Choosing Your December Birthstone

For those with a December birthday, a birthstone is always a perfect and safe choice for a gift, specially if one is left clueless as to what the celebrator would want or need for a present.

Birthstones are actually precious and semi-precious stones which have been associated with birth dates for centuries. They come in varying colors, textures, sizes and shapes.

Different cultures assign specific gemstones for each month based on the zodiac until there came a time when a specific gemstone was assigned for each of the month. Different cultures have different sets of twelve semi-precious and precious stones. Although the choice of stones to represent each month differ from culture to culture, one thing is certain- wearing birthstones effectively bring good luck and health. Some even believe that these stones have "powers".

Birthstones, as a tradition, is deeply embedded in modern culture and birthstone jewelry is widely gaining popularity nowadays.

However, here in the United States, there is not a single gemstone for a particular month. In fact, there are numerous birthstones for each of the twelve months! And so, choosing a December birthstone, for one, will not prove to be a very easy task.

Turquoise may be the most popular of all the December birthstones, owing to its value and unique color. Often referred to as the modern December birthstone, turquoise actually happens to be one of the most valuable non-transparent minerals often used in making jewelry.

Its value was first discovered by Egyptians in 6000 BC. Turquoise is considered sacred by the North American Indians and Tibetans. These stones are used in rituals and ceremonies officiated by shamans because it is believed to promote spiritual and mental clarity. These stones are also believed to enhance one's trust, understanding, kindness and wisdom.

Although turquoise literally means stone of Turkey in French, turquoise of finest quality are sourced from Iran. However, high-grade stones can also be found in the southwestern parts of United States such as in Arizona and New Mexico. Turquoise of poor quality is often dyed or applied with coatings of various resins.

Turquoise usually come in hues of green blue and light sky blue. Hardness of turquoise stones is between 5- 6.

Another December birthstone would be the zircon which could be mistaken for a diamond due to its luster and fire. Generally, zircon is in hues of browns and greens. However, it can be heat-treated to attain a beautiful blue or golden hue.

Blue topaz is another modern December birthstone. Topaz, the hardest of silicate minerals, came from the Sanskrit word "tapas" which literally means fire and symbolizes love and fidelity.

It is believed to possess healing powers. When in its pure form, Topaz appears colorless. However, with minor treatments, it can turn into a variety of colors such as pink, red, green, yellow and blue. This mineral can be mostly found in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, China, Nigeria, Brazil, Mexico and the United States.

Less popular December birthstones would be the tanzanite, lapis or lapiz lasuli, ruby, onyx and chrysoprase.

When shopping for birthstones, make sure it is the real thing. There are many categories of gemstones. They are either called genuine, natural, synthetic, simulated, treated or a combination of these. A genuine gemstone is real. If a genuine gemstone is in the same state it was found, it is called a natural gemstone.

On the other hand, the chemical characteristics of some gemstones can be reproduced in laboratories. These are called synthetic gemstones. Synthetic gemstones cost less than natural gemstones. Those who are made to look like genuine stones in color and texture, but are actually made of a different material, are called imitation stones.

Remember that birthstones of low quality, when treated, can look like stones of high quality due to enhanced color and clarity.

Read as much as you can about birthstones before making a purchase and compare prices. Comprehensive information that you will need are available on the internet.

Ask for a jeweler or gemologist you trust to guide you in assessing and evaluating the quality of birthstones you are going to buy. Genuine natural birthstones, in particular, are expensive investments and extra caution must be taken in purchasing them.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.artisan-jewelry-online.com where you can learn more about jewelry and find out about Decembers Birthstone.

Why Is Birthstone Jewelry Special?

There are literally millions of individuals around the world who wear one type of jewelry or another. Jewelry is often purchased and given as a gift for almost all occasions such as Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, weddings, new baby, graduations, and birthdays. There are more and more people opting to purchase birthstone jewelry because of the beauty and uniqueness that it offers.

Birthstone jewelry is made with a variety of gemstones based on each month in the calendar year. These stones may be semi-precious or precious. Many people choose to wear them for prosperity, luck, protection, and good health. There are some superstitious individuals who believe that by wearing the birthstone jewelry during the month you were born in that the pieces hold healing power.

If you plan on purchasing this kind of jewelry for someone special make sure to find a quality stone by checking the brilliance, color, clarity, and cut especially for diamonds. This type of jewelry is very special so you don't want to sacrifice the specialty of it by purchasing a bad or defective stone or band. Many jewelry stores will try to sell you low value pieces for high prices so make sure you do your research before making your final decision on the piece that you will go with. You may not be aware of this but this jewelry that has a deeper color will often be more expensive than those pieces with lighter colors.

So why is birthstone jewelry a bit more special than normal pieces? This is because when purchasing a regular piece of jewelry you can have it customized by adding a birthstone to it. For example if you are purchasing a diamond bracelet you may choose to have their birthstone set in the center of all of the diamonds giving it a bit of color and uniqueness. Most women enjoy receiving birthstone jewelry especially when it comes in the form of a mothers ring or necklace. This particular piece of the jewelry holds the mothers birthstone as well as all of her children and her husband if desired. This is one of the biggest sellers for jewelry stores that make birthstone jewelry.

Always remember that when you are purchasing birthstone jewelry to research the birthstones before making your selection so you know that when you receive your order that its correct. At times you will receive your jewelry and it may consist of the wrong stone. A few of the birthstones have similar shades so without knowing what you are looking for you may actually overlook that the jewelry has been done incorrectly.

This type of jewelry is normally very beautiful in color and design which makes it an awesome gift choice.

Birthstone jewelry is made with a variety of gemstones based on each month in the calendar year. Birthstone jewelry is normally very beautiful in color and design which makes it an awesome gift choice.

The Beauty of Birthstone Jewelry

Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each month of the calendar year. The stones can either be precious stones or semi-precious. They are worn for good health, luck, prosperity, and protection. Many people believe that when wearing them during the month that they are associated with, the birthstones have increased healing powers. For instance, if you were born in April, then your birthstone is the diamond. Therefore, you will be benefit by wearing the diamond in April.

There are a number of different birthstone lists. For instance, the Mystical Birthstone list originates from ancient Tibet dating back over a thousand years, the Ayurvedic Birthstone list originates from Ayurvedic Indian Medicine dating back over one thousand years. The Traditional Birthstone list originates back to the 15th century, and the Modern Birthstone list was adopted in 1912 and is the accepted list of the American National Association of Jewelers. The birthstones have been assigned to the 12 Zodiac signs and the 12 months of the year. The birthstones are as follows: January - garnet, February - amethyst, March - aquamarine or bloodstone, April - diamond, May - emerald, June - pearl, moonstone, or alexandrite, July - ruby, August - peridot or sardonyx and sapphire, September - sapphire, October - opal or tournaline, November - topaz, and December - blue topaz, turquoise, lapis lazuli, or zircon.

For centuries, birthstones have been worn as jewelry. Wearing birthstone jewelry is so popular not only because of their mystical appeal, but also their beauty. They will complement any outfit in any social setting. There are many different types of jewelry that contain birthstones such as necklaces, pendants, earrings, watches, and rings. You can get your own birthstone jewelry or buy all 12 birthstones and wear them each month. You can also buy a jewelry item that contains several birthstones such as a birthstone bracelet. The metals used in this jewelry include: gold, white gold, yellow gold, silver, sterling silver, and platinum. There is a rainbow of colors available that will add sparkle and create a unique jewelry fashion statement.

When shopping for birthstone jewelry, to find a quality stone, just look at such features as the color, brilliance, color, and clarity. A birthstone with a deeper color tends to be more valuable than a lighter color birthstone. You can buy birthstone jewelry for your own jewelry collection or buy this beautiful jewelry as a special gift for a loved one, such as for Graduation, Mother's Day, birthday, Christmas, childbirth, Valentine's Day, or any other significant time. The best part of buying birthstone jewelry is that when you shop for this beautiful fashion accessory online, you can find jewelry sites offering discounted prices without having to sacrifice quality.

Save on gorgeous birthstones and birthstone jewelry on sale at Ice.com.

Tips on Birthstone Jewelry Gifts

The month of a person's birthday has a gemstone associated with it called a birthstone. The sort and shades of these rocks vary. These stones are common in various types of jewelry; we see them in rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pendants. A popular family tradition is birthstone jewelry, which can become a cherished heirloom for many generations to come. Wearing jewelry featuring your birthstone is often thought to bring good luck to the wearer. In addition, they are known for their ability to remove negative energy. But, have you ever considered purchasing some pieces of birthstone jewelery items as a present for someone special? Because of its personalized nature, it would certainly be a perfect gift for anniversaries and of course for birthdays.

Here are the calendar months with their birthstones and meanings:

January

Garnet (deep red color) - love, passion

February

Amethyst (purple color) - luck, good health

March

Aquamarine (pale aqua color) - happiness, understanding

April

Diamond (clear color) - eternal love

May

Emerald (deep green color)- love, fidelity, goodness

June

Pearl (lustrous white color)- peace, beauty, nobility, purity

July

Ruby (red color) - love, strength, devotion

August    

Peridot (pale green color)- success, dignity, protection

September

Sapphire (blue color) - purity, truth, sincerity

October

Opal (rainbow color) - beauty, success, happiness

November

Citrine (yellow color) - hope, fidelity, health

December

Topaz (orange/brown color) - wisdom and courage

The ladies in your life, wife, mother, sister, girlfriend or grandma, will find this to be the perfect gift. Women will certainly enjoy it and be thankful for it. It is a great jewelry idea to use when you are having a hard time choosing what to give as a gift to your friends and loved ones. You just can't go wrong with a birthstone jewel.

In addition to the lovely gift of the birthstone, you could personalize your gift by adding a card with a sentimental saying, a description of the birthstone's meaning and symbolism, a joke, or even purchase gemstone care products, so your loved one can keep the gift always looking its best. All you have to do is pick a style that would suit the person you are giving it to. In order to choose the perfect gift with the correct style and color, you must consider the person's personality and preferences.

Find out that special person's birthday so you can surprise them with the gift of birthstone jewelry. These items are available from several types of stores including department stores, stores in malls, jewelry stones and boutiques. You can get information when you check out the Internet.

Renata Lavlor writes about birthstone jewelry and other fashion and personal care tips as a staff writer for HowToDoThings.com.

Birthstone Inspired Bridesmaid Gifts

Bridesmaids are an important part of any wedding. Their support and friendship mean so much to the bride. That is why it is traditional for brides to show their appreciation with thoughtful bridesmaid gifts. A really fun idea is to choose birthstone inspired bridesmaid gifts for your wedding party.

A neat thing about birthstone inspired gifts for bridesmaids is that you can choose one category, but then personalize each gift within it. That will make each of your friends see that you put in the time to select something especially for her. It also makes each woman feel like an individual, which is important. Birthstones are traditionally jewelry, of course, and bridesmaid jewelry is always a favorite gift idea. But keep in mind that you can also get creative, and choose gifts which are inspired by each bridesmaid's birthstone, but that are not actually gems.

First things first: the list of gems for each month. January is garnet, February is amethyst, March is aquamarine, April is diamond, May is emerald, June is pearl, July is ruby, August is peridot, September is sapphire, October is opal or tourmaline, November is citrine or topaz, and December is tanzanite or turquoise. If you would like to give each of your friends bridesmaid jewelry made in her birthstone color, it couldn't be easier. While some of the gemstones are prohibitively expensive (diamonds for those born in April, for instance), you can simply substitute beautiful Swarovski crystals in the appropriate hue. Crystal bridesmaid jewelry can be custom made in any of the traditional colors for the birth months; they even make opal colored crystals and pearls.

If your bridesmaids already have their jewelry, you can take the concept and choose other gifts created in their birthstone colors. Let's say that your bridesmaids are wearing black dresses for your wedding. Add a fun dash of color by giving each one a wrap to wear done in her birthstone hue. Of course if you want your attendants to wear their wraps for the ceremony, make sure that you will like the way all of their birth month colors look together. Just think how pretty it would look to have March, May, August, and September colors together!

Another really cool idea is to give each bridesmaid a little jewelry box in her birthstone color. You can find gorgeous leather boxes in every imaginable color, and there are also colorful lacquered boxes available. To make the gift complete, consider slipping a pair of pearl earrings into the jewelry box as part of this unique bridesmaid gift idea. Special boxes are a neat way to personalize the present when you want to give each attendant jewelry in the same color like pearls or clear crystals. The jewelry boxes will look beautiful on display, and they are also very useful, which is a great combination.

There are many other creative ways to use your attendants' birthstones as the inspiration for your gifts to them. From monogrammed luggage or totes to elegant journals, the possibilities are endless. Your friends are sure to adore your very clever and thoughtful bridesmaid gifts.

Read Guy's other articles on weddings,society and fashions and let us know what you think. Visit us at http://silverlandjewelry.com/ for help with your wedding jewelry or bridesmaid gifts. Be sure to sign up for our free newsletter to receive special offers, exclusive previews of new jewelry, fun news about weddings, and more!

Birthstone Jewelry For June - Alexandrite

Alexandrite, which is used in June birthstone jewelry, is one of the uncommonest of gems to surface on the earth. It is recognized as the June birthstone and is the gemstone used to commemorate both the 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries. It belongs to the chrysoberyl family and made of a mix of iron, chromium, titanium, aluminum and chrysoberyl mineral.

Color Changing Properties of Alexandrite

This June birthstone is greatly valued because of it's capacity to significantly change colors. In comparison with other gem for example diamonds and sapphires, alexandrite is a fairly new gem to the market, having only been  found close to 150 years ago. The Alexandrite gemstone was first discovered in the Russian Ural Mountains around 1830 and was named after Alexander II the Czar of Russia. This precious stone was given the name "magic gem" because of it's mystical display of colors.

The color of this gemstone depends on the wavelength of the illuminating light and the chemical bonds that exist in the gem. In sunlight alexandrite displays a a color that is blue green like moss but when seen under incandescent light from a candle or lamp the color transforms to a lovely raspberry hue. This transformation is referred to as the alexandrite effect. It's a result of the chemical mixing of chrysoberyl, which is a rare oxide mineral, and chromium. the lovely color of Alexandrite come from chromium.

Alexandrite Gemstone Quality

It is important to consider the strength of the color change when evaluating an alexandrite. The precious stone is considered rarer and of higher value if the color change is more complete and intense. A further factor to bear in mind is the clarity and cutting quality of the gem. Alexandrites that are found in Russia are believed to be of better quality and color, consequently making them more expensive. The majority of the alexandrites on sale are below 1 carat since larger sizes are too expensive by most people.

Caring for Your Alexandrite Jewels

it is best to keep alexandrites away from extreme heat as this can impinge on their color change effect. When cleaning these gemstones soapy warm water may be used or alcohol or any commercially available products. If ultrasonic or steam cleaning are necessary properly skilled jewelers should be used.

Sources of Alexandrite

The original source of alexandrite in Russia has now virtually been mined out, though the mines are still working and produce a small number of tiny stones every year. These days there are two chief sources of alexandrite gemstones, Brazil and Sri Lanka (Ceylon). In the 1990's Alexandrite stones were also found in countries such as Zimbabwe, India, Burma and Madagascar. Sadly, none of these new sources has managed to produce as intense and vivid colors as the gemstones produced in Russia. Stones from these sources have their own characteristics: for example the grayish hues of Ceylon stones and Brazil stones having yellow tones on the green color.

Conclusion

Despite the relatively short history of this attractive gemstone it has already been attributed with a variety of mystical and magical properties. It is a rare and gorgeous gemstone and makes a wonderful June birthstone jewelry gift for a loved one with a June birthday.

For more information and some good deals on birthstone jewelry visit June Birthstone Jewelry or Gold and Silver Birthstone Jewelry

February and March Birthstone Charm Necklace

All months in a year have different stones that represent them. Those stones are also ways for people to gauge one's personality and destiny relevant to their birth date. Birthstones are also said to have good luck for a person wearing it, especially if that is the person's birthstone.

In jewelry, birthstones add color and personality that suits the one wearing it. Most of the time, especially in personalized jewelry, birthstones come with charms. You can see it in necklaces and bracelets, normally for women. But there are also birthstone charm necklaces or bracelets for men, though they are rarely produced because men are not the type to wear jewelry with many embellishments.

For women born in the month of February, their birthstone is Amethyst. Its color can be related to the color of wine which is purple. This gemstone is very abundant in many different places such as Mexico, Russia, United States, and Canada, making it less inexpensive than other stones in the market. It earlier times, Amethyst is believed to be used as a defense or protection against the effects of alcohol to an individual. It is usually worn by royalties because of its purple color which signifies authority and power.

As for women born on March, their birthstone is Aquamarine. Its color ranges from light blue to blue green or aqua green/blue. Just as its name says, aqua, it resembles the color of water, specifically seawater. In ancient times, people use aquamarine as a protection against the danger that awaits them in the sea. It is mostly used by seafarers and fishermen for luck and protection. Many also say that Aquamarine may be used to heal different ailments. Aquamarine also does magic for relationships as it adds more romance and harmony among couples for a long lasting relationship. This gemstone may be found in China, Africa, United States, Australia, and India.

Here are great birthstone charm necklaces for women born in February and March.

Mom's Birthstone and Charm Necklace

It is made of Italian rolo chain. This birthstone charm necklace may be personalized by hand engraving Mom's name on the charm. This necklace is accented with any chosen birthstone for Mom.

Open Heart Pendant with Birthstones Necklace

This sterling silver necklace has two heart charms. The smaller one is a polished heart with the birthstone of the person to whom you're giving this necklace to. The bigger one is an open heart where the birthstones of her loved ones are attached too.

Daisy Charm with Gem Necklace

This pure silver necklace makes use of sterling silver ball chain, with a flower shaped charm hanging on it. But the gems or stones attached to it are lab-created because the natural gemstones cannot stand the heat of the jewelry as it is made.

Gold Feather Heart Charm Necklace

This necklace includes a very attractive heart charm that is made of sterling silver and 22k gold. The heart pendant has intricate designs of feathers. It also has two circular charms where the name of the person you are giving it to may be engraved together with the names of important people in her life. Aside from the birthstone attached to it, you may also add other semi-precious stones to make it more attractive and creative.

Kate is a mother of two and is an author for a variety of lifestyle issues and topics. For more information on birthstone charm necklaces, I recommend you visit the website BlissLiving.Com and choose from their huge selection of birthstone charm necklace!

Birthstone Jewelry - A Perfect Gift

Picking out jewelry for someone special doesn't have to be an arduous task. If the decision seems too great, know that you can always turn to birthstone jewelry for the perfect, well-thought out gift. Choosing a piece of jewelry with that special someone's birthstone makes the gift that much more personal. And, while there are the traditional stones associated with each month, you don't necessarily have to go with the person's birth month. Instead, choose a stone of the month of your anniversary, or another extraordinary moment like the birth of your first child. A gift of this caliber is always sure to please.

Let's start with January and February. The birthstone for January is garnet. This is typically a beautiful deep red stone but, it possible to find garnet in shades of green, yellow and orange as well. Garnet is the perfect choice for a January stone because the color red represents strength, energy and new life. The birthstone for February is amethyst. Compared to the fiery boldness of the garnet, amethyst is a much more calming gemstone. Its rich purple color varies from a very light purple to deep, dark shades of plum. Also quite fittingly, amethyst represents February well as it symbolizes healing, wisdom and spirituality.

March's birthstone is the tranquil aquamarine. This is a beautiful stone ranging in color from light blue to blue to blue-green and resembles tropical blue waters. The word "aqua" in aquamarine literally means water and symbolizes youth, tranquility and confidence. Aquamarine is very readily available and therefore, affordable. When shopping for this stone however, don't mistake a blue topaz for an aquamarine as can look quite similar. The birthstone for the month of April is the diamond. In quite a sharp contrast to the aquamarine, this stone can often break the budget. It is possible to find a beautiful, clear looking diamond without spending a fortune and to the naked eye, it will look flawless. Diamonds are associated most times with weddings and engagements and represent purity, freshness and humility. It is often considered the ultimate in gemstones as white literally contains and reflects every color of the rainbow.

The month of May brings us to the regal Emerald. This stunning green stone can be very attractive to the eye and looks good in just about any sort of cut. This gemstone is both very beautiful and very rare. Again, this is the perfect stone for the month of May as the green represents fertility, growth and prosperity - just right to welcome spring. June's birthstone is the pearl. This is a beautiful, versatile stone available in many different settings. What's great about the pearl is the fact that you can find it in just about any color imaginable. Much like the diamond, the pearl represents purity and innocence and is another popular stone for wedding jewelry.

Now that we are into the summer time, July brings us back to bold, fiery color with the Ruby. This is another stunning red or pink stone that is well known in the jewelry world. The ruby is a fantastic stone because of the immense range of colors in which it exists. The ruby symbolizes love, compassion, energy and excitement. Keeping up with the brilliant colors comes August with its birthstone of peridot. This is a lesser known stone as it often times takes a backseat to the emerald. The peridot however, is a gorgeously understated gemstone with a fabulous yellow-green color that fits in perfectly with nature.

September brings us back to another brilliant blue stone - the sapphire. The sapphire comes in many shades of blue and is the most sought after blue gemstone. Because of the wide variety of color, it should be easy to find just the perfect one when out shopping. The blue sapphire represents harmony, stability and loyalty. Even if this isn't the birth month of your special someone, if you present them a sapphire with a note of how it represents your relationship, you have a sure-fire hit. The birthstone for October is the opal. This is a very unique stone as it comes in a multitude of colors. Similar to that of a pearl, many opals have an iridescent quality to them that flashes brilliant colors when the light hits it from different angles. Opals can be found in pretty much every color to yellow, orange, red, blue, green, brown and black and are very valuable.

The birthstone for November is the yellow topaz. This is a very creamy colored stone with soft coloring. The yellow topaz is the most valuable of all the colors of topaz. This yellow stone represents optimism, happiness and intellect. This could be the perfect stone for someone who appreciates soft, understated beauty. The final month of December has the blue topaz as its birthstone. The blue topaz has a very light, clear color to the stone and reflects light beautifully. This blue stone represents patience, refreshment and peace, making it the perfect stone to signify the end of one year and the start of another.

Ronnie Adolf is the president of Adolf Jewelers, a leading Richmond jewelry store offering Richmond diamond engagement rings, Richmond watches, and more. Adolf Jewelers can be found online at: AdolfJewelers.com.

Your Special Birthstone Bracelet

When shopping for a birthstone bracelet you must keep in mind that not all bracelets are the same. There are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure that you get the best birthstone bracelet for your money. We'll talk a little bit about them here.

Many of the birthstones have some of the same value definers. Birthstones for January, February, May, July, August, September, November, and December are (respectively) garnet, amethyst, emerald, ruby, peridot, sapphire, topaz, and zircon. These stones should not be opaque, but can be slightly translucent.

You want to pick up a birthstone bracelet that contains stones that are free of streaks and markings. Each stone should have a rich, single coloration, rather than a light or multicolored appearance.

A birthstone bracelet for the month of March should be made of bloodstone, a multicolored, opaque stone. The stone should be extremely smooth to the touch.

April is the diamond month. A birthstone bracelet made of diamonds is of course going to pay of the more pricier bracelets that you going to come across because diamonds are so sought after. Although diamonds are used in many other pieces of jewelry, the quality for the birthstone bracelet should not be sub-par.

Clear, colorless, and pristine diamonds are the most valuable form of the stone, but there are other colors. Clear diamonds are always more valuable than those with a yellow and cloudy look to them, but though they may hold a little less beauty these stones are still nevertheless quite valuable and have great appeal. A unique idea when it comes to diamonds is a colored diamond. There are even some colors that are unique to certain diamonds which of course just enhance the value and beauty.

Pearls are the stone of June. A pearl's value is based on its color, sheen, size, and shape. The purer the color, the rounder the shape, the greater the pearls value. For a birthstone bracelet, pearls usually are in settings of more than one. When this occurs the pearls should all be perfectly matched in the bracelet for a uniform a pale.

A birthstone bracelet for October should consist of either opal or pink tourmaline. It may be tough fines because many jewelers will not have pink tourmaline in stock, but opal is a beautiful stone and you can't go wrong with that. A valuable opal has a multitude of beautiful colors playing throughout its surface. There are two different kinds of opals (the white kind and the black kind), but the white kind is usually the one used in a birthstone bracelet for October.

In many jewelry stores, the find knowledgeable and helpful attendance thing to cater to your every whim. Many times they are the actual owners of the stores if the stores themselves are not national chains. And always ask questions if you're unsure if something. If you do not see what you are looking for within their cases, they may be able to help you locate exactly what you have in mind.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning fashion and jewelry. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Birthstone Bracelet [http://www.gemsandjewelryinfo.com/gems--jewels/jewelry--watches/birthstone-bracelet.html]

Buying Birthstone Jewelry - Money Saving Tips

You have consulted birthstones charts and want to buy jewelry. Are you looking for some ways to save money? There are many factors that contribute to the cost. Some are obvious. Others may not have occurred to you.

Identity

The birthstones are gemstones. Some are obviously more expensive than others. The birthstones chart currently used in the United States contains less expensive alternates for most months. There are many other lists:

1. Astrological charts use different time periods that combine months.

2. Old historical lists often assign the gemstones to different months and may substitute a few different stones.

3, Different countries have their own lists.

You can find these different birthstone charts on many websites.

Quality

The term genuine gemstone simply means that the stone has the necessary characteristics for its identity. The quality of color and clarity affects the price. Inclusions of other materials can detract from the clarity and reduce the value.

Color

Today many gemstones are color enhanced. Heat treating, diffusion, radiation, oiling, and dyeing are means of improving color. The gemstone industry assumes that these processes have been used, and sellers often do not volunteer the information. Ruby, sapphire, topaz, tanzanite, aquamarine, citrine, and others are routinely heated. Emerald is oiled. Beads may be dyed.

Assuming other qualities equal, natural color gemstones will be the most expensive. Dyed stones will be the least expensive.

Size

Gemstones are sold by weight. The larger the stone, the higher the price per carat. For example, one carat total weight of several small rubies will cost less than a one carat single ruby. Do not compare weight of different kinds of gemstones. They have different densities. A 1 carat ruby is not the same size as a 1 carat diamond.

Beads

When rough gemstone material comes out of the mine, the highest quality is set aside for cutting into loose stones for settings. The lower quality is used for beads. Why? Because drilling a bead hole wastes valuable weight.

Beaded jewelry may cost less. The difference in quality is not always obvious. The best quality gemstone beads are often tiny faceted rondelle shapes. The more valuable gemstones, such as ruby, emerald, and sapphire are seldom made into large beads, unless they are dyed or contain many inclusions. If you want natural color birthstones, you can probably find them as beads at an affordable price.

Lab Created or Synthetic Gemstones

They have the same characteristics as natural gemstones, but not the same inclusions. The process contains similarities to the natural creation, but time and quality are controlled by man. These high quality stones are expensive, but should cost less than the same quality mined gemstone.

Imitation Birthstones

They may be other less expensive gemstones that are dyed. Howlite is used to imitate turquoise. Glass imitations were popular in the 1940s and 1950s. They were often set in 10k gold rings. You may find them in antique or vintage jewelry stores. Prices will vary and may be determined by value as a collectible.

Swarovski crystal is a popular substitute as a birthstone. The colors are named after gemstones. Imitations should cost less than genuine gemstones.

Pearls

Pearls are organic gemstones created by oysters (salt water) or clams (freshwater). Natural pearls found by diving are rare and most expensive. Today almost all genuine pearl jewelry is cultured on pearl farms. The clam or oyster is induced to create the pearl. Pearls are sorted according to quality, size, and shape. Lower quality freshwater pearls may be dyed. These characteristics determine price.

Imitations are man made, usually by coating glass, crystal, or plastic. Faux is a French word for false and indicates imitation. Again, quality will determine price.

Precious Metals

The cost of gold and silver has increased drastically. They are also sold by weight. Heavy ornate settings, clasps, or beads can increase cost. Different kinds of metal are priced from high to low in this order: 18k, 14k, 10k gold, vermeil (gold plated sterling silver), sterling silver, gold filled, gold plated, silver plated, gold or silver tone base metals.

Beaded Jewelry

Beaded birthstone jewelry has other options for lower prices. Tiny spacer beads reduce the number of birthstone beads needed. They can be silver, gold, inexpensive gemstones, or glass seed beads. Look for other less expensive beads in the design, or just a few birthstones as focal points.

Designer

This term can raise the price. Designer jewelry implies special talent, design experience or education. In reality, anyone can advertise as a designer. Jewelry that carries the name of a well known store, name brand, famous designer, or celebrity may cost more. Endorsements are expensive. If fashion jewelry containing imitation gemstones and base metal is sold in a well known or upscale clothing store, it can cost more than jewelry with genuine gemstones sold on a website.

Custom Made

Birthstone jewelry that requires extra time, new design, buying new or unusual materials can be expensive. Instead use the seller's existing design with substitution of in stock stones or beads.

Middlemen

The number between the mine and the jewelry seller is one of the biggest factors affecting price. A hobbyist who buys materials from a retail store adds a middleman. A seller who designs and makes jewelry and buys beads or loose stones directly from the cutter eliminates distributors. Ask questions. Today it is easy to buy from jewelry makers. Look for their websites. Attend craft fairs or gem shows.

Overhead

Does the seller have to pay any of these business overhead costs? Store, warehouse, office; employees; business records; website design, upkeep, hosting; photography; advertising; credit card processing. Buy from a business that is run from a home. Look for information on the About Us page.

Mass Produced Jewelry

Large volume selling can mean cheap prices. Materials are bought in large quantities. Even handmade items are produced by a large number of workers repeating the same design. Usually the jewelry is imported from countries where labor is cheap. You can find this jewelry in chain stores, large websites, discount stores. Quality may be affected by time deadlines, boring repetition, or inexpensive construction materials. Few or one of a kind jewelry cannot be offered.

Shipping and Packaging

It is never free. It must either be included in overhead or paid as added cost by the buyer. Actual shipping costs vary. You can check them on the shipping carrier's website if you know the location of the seller. First class mail is inexpensive for small, light weight packages.

If you buy directly from a country where labor costs are low, the savings may be offset by high international shipping. Returning an item would be expensive. Handling costs also vary. Fancy boxes and packing materials can raise the price.

Conclusion

If you do comparison shopping, be sure to consider the quality of the birthstone jewelry. Be suspicious of low cost items that cannot be returned easily, worthless guarantees, deceiving imitations. If the price is too low to be true, it probably is not a bargain.

Save money, but do it intelligently.

Nancy has been involved in the fields of gemstones and beads for more than 15 years. You can find birthstone lists and birthstone jewelry on her website.

http://www.handmadebeadedjewelry.org/

Birthstone Jewelry - Traditional Vs Modern

There are many different types of birthstone charts and those that you have become with traditionally probably have a modern version that is much different than the older one. A stone is associated with each month of the year and is often used to create jewelry for the wearer to use to signify their birth month. One of the advantages to the flexibility of the birthstones is that if you never really liked your birthstone color when growing up, the modern one that represents your birth month may be a better choice for you.

Birthstone jewelry is enjoyed by the young and the young at heart and makes wonderful birthday gifts since it is created especially for the occasion! Following are the traditional and modern birthstones associated with the twelve months of the year.

Traditional Birthstones By Month:

January-Garnet

February-Amethyst

March-Bloodstone

April-Diamond

May-Emerald

June-Alexandrite

July-Ruby

August-Sardonyx

September-Sapphire

October-Tourmaline

November-Citrine

December-Zircon, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli

Modern Birthstones By Month

January-Garnet

February-Amethyst

March-Aquamarine

April-Diamond

May-Emerald

June-Pearl, Moonstone

July-Ruby

August-Peridot

September-Sapphire

October-Opal, Tourmaline

November-Yellow Topaz, Citrine

December-Blue Topaz, Turquoise

As you can see, not all the birthstones were changed from their traditional stone but the modern stones were adopted officially in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers although many jewelers have used the traditional stones in many instances.

Often, birthstone jewelry is created with appropriately colored natural gems or synthetic stones in place of the real gems. Otherwise, jewelry that had the real stone for April (diamond) would be much more expensive than any other stone!

Some of the better brands of birthstone jewelry will include the appropriate gemstones and these are graded on quality in the same way as diamonds. The four C's which stand for color, cut, clarity, and carat weight will help you determine the quality of any of the gemstones.

o Color - relates to how rare the gemstone is as well as its value and quality.

o Cut - this is the way the stone is shaped including round, marquise, heart, and pear-shaped.

o Clarity - the clarity describes how clear the gemstone is and it is based on the number of inclusions, or flaws, that are visible within the stones as well as any blemishes that might occur on the surface.

o Carat Weight - this is the measurement used to determine the weight of the gemstone.

The color of the gemstone that is used in birthstone jewelry is important in two ways: It is important to represent the color of the stone that is designated for the recipient's birthday and it also helps to determine the value of the stone and, therefore, the value of the piece of jewelry.

The colors that occur in gemstones are the result of a variety of factors. The more rare the color, the higher the value of that particular gemstone. Some gemstones are found in a variety of colors and the presence of certain minerals or other elements can cause them to show in different colors. For example, purple color is caused by the presence of iron and/or manganese while green colors result from exposure to the natural radiation in the earth. Therefore, some colors may be found much less frequently than others.

Birthstone jewelry has been given traditionally to mark special occasions for many years and it remains a popular choice in jewelry today as well. When purchasing, consider the characteristics that determine the value of any piece.

Denise Sanger loves jewelry of all types and is the owner of ButterflyJewelryShop.com Denise is always looking for beautiful new sterling silver jewelry [http://butterflyjewelryshop.com/index.html] pieces including heart jewelry [http://butterflyjewelryshop.com/heartjewelry.html] to add to the company's unique jewelry catalog. Denise is located in Sunny North Florida and may be reached at 877-297-9050.

Birthstone Silver Charms Reveal the Secrets of Your Personality

Birthstones have been used since ancient times to reflect various personality and character traits of individuals born in the specific month. Silver charms that feature birthstones are a great way to add a touch of brilliance to charm bracelets, plus they also add depth and style. Various types of silver charms with birthstones are available, perfect for any type of gift.

Knowing a bit about the meaning behind different birthstones is both interesting and fun. The following information is commonly used as to the meaning behind different birthstones used in silver charms, bracelets, necklaces and other types of jewelry.

* Red garnets are the typical birthstone for the first month of the year. They signify leadership, power and authority as well as personal achievement. Some garnets can be colors other than red, but often the medium deep red color is the most common.

* Pink and purple are February's birthstone colors. The amethyst is a beautiful crystal stone that brings peace, love, romance and emotional understanding to the wearer.

* Pale blue aquamarine gems are the birthstone for March and are very much a symbol of peace, friendship, wisdom and strength in the face of adversity.

* Clear, fiery diamonds symbolize the people born in April. These precious stones are said to represent perfection, security and purity of mind and heart.

* Deep green emeralds are the birthstones given to those born in May. These birthstones are believed to bring about harmony with nature, tranquility and self-confidence.

* Pearls and moonstone are both used to represent those born in June. These milky to opaque birthstones represent elegance, enlightenment, inner strength and a love of simplicity.

* Deep blood red rubies are the birthstones of July and they bring to the wearer a sense of passion, leadership and power. They can also be used to indicate accomplishments and inner strength.

* Lime green peridots are the beautiful stones of August. Wearing this birthstone is believed to bring wealth, justice and mystery or enchantment.

* Rich blue sapphires are the perfect stone for those born in September. They characterize loyalty, truthfulness and faithfulness, all characteristics needed to be a great friend.

* Dazzling bursts of color in the opal and tourmaline make October's birthstone very eye catching. These stones represent innocence, friendship as well as purity in thought and deed.

* Yellow colors of topaz and citrine are perfect for November birthstones. They are designed to indicate the wearer has mental strength and clear thought, strength and long life.

* Blue colorations of the blue topaz and the turquoise round off the list of birthstones for the month of December. These gems represent good luck, wealth and happiness.

Whether you believe in the powers of birthstones on silver charms or jewelry or not, they do make a lovely addition to bracelets and other pieces. Adding a few silver charms of your birthstone or birthstones of family members will add dazzle to the bracelet, and may even provide health, good luck and prosperity.

Amber is writer for CharmsToTreasure, with more than 15 years experience in the jewelry and charm industry. Amber has written a number of articles providing educational information on gold charms, sterling silver charms, and charm bracelets.

http://www.charmstotreasure.com

Birthstone Necklaces for the Modern Woman

Birthstone necklaces are among the most elegant accessories every modern woman can wear. Superstitious or not, you can actually have birthstone necklaces worn without making it look like a weird talisman. There are many available modern designs nowadays in jewelry stores and even on-line. These new designs are fashionably up-to-date but are still genuinely charming.

Mother's birthstone necklaces are very popular among birthstone jewelries along with the plain birthstone rings, bracelets and pendants. So whether you're buying a birthstone necklace for yourself or as a gift to your mom, it's best to know the specific birthstone for every month and its variations. Every month's birthstone is described in the following paragraphs, including their color and meaning that can perfectly describe the characteristics of that special female in your life.

The stone for the month of January is garnet, which is a multi-colored stone. It means faith and loyalty. Amethyst is for February; its purple color denotes royalty and power, which are characteristics that a woman born in the love month should have. For March is aquamarine, which is the color of youth. The clear diamond is for April, which means humility.

Emerald is the color of prosperity and is the birthstone for May. For June, you can choose between moonstone and pearl. Moonstone is a pink stone that symbolizes health, femininity and compassion. Pearls come in different colors. But if you choose a brown pearl, it means simplicity, reliability and fertility. July is the month of ruby which means health and strength. The birthstone for August is peridot which is also color green.

For September is sapphire, for October is opal or tourmaline, and for December is turquoise or blue topaz. These stones are all blue in color and means happiness and confidence. Lastly, for November is citrine. Its orange color denotes warmth and energy.

You can effectively mix and match these stones with metals of your choice like gold, white gold, silver or stainless steel for a modern look. These are just some things you can take note of when buying or choosing birthstone necklaces-it should be stylish, elegant and cool, which is perfect for the modern woman!

Vanessa Tabora is a freelance SEO writer from the Philippines. She has written over two thousand SEO articles and product blurbs, topics ranging from adult content, yachts, bikes, to social media networks. She is also a data entry specialist and a Filipino translator as well.

For more information about her, visit her website, Filipino Seo Writer

What's Your Birthstone?

The idea of birthstones has been around for thousands of years. Various gems were believed to have certain powers and these were particularly strong powers in certain months. Traditionally the birthstones bring luck to the wearer, especially if worn during the birth month.

The modern list of birthstones has no real astrological significance. It was created in 1912 by the Jewelers of America and has been modified a couple of times since. The idea was to create a list of gems that people could actually find, since some traditional birthstones are a little on the rare side.

Since costs are a consideration for most of us, birthstone jewelry is frequently made with either created (man made) stones or, in less expensive jewelry with colored crystals. Of course, fine birthstone jewelry will be made with the same quality gems as any other fine jewelry.

The list of the modern birthstones, by month, is as follows:

The January Birthstone is Garnet. While the birthstone color is a rich red the garnet also comes in a great variety of colors. It's a relatively soft stone, so it should be protected from impacts and scratches. I once saw a gorgeous green garnet ring, priced at $4,000.

February's birthstone is the Amethyst. This fine purple/lilac gem is also relatively soft. Purple is, of course, the royal color and so Amethyst has been a favorite gem for a very long time. It was also a favorite of Catholic Priests. Leonardo Da Vinci believed that it dispelled evil thoughts and quickened the intelligence. It obviously worked very well for him.

The March Birthstone is Aquamarine. Aquamarine color ranges from light blue to blue/green to dark blue and is a favorite of many jewelers. Its light blue color arouses feelings of harmony and friendship and reflects the color of the sky as well as the deep blue sea. No wonder it was also a favorite gem of sailors and was reputed to be one of the treasures found with mermaids.

The birthstone for April is the diamond. Of course, everyone knows that the diamond is the hardest material known. Well cut diamonds of good quality are dazzling. Diamonds actually come in a range of colors: the clear ones we see most often, as well as various shades of yellow, brown, orange, blue, and green. Do you think that fine diamonds are expensive? Try finding a fine blue or pink diamond. The Hope diamond is a huge, perfect, blue-violet diamond.

May has the Emerald for its birthstone. This beautiful stone ranges from a cloudy pale green to a deep clear green in perfect specimens. High quality emeralds will see a price close to that of diamonds. Energy healers like the emerald for its positive effects on relationships.

June's birthstone is the Pearl. This is the only gemstone that is actually grown inside a creature. Certain oysters, if they ingest some kind of particle, will encase that particle with the pearl nacre. Truly fine pearls are carefully cultured and a long string of large, perfect pearls will set you back several thousand dollars. Fresh water pearls, which are quite affordable, can still be beautiful and some have very interesting shapes.

The July birthstone is Ruby. Second only to the diamond in hardness, it can still be chipped or cracked. Ruby was called the "King of Gems" by the ancient Hindus. Some have said that the July birthstone gets its color from an everlasting eternal fire, which cannot be extinguished.

August has Peridot for its birthstone. This gem is a beautiful green to yellow-green in color and is often mistaken for an emerald. In fact, legend has it that Queen Cleopatra preferred Peridot over other gems and that some of her "Emeralds" may have been Peridot. Emeralds don't have the yellow tint, though, and tend to be a darker green.

The Birthstone for September is the Sapphire. Rubies and Sapphires are both part of the corundum group of mineral, characterized by their hardness. The red corundums are Rubies. The blue ones are the sapphires.

Opal is the birthstone for October. This shimmering gem changes color depending on the light. Black opals, while not black, have a darker base color and can be stunning.

Citrine is November's birthstone and is one of the most affordable gemstones. Essentially, it's golden quartz and ranges in color from a lemon yellow to a more orange hue. Ancient peoples thought that the citrine would protect them from snake venom and evil thoughts. Yellow Topaz is an alternate birthstone for November.

Lastly, we have the Blue Topaz or Tanzanite as the December birthstone. Topaz is a very hard gem that naturally comes in a variety of colors, except blue! The blue color comes from irradiation. Tanzanite is an alternate birthstone for December. It has a shimmering blue color with hints of purple and comes only from the African country of Tanzania.

Gems4friends.com has more information on birthstones and a cool birthstone chart, which includes birthstones from traditions other than the modern one.

Copyright 2006 by Greg Mee and gems4friends.com. Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as the links remain intact.

The History And Lore Of Birthstone Rings

Since ancient times, rings have been recognized as a symbol of relationship, or a bond between the giver and the wearer of the ring. In some cultures, this was interpreted as a physical bond of ownership and control. For example in the ancient Greek myth of Prometheus, the god Zeus uses a ring of unbreakable adamantine to forever bind Prometheus to a rock as punishment for giving the secret of fire to mankind.

More often than not, however, ancient cultures recognized the ring as a symbol of emotional attachment. The perfect circle of a gold ring represents continuity, as in the eternal return of the seasons. The shape of a circle has always been a metaphor for faithfulness, unity, eternity or perfection, and there are many examples of this in prehistoric rock art. Birth stone rings evolved from this tradition

Certain personality traits have always been associated with each gemstone and the individuals whose birth month is represented by that gem. Legendary powers have been attributed to many birthstones and birthstone rings were worn to bring good fortune to their owner.

Birthstone rings have a rich history in many cultures. Most scholars agree that the history and legend of birthstones originated in the Old Testament story of a garment worn by the high priest Aaron. Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes, one of the signs of the zodiac and also one of the months of the year.

Over time, many of the birthstones have remained the same, with the same birthstone colors; some have changed slightly because their exact origins were unknown from the original text, and some have been interpreted to the proper minerals of those probably referred to in the in the original text. Here is a good page to view birthstone rings.

Birthstone history and legends:

Garnet (birthstone of January):

Garnet comes from the Greek word "granatum" meaning "pomegranate seed". It is symbolic for many different religions. Ancient Hebrew legend states that garnet was one of the twelve gems in the breastplate of Aaron. Christians have seen it to symbolize the sacrifices of Christ. And the Koran states that garnet illuminates the Fourth Heaven of Islam. Primitive cultures believed garnet could smooth discord and prevent bloodshed.

Amethyst (birthstone of February):

Ancients believed amethyst would protect them from drunkenness. In fact its name is taken from the Greek "A-methystos", meaning, "not drunken". Legend has it that Bacchus, the Greek god of wine, grew angry with mortals, and vowed that the next mortal to cross his path would be eaten by tigers. Just then a young maiden named Amethyst was on her way to worship the Goddess Diana. Diana, Knowing of Bacchus' plan turned Amethyst into a statue of colorless quartz to save her from the tiger's teeth. Bacchus, seeing this repented and cried tears of wine over the young Amethyst, staining her purple.

Aquamarine (birthstone of March):

Aquamarine comes from the Latin for "sea water". It is said to offer the wearer foresight, courage, and happiness. Legend is that sailors wore it to sea to keep them safe and ward off seasickness. It was also believed to be the treasure of mermaids. Aquamarine is said to bring love, increase intelligence, and restore youth.

Diamond (birthstone of April):

The word diamond comes from the Greek "adamas", meaning, "unconquerable". The Greeks believed diamonds to be star splinters fallen to earth. The tradition of diamonds as a symbol of love comes from the Roman belief that Cupids arrows were tipped with them. But the tradition of the diamond engagement ring didn't start until much later, when, in 1477, the Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave one to Mary of Burgundy.

Emerald (birthstone of May):

The Roman scholar Plinly loved emeralds because, in his words, "Nothing green is greener." The Moguls of India inscribed them with sacred texts and wore them as talismans. One such talisman, a 78 carat emerald, reads, "He who possesses this charm shall enjoy the special protection of God", in Persian. Cleopatra loved her emeralds more than any other gem, though it is now believed that her "emeralds" were actually peridot.

Alexandrite (birthstone of June):

Alexandrite was discovered in 1830 in Russia. As red and green, the colors of alexandrite, were also the colors of Imperial Russia, the stone was named after the Czarevich Alexander II on the occasion of his coming of age. Alexandrite is still believed to be a good omen in Russia.

Ruby (birthstone of July):

The ruby is said to bring wisdom, happiness, and health, and symbolizes success, devotion, and integrity. It was thought to bring good luck to both lovers and gamblers. The ruby was said to help mend bad relationships as well as encourage stable ones.

Peridot (birthstone of August):

Peridot is thought to ensure good luck, peace, and success. It is said that what Cleopatra thought were her "emeralds" were actually peridot. Legend has it that peridot was first mined on the Egyptian island of Zeberget, but only at night because it was believed that peridot could not be seen by day. Large peridots still decorate the shrine of the three magi at the Cologne Cathedral.

Sapphire (birthstone of September):

Ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and that the sapphire's reflection colored the sky. While some ancient Hebrew writers believed that the Ten Commandments were written on sapphire. More recently, the engagement ring Prince Charles gave to Princess Diana was a sapphire ring.

Pink Tourmaline (birthstone of October):

The word Tourmaline comes from the Singhalese "tourmalli" which means "mixed colored stones". Tourmaline is thought to represent autumn because the red and green colors of some tourmaline are reminiscent of the turning of the leaves. This is why it has become the birthstone of October.

Imperial Topaz (birthstone of November):

Topaz comes from the Sanskrit "tapas", meaning "fire". The Greeks believed it could increase strength and make the wearer invisible. The Romans believed it could improve eyesight. And the Egyptians believed a topaz amulet could protect the wearer from injury.

Blue Zircon (birthstone of December):

Zircon, known to the ancients as hyacinth, provided the wearer with wisdom, honor, and riches. For women it was believed to aid in childbirth, and for men it was believed to keep evil spirits and bad dreams away. When zircon lost its luster it was thought to be warning of danger.

The physical properties of birthstones:

Science and spirituality often seem to cross paths, and the physics of birthstones are an exceptional example. Birthstones are among the most dense crystalline substances on the planet, formed from millions of years of pressure under the earth's crust. The enchanting birthstone colors are the result of both the source element and the precise alignment of the crystals within the gem.

In a physical sense, birthstones concentrate energy and redirect it along a certain prismatic path. The ancients believed that wearing birthstone rings transferred the power of the gem from each finger to a different area of the body. The third finger of the left hand, for example, transferred energy to the heart, which is why it is traditionally used for an engagement ring.

The modern laser was invented with the use of a ruby, which concentrates ordinary light into a higher energy level that can be directed on a coherent path, a pinpoint that travels extreme distances without dispersing.

Diamonds are the most highly conductive substance known, and are currently at the leading edge of future computer technology.

If there is any physical reality that underlies the wearing of birthstone rings, it is perhaps summarized by the great psychologist Carl Jung, who said, "The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed."

Casey Buell is an expert in the field of gemstones and diamonds, and a contributor to the award winning mother's ring website located at http://www.momsring.com.

Stackable Birthstone Rings - A Guide to the Birthstones of Your Loved Ones

Is the birthday of someone special coming near? Are you looking for a perfect gift for someone you really love? I have an idea for you that is not only unique and beautiful but it may also mean luck and health to your dear one. On your fiancé's, mother's or sister's next birthday, gift them stackable birthstone rings. These rings will be studded with stones that are associated with their birth month or zodiac sign. People relate many legends with these stones as they are thought to have some sort of mystique powers for the ones who wear them.

Following is a guide to the birthstones of your loved ones:

For someone born in January:

Garnet is the birthstone for this month. It is typically red in color but you may also find it in other colors such as orange, pink and violet. It will protect the wearer from bad dreams.

For someone born in February:

The stone is amethyst, which is purple in color. It gives peace of mind and ensures good health.

For someone born in March

Blue colored gemstone known as aquamarine is the birthstone for them. It stands for courage and hope.

For someone born in April

Diamond is the birthstone. It gives wisdom and strength.

For someone born in May

Emerald is their birthstone; it gives them success and joy.

For someone born in June

Pearl is their birthstone and it helps in having a successful married life.

For someone born in July

Ruby is their birthstone which gives strength and nobility.

For someone born in August

Peridot is their birthstone which protects them against all evils and nightmares.

For someone born in September

Deep blue colored, Sapphire is their birthstone; it gives them intelligence and success.

For someone born in October

Found in black or white colors, Opal is their birthstone. It gives them peace of mind and strength.

For someone born in November

Topaz being their birthstone, gives them courage and serenity.

For someone born in December

Blue colored, Turquoise is their birthstone. It assures their health and gives success.

You can read more information before you buy stackable birthstone rings, and read exclusive reviews leather watch bands from my websites.

Birthstone Charts - Choosing Gifts with Traditional, Astrological and Celtic Birthstones

Birthstones make ideal gifts, but did you realize that there is more than one list of birthstones. If you combine the different birthstone gems, flowers and colors from the different lists the combinations can be bewildering. However, by choosing from the various birthstone charts we can create many unique gift ideas.

The first birthstone chart that most people consider is the traditional one. This has a different stone or stones for each month. For example the August birthstone is peridot and the September one is sapphire. The stones can vary greatly in value and this can make it difficult to find appropriate gifts. Especially for those born in April where the stone is diamond.

For those that are astrologically minded there is a list of birthstones by starsign. Using the zodiac birthstone may prove less expensive as the gems for April are bloodstone and sapphire rather than the traditional diamond.

There is even a Celtic birthstone chart that has a Celtic name for each division of the calendar and a gem for each. There is also a tree associated with each division. It may be an idea to give that tree as a gift, especially to a younger person so that they can watch it grow.

You can choose many types of jewelry containing the appropriate stones. You could give a mother a bracelet with the stones of her children. It is obviously best to stick with one list and find a gift of the appropriate value. It may be possible to use alternative gems or use gems of the same color if the actual birthstone proves too expensive.

There are flowers and colors associated with the traditional birthstone chart and these can be used to personalize the gift. In some cases they can be used to enhance the gift if a less expensive gem has been used.

As you can see there are many combinations of jewelry, birthstones, flowers and colors that you can use to create unique gifts. You will need to be careful that you choose appropriate gems or flowers for the correct birth date. You may want to give a note with the gift to indicate the care and thought that you have put into the choice.

For a list of traditional birthstones visit

http://www.unique-gift-inspirations.com/birthstone-month.html.

For a list of flowers and colors associated with birthstones visit http://www.unique-gift-inspirations.com/birthstone-and-flower-of-each-month.html.

Gary Roll is co-founder of Unique Gift Inspirations, a website that provides help in finding unusual and unique gift ideas for anniversaries, birthdays and other occasions. The site also provides advice and tips about gift choosing, organizing and wrapping.

Birthstone Color Chart: The Definitive List of Each Month

Deep Red Garnet: The traditional birthstone for January is garnet. The most commonly worn color for garnet is a deep, slightly translucent red. The word garnet derives from an ancient word meaning pomegranate. This gemstone is thought to protect travelers on long journeys and symbolizes love.

Brilliant Purple Amethyst: February's traditional birthstone is amethyst. Amethyst is found in a light translucent purple. A Greek myth describes Dionysus, the god of wine, as having a part to play in birthstone color. Because of his involvement with this ancient stone, Amethyst is thought to prevent drunkenness.

Translucent Blue Aquamarine: The month of March is traditionally represented by aquamarine. This light blue stone gets its name because of its resemblance to water. Aquamarine is thought to bring luck on the high seas and prevent illness on those choppy waters.

Snow White Diamond: April has the privilege to be the king of gemstones. Diamonds are the traditional birthstones for this month. A quality white diamond can change depending on its cut and clarity. A diamond is thought to prove love and affection.

Forest Green Emerald: May's birthstone is emerald. Genuine emeralds are an opaque forest green. By weight, emeralds are the most expensive gemstone to purchase and highly prized by the Egyptian Goddess Cleopatra.

Shimmery White Pearl and Mysterious Blue/Green Alexandrite: The month of June has two birthstones. Pearls are one of the birthstones for the month of June. While pearls once were jewelry suited only for kings and queens, now everyone can enjoy this birthstone either worn with an elegant gown or dressed down with more casual jeans. Alexandrite, a brownish green stone that turns red in certain lighting, is another birthstone for the month of June. This stone is also a symbol of happiness and good luck.

Fire Red Ruby: Rubies are the stone that symbolize the month of July. Long ago it was thought that rubies possessed magic and would ward off evil spirits. Today these red gemstones are still a symbol of love and romance.

Yellowish/Green Peridot: Those with August birthdays are represented by the gemstone peridot. This elegant green gemstone is a symbol of strength and growth.

Penetrating Dark Blue Sapphire: Those celebrating birthdays in the month of September have sapphire as a birthstone. This hard blue gemstone is believed to have healing powers and represents honesty and fidelity.

Milky White Rainbow Infused Opal: The birthstone for the month of October is opal. These multicolored gemstones were once believed to have healing powers and to fend off nightmares. The gift of an opal represents solidarity.

Sun-kissed Yellow Citrine: Citrine is the birthstone for the month of November. This sunny yellow gemstone can symbolize faith and power. It is thought that citrine can evoke energy from the sun and give you that extra boost needed during the day.

Sky Blue Topaz: The month of December is represented by blue topaz. Blue topaz is a gemstone that symbolizes faithful love. December's birthstone comes in a light translucent blue color.

Written By: Nicolle Chamberlain and Lauren Goldberg

Learn more interesting Facts, Legends, and Mystical Properties of all the birthstone months at http://www.silverandgoldgallery.com/library.html

List of Birthstone Colors

This list of birthstone colors covers both modern and traditional birthstones. There's some overlap here in the traditional and modern colors, since the modern birthstone list (established in the early 1900s) was based on the traditional stones.

Why is the color of birthstones significant?

In ancient times, people thought the color of a stone revealed the specific natural power or energy the stone contained. And the color of your birthstone was believed to enhance or resonate with your own personal energy.

Today, many people simply feel their birthstone is special, and a gift containing this gemstone is considered to be a significant, personalized item to give.

So how might you use this list of birthstone colors?

It's handy to refer to whenever you want to represent a specific birth month, but without using gems.

For example, you could use glass beads to create jewelry in the birthstone colors instead of using genuine stones.

You may also want to use the list of birthstone colors to personalize or design non-jewelry items, such as clothing or gifts, for someone.

Or you could use the colors in this list for inspiration in decorating for a birthday party or other special event.

List of Birthstone Colors

January -

- Modern: dark red

- Traditional: dark red

February -

- Modern: medium to dark purple

- Traditional: medium to dark purple

March -

- Modern: aqua

- Traditional: dark green with red inclusions

April -

- Modern: silvery crystal

- Traditional: silvery crystal

May -

- Modern: bright green

- Traditional: bright green

June -

- Modern: milky to blueish white

- Traditional: light reddish purple

July -

- Modern: deep blood red

- Traditional: deep blood red

August -

- Modern: light yellowish green

- Traditional: brownish red with white inclusions

September -

- Modern: deep vibrant blue

- Traditional: deep vibrant blue

October -

- Modern: blueish pink

- Traditional: pink

November -

- Modern: yellow or golden brown

- Traditional: yellow

December -

- Modern: greenish blue or sky blue

- Traditional: greenish blue

See more helpful birthstones chart information - including a birthstone color chart showing images of each month's colors. This list of birthstone colors is just one facet of the fascinating realm of birthstone lore.