Birthstone Jewelry - Traditional Vs Modern

There are many different types of birthstonethe American National Association of Jewelers
charts and those that you have become withalthough many jewelers have used the traditional
traditionally probably have a modern version thatstones in many instances.
is much different than the older one. A stone isOften, birthstone jewelry is created with
associated with each month of the year and isappropriately colored natural gems or synthetic
often used to create jewelry for the wearer tostones in place of the real gems. Otherwise,
use to signify their birth month. One of thejewelry that had the real stone for April
advantages to the flexibility of the birthstones is(diamond) would be much more expensive than
that if you never really liked your birthstone colorany other stone!
when growing up, the modern one thatSome of the better brands of birthstone jewelry
represents your birth month may be a betterwill include the appropriate gemstones and these
choice for you.are graded on quality in the same way as
Birthstone jewelry is enjoyed by the young anddiamonds. The four C's which stand for color, cut,
the young at heart and makes wonderful birthdayclarity, and carat weight will help you determine
gifts since it is created especially for the occasion!the quality of any of the gemstones.o Color -
Following are the traditional and modernrelates to how rare the gemstone is as well as its
birthstones associated with the twelve months ofvalue and quality.o Cut - this is the way the stone
the year.is shaped including round, marquise, heart, and
Traditional Birthstones By Month:pear-shaped.o Clarity - the clarity describes how
January-Garnetclear the gemstone is and it is based on the
February-Amethystnumber of inclusions, or flaws, that are visible
March-Bloodstonewithin the stones as well as any blemishes that
April-Diamondmight occur on the surface.o Carat Weight - this
May-Emeraldis the measurement used to determine the
June-Alexandriteweight of the gemstone.
July-RubyThe color of the gemstone that is used in
August-Sardonyxbirthstone jewelry is important in two ways: It is
September-Sapphireimportant to represent the color of the stone
October-Tourmalinethat is designated for the recipient's birthday and
November-Citrineit also helps to determine the value of the stone
December-Zircon, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuliand, therefore, the value of the piece of jewelry.
Modern Birthstones By MonthThe colors that occur in gemstones are the result
January-Garnetof a variety of factors. The more rare the color,
February-Amethystthe higher the value of that particular gemstone.
March-AquamarineSome gemstones are found in a variety of colors
April-Diamondand the presence of certain minerals or other
May-Emeraldelements can cause them to show in different
June-Pearl, Moonstonecolors. For example, purple color is caused by the
July-Rubypresence of iron and/or manganese while green
August-Peridotcolors result from exposure to the natural
September-Sapphireradiation in the earth. Therefore, some colors
October-Opal, Tourmalinemay be found much less frequently than others.
November-Yellow Topaz, CitrineBirthstone jewelry has been given traditionally to
December-Blue Topaz, Turquoisemark special occasions for many years and it
As you can see, not all the birthstones wereremains a popular choice in jewelry today as well.
changed from their traditional stone but theWhen purchasing, consider the characteristics that
modern stones were adopted officially in 1912 bydetermine the value of any piece.