Garnet, the birthstone for January,  signifies eternal friendship and trust and is the perfect gift for a friend.

According to legend, garnet gives its wearer guidance in night travel, protects them from nightmares, promotes long-lasting love, and prevents depression and hearing difficulties. Medieval people believed garnet’s powers would stop bleeding and heal inflammatory illnesses. In the past, garnet was important to Christians who felt it reminded them of the crucifixion of Christ. As such, it was not only used as January’s birthstone but as a stone for Easter.

Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is the gemstone believed by ancient Greeks and Romans to ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus, also is said to keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted.

It is said that purple amethyst is the protector of soldiers and hunters. Amethyst provides insight on ways to solve problems, and increases intelligence and spirituality. Amethyst can be used as a symbol of sincerity, security, and peace of mind.

The two birthstones for March are Aquamarine and Bloodstone.

The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea.  This gemstone was believed to protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage. The serene color of aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and level headed.  In the middle Ages, bloodstone was attributed special powers as the spots were thought to be the blood of Jesus Christ, and it was thought to be able to stop bleeding with the merest touch.

As the April birthstone, diamonds are the ideal gift for a loved one.

They are associated with wealth, achievement, status and love. For centuries diamonds have been regarded as beautiful, magical, mysterious and powerful. Diamonds stand for purity, eternal love and faith in most countries. The diamond is an emblem of courage and invincibility, and gemstone healers often use diamonds to improve their personal clarity and vision. Theoretically the higher the quality of the diamond, the better it helps strengthen these qualities.

As the birthstone for May, the Emerald, a symbol of rebirth, is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth.

Emerald is used for physical and emotional healing. It is said to strengthen not only the physical body but also sooth the emotions. Some traditions say that emerald will help one become more flexible and understanding, making it a helpful addition to wedding rings.

June counts three gems as birthstones – Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone.

The pearl symbolizes beauty, love, success, and happiness. In many countries pearls are used as a wedding gift. Legend has it that people living in the 13th century thought pearl would cure mental illness and broken hearts. Alexandrite can assist one in centering the self, reinforcing self-esteem, and augmenting ones ability to experience joy. Moonstones are believed to encapsulate within the stone a spirit whose purpose is to bring good fortune.

There’s no better way to demonstrate your love than by giving a Ruby in celebration of a July birthday.

Rubies arouse the senses, stir the imagination, and are said to guarantee health, wisdom, wealth and success in love. Rubies were also thought to ward off misfortune and ill-health. According to ancient lore, a ruby is capable of reconciling lovers’ quarrels. Ruby engagement rings are given to express passion and promise of their heart.

Two birthstones are available for August birthdays: Peridot  and Sardonyx.

Peridot is said to host healing properties to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power, influence, and a wonderful year. Since peridot is brought to the surface by volcanoes, peridot symbolizes the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Sardonyx was popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans who carried into battle talismans of sardonyx engraved with images of heroes such as Mars or Hercules, believing that this would bring courage and victory.

Sapphire, the September birthstone, has been popular since the Middle Ages and, according to folklore, will protect your loved ones from envy and harm.

Medieval clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven, while commoners thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings. Sapphire represents truth, sincerity and consistency. Sapphire engagement rings are given to express the commitment and loyalty of the giver’s heart.

October is another month with two birthstone choices – Tourmaline and Opal.

Pink Tourmaline promotes female balance and protection. Green Toumaline promotes male balance.  According to legend, all colors of tourmaline protect the wearer against many dangers and misfortune. In ancient times opal was accepted as a symbol of faithfulness and confidence. It has reputed healing properties, especially to increase mental capacities such as creative imagination and other unused powers of the mind.

Two gems are appropriate for November birthdays – Topaz and Citrine.

Topaz is used for strength, wisdom and courage, as well as love and affection. The Romans thought Topaz could help one avoid poisons. Citrine is known as the healing quartz. This golden gemstone is said to support vitality and health while encouraging and guiding hope, energy and warmth within the wearer.

 

The three birthstones associated with December are Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, and Turquoise.

It is said that Tanzanite helps with change. It uplifts and opens the heart. Turquoise supposedly helps one to start new projects, and was thought to protect the wearer from falling, especially from horses. Folk wisdom grants blue zircon the power to relieve pain, stimulate the appetite, and protect travelers from disease.