subject: Birthstones by Month - Gems with Gifts [print this page] Birthstones by Month - Gems with Gifts Birthstones by Month - Gems with Gifts
Birthstones are precious gems that are given to bring a person good luck on his birthday. Also known as anniversary stones, they symbolize the month of birth in the Gregorian calendar. To determine one's birthstone, you would have to decide whether to choose from the traditional, modern, mystical or ayurvedic birthstones depending on your beliefs and preference.
? Traditional birthstones are based on the Gregorian calendar and are most often makes use of the stones found in English-speaking societies. A poem published by Tiffany & Co. in their pamphlet in the 1800's assigns a gemstone to a corresponding month on the Gregorian calendar and gives a description of the attributes of the person born within the month.
? Modern birthstones are a list adapted by the Jewelers of America and are usually adapted in most countries.
? Mystical birthstones derived from Tibetan beliefs and are said to aid a person overcome hurdles in life, similar to an amulet.
? Ayurvedic birthstones on the other hand are derived from Ancient Indian culture and medicine.
Birthstones are believed to hold attributes of the person born in the said month and some would even go as far as serving as good luck charms or "power" amulets.
? January - Garnet, assures true friendship and loyalty
? February - Amethyst, brings peace of mind; sincere
? March - Aquamarine, like the cold waters of the ocean it is believe to calm tempers
? April - Diamonds, though every girl's best friend it is said to ward off sadness-what girl would be sad with a one carat diamond ring, right?
? May - Emerald, said to be the symbol of rebirth, brings about youth and good fortune
? June -Pearls, though technically not a stone but a by-product of a living sea creature, it is said to bring about faithfulness and friendship
? July - Ruby, arouse passion and imagination and is believed to bring health, wealth, wisdom and love
? August - Peridot, a magical stone said to ward off nightmares
? September - Sapphire, brings joy and peace of mind
? October - Opal, known for its range in color, takes away worries, anxieties
? November - Topaz, usually of amber color is said to bring true love and friendship
? December - Turquoise, brings about success
Whether true or urban legend, birthstones accentuate a person's attributes with their beauty and value. One tends to own the qualities likened to the stone and attracts the special gifts it possesses, simply because we hold it true to ourselves.
