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Garnet has roots from the Greek word "granatum" which refers
to the color of the pomegranate seed and is available in a stunning
array of colors and found all over the world. Red garnets called
"carbuncles" were known since Egyptian times. Meaning: Constancy
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Beautiful amethyst in its rich purple colors symbolizes royalty
and aristocracy. The Greeks named amethyst from the word "amethystos"
meaning "not intoxicated". This meaning dates back to an ancient
tale involving Bacchus, the god of wine. Legend has it that
drinking wine from an amethyst goblet would prevent one from
becoming inebriated. Meaning: Sincerity |
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Aquamarine is the blue variety of the beryl gem species,
and is the sister gem of emerald. "Sea water" is the literal
translation for aquamarine and hence its long association with
the symbolism of the ocean. Aquamarine also symbolizes youthfulness,
good health, the spirit of hope, fidelity and lasting love.
Meaning: Wisdom |
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The ancient Hindus called the Diamond "Vajra," meaning lightening,
both because of the sparks of light thrown off by this gem as
well as its invincible strength. The Diamond, revered throughout
history, is harder than any other substance on earth. In our
place and time, the diamond is a symbol of enduring love.
Diamonds are graded by carat weight, clarity, color, and cut,
otherwise known as the four C's. Meaning: Innocence
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Emeralds
are one of the most beautiful and most popular gemstones on
the market because of their brilliant green color and its name
is derived from the French "esmeraude" and the Greek root "smaragdos"
which means 'green gemstone'. Emeralds are found in South America,
Zambia, and Afghanistan but Columbia is recognized as the source
for the finest stones. Emeralds are brittle stones and much
care should be taken when cleaning or wearing them. Meaning:
Love |
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This organic gemstone known as Pearl formed in the body of a mollusk such as oysters and mussels being composed of material called nacre which the mollusk creates to surround an irritant substance within its soft interior. Layers upon layers of nacre eventually form a Pearl which can take up to seven or eight years.
Pearls have been cherished for over 5,000 years with Japan being the leading producer of pearls today. Many believe that their intricate and beautiful design separates them from other gems available.
The Romans, Egyptians, and Persians all admired the pearl. History has shown that it was not uncommon for royals to prohibit commoners to use pearls. Meaning: Wealth
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The rare gemstone known as Alexandrite was discovered in 1830 in Czarist Russia. It was named after Alexander II, the Russian Czar because it mimics the Czarist imperial colors. Alexandrite is most famous for its color changing from shades of green in daylight to shades of red in incandescent light.
Alexandrites are now also mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, India, Burma, Madagascar and Zimbabwe.
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The
reddish color sapphires are known as ruby which is the second
hardest gemstone after the diamond. The color can vary from
a faint pink to deep red.
Rubies have everything a precious stone should have: magnificent
color, excellent hardness and outstanding brilliance. It is
also an extremely rare gemstone most especially in its finer
qualities.
Ruby is the red version and most valuable of the mineral corundum.
Ruby is mined primarily in Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Burma. Meaning:
Freedom |
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Peridot
has been claimed to ward off evil spirits, eliminate enchantments,
as well as prevent nightmares. This is due to its association
with the sun and its power of its life-giving rays. It is, hence,
known as the term "gem of the sun."
Peridot was very much treasured by the Egyptians and was called
in Hawaiian legends "divine tears wept by Pele, goddess of the
Volcano". Peridot came from the Arabic word "zeberget" for peridot,
and also an island in the Red Sea which was an early source
for the gem. Meaning: Friendship |
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Sapphire
like the Ruby is a member of the corundum family and is also
another very hard gemstone. Blue is the most sought after color
of Sapphire and is mined primarily in Burma, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Sapphire was worn by the kings of olden days as a defense from
harm. It is also believed to guard one from captivity, preserve
and increase bravery, and improve all the senses.
Sapphires are found in many colors. The reddish color sapphires
are known as ruby. Meaning: Truth |
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Most
Opals are found in Australia and stand in a class by themselves
because each opal is more distinctly individual than any other
gem. Opals are iridescent with a wide range of internal colors.
They are unique in that this gemstone can display all of the
spectrum's colors in different patterns, brilliance, and shades.
This is why no two opals are identical.
The name Opal evolved from the Greek "Opallus" which means to
see a change in color. Later in history, the Latin word "opalus"
came to mean precious stone. There are three groups of opals:
white, black, and boulder. Meaning: Hope |
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The
green tourmaline, known as a 'verdelite' in the trade, has a
stunning green color ranging from light to very dark in appearance.
Tourmalines, however, are gems with an incomparable variety
of colors and faces and are known for durability and hardness.
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Tourmalines
are found almost all over the world with major deposits in Brazil,
Sri Lanka and South and south-west Africa. Finds have also been
made in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar,
Pakistan and Afghanistan. Tourmalines have also been found in
the USA mainly within the states of Maine and Utah.
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Citrine
is a member of the quartz family. It is mined mostly in Brazil
and is a gorgeous addition to any collection. It ranges in color
from pale yellow to a madeira orange. The hardness of this stone
makes it very acceptable for everyday wear. It is also one of
the most affordable gemstones due to its sheer abundance.
This gem in ancient times was carried as a protection against
snake venom and evil thoughts. Its name is derived from the
French word "citron," meaning lemon. Meaning: Fidelity
Yellow Topaz can also be considered as an alternate
birthstone for November. |
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The
Blue Topaz is one of the most popular topazes in the world market
today. Its very hard surface makes it the ideal stone for everyday
wear.
The color ranges of the Blue Topaz run from a sky blue to a
Swiss blue to the darkest London blue.
Topaz can also occur naturally in many different colors of orange,
blue, brown, green, beige, red, and pink. Colorless topaz can
be treated by irradiation and heated to produce the different
color shades of blue, in which the blue topaz is formed. Meaning:
Success
Turquoise, blue zircon and
tanzanite can also be considered alternate
birthstones for December. |
Please note that some months (e.g. June, October, November and December)
are represented by more than one stone. In such a case, one should
feel free to choose any appropriately listed stone due to the fact
that one stone is not deemed to be more important than the other.
As far as pearls, it must be noted that they can come in a number
of other colors than traditional white. However, one should choose
the pearls of white color when buying them as the birthstone for the
month of June.
Finally, it is important to recognize that the list is not fixed or
stationary and that it evolves as newly found gemstones gain popularity.
One example is the spectacular Tanzanite, a newly found gemstone that
got adopted in 2002 as a birthstone for December. Just go with the
flow with all of your gemstone choices!
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