Garnet Birthstone: January Zodiac: Capricorn Anniv: 2nd, 5th, 12th Garnet derives its name from the Latin word for pomegranate, granatum, due to its resemblance to pomegranate seeds. Ancient Greeks and Romans associated it with fire, and Christians believed it to be used by Noah to illuminate the Ark. It is considered the gem of faith, constancy and truth; its wearer is said to be sociable and a good communicator.
Amethyst Birthstone: February Zodiac: Aquarius Anniv: 1st Amethyst is the violet-colored member of the quartz family; its name comes from the Greek amethustos, or "not to intoxicate." Amethyst was one of the first gemstones to be used by man, and has had royal and ecclesiastical associations in many legends. It has been ascribed the power to prevent intoxication, assure victory, protect travelers and enhance its wearer's business acumen.
Aquamarine Birthstone: March Zodiac: Pisces Anniv: 18th Aquamarine, whose name is Latin for "seawater," is a greenish-blue variety of the mineral beryl. Roman fisherman, and sailors throughout history, have used it as protection on the water. Believed to embody the spirit of the sea, it has long been regarded a symbol of purification, happiness and everlasting youth. It has also been said to establish happy marriages and reconcile differences.
Diamond Birthstone: April Zodiac: Aries Anniv: 10th, 60th Diamond, the hardest gemstone on Earth, derives its name from the Greek adamas, meaning unconquerable. Its rarity and exceptional brilliance has made it the most highly prized gemstone throughout history, reserved almost exclusively for royalty until the nineteenth century. Its associations with love and marriage may have begun in 1477, when the Archduke Maximilian presented a diamond betrothal ring to Mary of Burgundy.
Emerald Birthstone: May Zodiac: Taurus Anniv: 20th, 45th Emerald, the green member of the beryl family, is named for the Persian word for green. The Greeks dedicated emerald to the goddess Venus; the Incas worshipped an emerald goddess; and legend has it that Jesus Christ used an emerald bowl at the Last Supper. Cleopatra's emerald mines were world-famous in 2000 BC. Emerald is considered a symbol of immortality and faith, and an aid to eyesight, insight, and intelligence.
Pearl Birthstone: June Zodiac: Gemini Anniv: 8th The pearl is an organic gem, formed in mollusks as a natural defense to an irritant. Legends have described pearls as God's first creation; as the tears of the gods; and as the representation of the moon's influence on the Earth. Pearls were considered a nuptial gem in the 1920s. The pearl is often equated with wisdom, purity and femininity.
Ruby
Birthstone: July Zodiac: Cancer Anniv: 40th Ruby, from the Latin word ruber meaning "red," is the red variety of the mineral corundum. Ruby is traditionally associated with passion, power and majesty; the ancients believed that a ruby thrown into a pot of water would cause it to boil immediately. Ruby is thought to attract and retain reciprocal love, and to bring success and good fortune to its wearer.
Peridot Birthstone: August Zodiac: Leo Anniv: 3rd Peridot derives its name from the Arabic faridat, or "gem." Peridots were highly prized in ancient Egypt; they were used both as currency and as personal adornments for the Pharoahs. Legend has it that peridots were only mined at night, since they were believed to glow in the dark like lanterns. They are thought to prevent sorrow and fear.
Sapphire Birthstone: September Zodiac: Virgo Anniv: 15th, 30th, 50th Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, encompassing all colors except red (which is ruby); blue is the most common. The Persians believed that the blue of the sky was the reflection of a great sapphire on which the Earth rested. Accordingly, sapphire has represented the tranquility of the heavens throughout the ages. It is said to promote the intelligence of its wearer.
Opal Birthstone: October Zodiac: Libra Anniv: 13th Opal's name comes from the Sanskrit upala, or "precious stone." The Arabs believed that opals acquired their fiery color by falling from heaven in flashes of lightning. Another legend claims that a Roman emperor once offered to trade one-third of his vast kingdom for a single opal. A particular favorite of Queen Victoria, opal has been said to bring love, foresight and the gift of prophecy to its wearer.
Topaz Birthstone: November Zodiac: Scorpio Anniv: 4th, 16th, 23rd Topaz, which is thought to take its name from the Sanskrit tapas, meaning fire, occurs in a range of colors. The warm, golden variety inspired ancient Egyptians to associate it with the sun god Ra. Topaz is said to calm emotions when worn around the neck; it is also reputed to assure beauty, intelligence and a long life. Citrine is often substituted for topaz as the birthstone for November.
Blue Zircon Birthstone: December Zodiac: Sagittarius Anniv: 7th Blue zircon is a naturally occurring gemstone, not to be confused with cubic zirconia. Hindu poets celebrated its beauty by describing the Kalpa Tree, a symbolic offering to the gods, as having leaves of zircons. Blue zircon was used frequently in Victorian jewelry, especially during the 1880s, and was marketed under the name Starlite in the 1920s. Blue zircon is said to bring wisdom and riches to its wearer.
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