subject: Birthstone Jewellery - The Perfect Gift For A 21st Birthday [print this page] Wearing birthstones associated with the month of ones birth has been a tradition for at least 400 years. They were once thought to have magical powers and to bring good luck to the wearer. Today, they make wonderful 18th or 21st gifts.
In case you didnt know, for at least 500 years, each month has had a particular precious stone associated with it. Though the exact links have varied somewhat over the centuries, according to modern tradition they are:
January - Garnet
February - Amethyst
March - Aquamarine
April - Crystal Quartz
May - Emerald/Chrysoprase
June - Pearl/Moonstone
July - Ruby
August - Peridot
September - Sapphire
October - Pink Opal/Tourmaline
November - Citrine
December - Turquoise/Blue Topaz
When it comes to so significant a date as an 18th or 21st birthday, something so linked to ones origins is a great way to mark and remember the occasion.
One of the earliest references to wearing precious stones for luck is to be found in the Hebrew Bible. Exodus the breastplate worn by the prophet Aaron - elder brother of Moses - is described thus,
"It was square... and folded double. Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there was a ruby, a topaz and a beryl; in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald; in the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. They were mounted in gold filigree settings. There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes"
Over time, those stones became associated with signs and the zodiac and then months of the year. The tradition of wearing birthstones arose in Poland, probably during either the fifteenth or sixteenth century. At that time it was believed that certain stones held magical powers and each birthstones power would become greater during their particular month. For that reason, people of the time would rotate the birthstone they wore in line with the months. Some people still follow this tradition and so invest in a full set of the twelve birthstones.
Nobody wants to give mass-produced jewellery as 21st gifts. One wants to give something precious and personal. Buying birthstone jewellery as 18th or 21st gifts allows one to create something that is truly personalised. All of the fittings are made in solid Sterling silver or 9 carat gold. To add that extra personal touch, one can choose to have the wearers name or initials incorporated into the chain or added as one of a wide selection of charms. Birthstones are available fitted as ever popular rings, bracelets, pendants or larger (but still delicate) necklaces. All of these choices are available in a range of styles and designs to suit any taste.
From charm bracelets laced with a variety of luck-bringing symbols to Sterling silver rings handmade by big name designers. Of course, precious stones can be expensive, but one can still give an impressive looking gift without spending a small fortune. Birthstones can also be made by colouring Swarovski crystal. Ensure you are dealing with a reputable supplier. Some imitation birthstones can look correct, but are only made of glass and plastic. When marking an 18th or 21st birthday, one doesnt want to be handing over what is essentially childrens play jewellery! Reputable jewellers will ensure that even their imitation (or synthetic) stones are of the highest quality.
Also make sure to ask about the jewellers aftercare package. The best should offer a cleaning service so the lucky bearer can keep their piece looking bright without damaging it. It doesn't matter if you believe in their luck-giving powers or not; birthstone jewellery makes a great gift for an 18th or 21st birthday. The association of a particular stone with a particular month has a particular significance.
