jewelry for you or the one you plan to give it to.

For a nice selection of pearl jewels, you should check Gemvara, where you’ll also get the option to get personalized items. It’s totally worth it.