Birthstone Jewelry Gifts
- January - Garnet
February - Amethyst
March - Aquamarine, Bloodstone
April - Diamond
May - Emerald
June - Pearl, Moonstone
July - Ruby
August - Peridot, Onyx
September - Sapphire
October - Opal, Tourmaline
November -Topaz, Citrine
December -Turquoise - January - Garnet is said to protect people from nightmares and travelers from dangers.
February -- Amethyst represents sobriety. Also, St. Valentine's amethyst ring was engraved with Cupid.
March -- Aquamarine/Bloodstone protects passengers on ocean voyages and guards against sea monsters. It also soothes marital strife. Bloodstone represents martyrdom.
April - Diamond was believed to be crystal lightning, splinters of stars and the tears of the gods.
May -- Emerald is a symbol of rebirth and romance. It is believed to change color upon infidelity.
June - Pearl/Moonstone is the Chinese symbol of wealth, power and longevity.
July -- Ruby is symbol of health, wealth, wisdom, passion and triumph in love. It supposedly brings good luck to gamblers.
August -- Peridot/Onyx. Peridot is one of the oldest gemstones. It represents the sun and is used as an amulet against night terrors. Onyx carved with images of Mars, the god of war, emboldened Roman soldiers with courage.
September -- Sapphire is a symbol of purity. It is worn by clergy to avoid temptations. It is also thought to provide protection from snakes.
October -- Opal/Tourmaline. Opals symbolize magic, love and hope. Tourmaline is supposed to protect the wearer from making bad decisions.
November -- Topaz/Citrine. Topaz is considered the sun jewel. The ancient Egyptians worn it as an amulet against harm. It was also supposed to break spells. Citrine protected against snake venom and evil thoughts.
December -- Turquoise was said to protect owner from falling off a horse back in the third century. The colors blue and green represent heaven and earth to Native Americans. It is also supposed to aid with sound sleep. - There are many birthstone jewelry designs available for gifts. The more traditional options are rings, family tree pendants, bracelets and earrings. To offer something truly unique, associate the jewelry with a cultural or historical connection to the person. Celtic, Native American and Oriental styles are very popular. A design that represents the recipient's hobby or career can be a nice gift. Also, a birthstone encrusted social awareness pendant representing a special cause that is important to the recipient, such as a pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness, makes the gift even more significant.
- Birthstone jewelry is not restricted to traditional pieces. Good choices are jeweled hair pins and jeweled charm sets for wine glasses. Electronic devices offer a new way to showcase personal style. Birthstone-encrusted cellphone and iPod charms and covers are very popular as well.
