| In times of rapid change, constants lend comfort | | | | Unlike today, early birthstones were linked to the |
| to our lives. Since ancient times, jewelry has been | | | | signs of the Zodiac instead of to calendar months. |
| one of the most popular gifts to give and to | | | | Almost everyone appreciates a birthstone, and it |
| receive, and it still ranks among the top gifts as a | | | | shows that you actually put some thought into |
| universal, particularly pearls and birthstones. | | | | the gift. Many people believe that wearing their |
| Jewelry ranks just beneath flowers as the gift | | | | birthstone protects them and brings them good |
| that says "I love you," and it ranks just above | | | | luck. When giving a birthstone as a gift, think |
| flowers as a gift to convey that the recipient is | | | | beyond rings to bracelets, pendants, earrings, pins |
| someone special. A gift of jewelry delights the | | | | and chokers. |
| recipient and evokes a genuine smile. | | | | The chart below contains the official modern |
| It's the Style... | | | | birthstones, as established in 1912 by the National |
| It's not the price; it's the style that determines | | | | Association of Jewelers. Some birthstones have |
| whether your gift of jewelry is received in the | | | | many legends associated with them; you'll find a |
| same spirit in which it is given. To give jewelry | | | | brief summary below. This official list applies only |
| that delights, match the gift to the recipient's | | | | to the United States. Several other birthstone lists |
| style. Jewelry is one area where you cannot give | | | | exist, such as the mystical birthstones, which |
| a gift that you would love to own. Your idea of a | | | | originated in Tibet and the Ayurvedic birthstones, |
| fashionable bauble may be another's idea of junk. | | | | which originated in India. |
| Is the intended's style casual or more formal, | | | | Month Birthstone |
| traditional or contemporary? You wouldn't give a | | | | January Garnet |
| Swatch watch to your great-grandmother any | | | | -Associated with blood, garnet provides victory, |
| more than you would give a diamond tennis | | | | protection from injury and health and brings |
| bracelet to your Goth niece. Select a compatible | | | | constancy |
| style and your gift will stand out among the | | | | February Amethyst |
| recipient's favorites and ensure that the gift never | | | | -Said to have been worn by St. Valentine, |
| finds its way to the regifting closet. | | | | amethyst signifies spirituality and sincerity |
| The Many Faces of Pearls | | | | March Aquamarine |
| Any woman over the age of 30 appreciates a | | | | -The stone of serenity and courage, also |
| fine strand of pearls. They're elegant, timeless, | | | | associated with water |
| and suitable for most occasions. Think back to | | | | April Diamond |
| your favorite old movies; most leading ladies wore | | | | -Banishes evil, promotes goodness, improves |
| pearls at some point during the movie. | | | | financial situations - the world's favorite precious |
| Pearls are the only gemstone created within | | | | gem also signifies pure and eternal love, innocence |
| another living organism. Natural pearls are grown | | | | May Emerald |
| without any human intervention when a speck of | | | | -Brings harmony, the stone of life and renewal, |
| sand or other irritant lodges itself inside an oyster. | | | | love and success |
| Deteriorating environmental conditions have | | | | June Pearl |
| rendered natural pearls all but obsolete. | | | | -Purity, chastity and modesty, health and |
| Cultured pearls have quickly filled the void. The | | | | longevity |
| only difference between a natural pearl and a | | | | July Ruby |
| cultured pearl is that human intervention is | | | | -Devotion, integrity and success - contentment |
| required to place the irritant inside the oyster shell. | | | | August Peridot |
| By controlling the size and shape of the irritant as | | | | -Dignity, success and fame - married happiness |
| well as the environmental factors, cultured pearls | | | | September Sapphire |
| guarantee greater quality control. You'll find pearls | | | | -Clears the mind and brings prosperity and clear |
| in many hues ranging from white South Sea | | | | thinking |
| pearls to black Tahitian pearls, and covering a lot | | | | October Opal |
| of territory in between: pink, green, blue and | | | | -Happiness, beauty, love, magic - hope |
| ivory. | | | | November Topaz |
| Freshwater pearls sport a combination of | | | | -Brings wisdom and strength of mind, fidelity |
| interesting shapes and hues not usually found in | | | | December Turquoise |
| saltwater varieties. Freshwater pearls come from | | | | -Good fortune and prosperity |
| Chinese rivers and lakes where the Hyriopsis | | | | Enclose a card with the gift explaining the meaning |
| cumingi mussels can produce 50 pearls at once. | | | | of the birthstone. While most people know their |
| They are usually less expensive than saltwater | | | | birthstone, few know the significance attached to |
| pearls, but no less elegant than their saltwater | | | | it. |
| counterpart. | | | | If you want to give jewelry as a gift, but you're |
| Birthstones | | | | at a loss for what to give, pearls and birthstones |
| Precious and semi-precious gems linked to | | | | provide two safe options that are sure to please |
| birthdays date as far back as the 15th century. | | | | and make a lasting impression. |