A Guide to Birthstones - Part One

For hundreds of years, civilizations haveconsidered to be even above diamonds, due to its
associated precious gems and stones with birthemblematic nature as a protector. It was also
dates. This originated from hundreds of years ofbelieved that this stone could give you the power
religion, culture and folklore. Each stone hasand strength to overcome difficult challenges in
different properties and myths, which have beenlife, as well as strengthen relationships. As a
with certain months of the year. You can findsymbol of power and personal strength, this hazy
birthstones on jewellery websites and in local andpurple gem is a wonderful suitor for engagement
high street jewelers.or commitment rings.
January's stone is Garnet, a protector of those onMarch's gemstone is a mineral associated with the
a journey. It symbolises one's love and wish ofsea due to its mixtures of blue and green.
well being for those on a voyage. Therefore, itAquamarine literally means 'water' and 'sea' in
has been considered an appropriate going awayLatin, and has been used by sailors as protective
present, as well as a gift for those starting outtalisman during voyage across the wild and
their journey in life. Garnet itself means 'seed'untamable sea. For many, this gemstone
because of its aesthetic likeness to thepromotes security and safety in a long term
pomegranate seed. This succulent and vibrantrelationship - and can even reawaken passion! Due
gem promotes a sense of vitality and life. In fact,to these connotations it is often given as a
what is most unique about this gem is that youanniversary present. March, unlike the prior
can find it a multitude of vibrant colours, due tomonths, has an alternative stone -Bloodstone - a
its natural mixture with other elements.gem that is deemed to mean 'courage' because
February's stone, the amethyst, is a stabilisingof the belief that Christ's blood was spilt onto the
force. It has in the past been associated withstone.
royalty, sobriety and spirituality. It was once