Beauty of Colored Gems
Birthstone jewelry makes a thoughtful gift for the most special occasions in life, such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and graduations.
The modern day list of birthstones was created by American jewelers for marketing purposes in 1912, but the use of twelve traditional gemstones for special significance and healing powers is a tradition dating back to the first century.
History of Birthstones
Ancient civilizations including the Greeks, Romans, Tibetans, Egyptians, Persians, Incas and Aztecs strongly believed in the power of gemstones, which have been recovered in archaeological digs for centuries. First Century Jewish Historian Josephus believed there was a connection between the 12 months of the year, the 12 signs of the zodiac, the 12 tribes of Israel, and the 12 stones in the breastplate of Aaron, High Priest of the Israelites and brother of Moses. Biblical text in Revelation called these the “Foundation Stones” of Christianity. Sometimes these stones were used to interpret the will of God. The devout believed in wearing one stone a month for good fortune and virtue. The origins of our modern-day practice wearing a single birthstone are up for debate. Some say it goes back to 16th century Germany, while others say the custom began in 18th Century Poland.
What is your birthstone and what does it mean?
The 1912 list of birthstones and their interpreted significance are as follows:
- January – A garnet symbolizes passion, devotion, vitality and balance. Deep red is the most common color, but it can also be found in various shades of red, purple, pink, brown and even colorless.
- February – The amethyst symbolizes sincerity, security, royalty and nobility. Colors range from deep violet to pale lavender.
- March – Aquamarine symbolizes honesty, beauty and loyalty. Vivid aqua blue is its most prized tone.
- April – Diamonds symbolize purity, strength and forever love. Colors span the entire spectrum, so the value is primarily based on size and clarity.
- May – Emeralds symbolize wisdom, faith, domestic bliss, success in love and protection from evil. Brilliant green is the most common color, but some emeralds come in blue or yellow tones.
- June – Pearls symbolize success, happiness and love. They are traditionally white with an iridescent luster, although modern day pearls can also be found in yellow, gold, pink, purple, blueand
- July – The ruby symbolizes love, passion, good luck and protection. Deep red is the preferred color, but it comes in every shade from pink.
- August – Peridot symbolizes strength and protection from nightmares. The natural color is olive green.
- September – Sapphire symbolizes peace, serenity, purity, wisdom, faith and loyalty. Deep blue is the most common association, but sapphires are also found in pink, white or yellow.
- October – Opals symbolize hope and innocence. Most opals come in white, but they can also be black or transparent with flecks of color.
- November – Topaz symbolizes faithfulness, friendship, consistency and good health. The Imperial Topaz is orange with pink undertones, though you may see red, yellow, orange, pale gray and even pink.
- December – The turquoise gemstone symbolizes strength, wealth, protection from harm, psychic sensitivity and connection to the spirit world. Blue is the purest color, but it can also be found in green or multicolor.
Birthstone Cuts
Birthstones are taken rough and ungraded from the mines. They’re then cut into clean, quality pieces. “Cutting cabs” is the most common form of gem cutting, according to the International Gem Society. During this process, gems are cut with a flat bottom and domed top that features geometrically arranged, flat surfaces called “facets” that bring out the natural brilliance of the stone.
As the consumer, you can choose from different shaped cuts such as:
- Round
- Trilliant
- Oval
- Pear/Drop
- Square
- Octagon
- Emeralds
- Heart
- Cabochon
- Antique Cushion
- Briolette
- Baguette
- Princess / Brilliant
- Marquis
How much do birthstones cost?
The value of any gemstone is dependent upon the Four C’s: Color (the richness of shade), Clarity (the level of transparency), Carat (the gem’s size), and Cut (how well the gem has been faceted).
Generally speaking, the most affordable gemstones are the peridot, amethyst, topaz and pearl, which may often be procured for less than $200 per carat. The next tier includes garnets, aquamarine, turquoise and opal for less than $300 per carat. Next you’ll find sapphires and rubies for $700 and upwards.
Diamonds are considered by many to be the rarest and most expensive type of gem. However, rubies of excellent color and clarity weighing over one carat and top-colored emeralds with visible inclusions can be worth more. Learn more about our gemstone jewelry.
Find the perfect gift for a loved one or yourself
Don’t let price be a deterrent. Find that special birthstone for you. Here at F. Silverman Jewelers we offer a wide selection of gemstone jewelry:
We have gems in all different price ranges and dedicated sales professionals who are happy to help you find the perfect color, clarity, carat and cut that match your needs and budget. In addition, we are pleased to offer custom designed jewelry services to all of our clients. Please visit our showroom or contact us with any questions.