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Probably the most recognized variety of Quartz, AMETHYST has long been loved for its wide range of purple hues. Lore says that when the maiden AMETHYST was turned into crystal to protect her from Bacchus' tiger, the Greek god of wine was so contrite that he wept tears of wine over her frozen form, giving AMETHYST Quartz its lovely color. Even today, prelates in several religions wear the gem to offset any effects of communion wine, supporting the belief that AMETHYST prevents intoxication. Suggested as a gift for a sixth wedding anniversary, AMETHYST is the February birthstone. |
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Known to, the ancients, AQUAMARINE is associated with much lore. This beautiful gemstone was thought to give wearers knowledge and foresight and assist in an individual's inspiration. A symbol of youth and fidelity AQUAMARINE was believed to induce a peaceful night's rest. The name is derived from the Latin meaning "sea water" as AQUAMARINE ranges from blue to bluish-green shades in varying tones. AQUAMARINE is the blue variety of Beryl, a mineral species that includes Emerald, Morganite (pink) and Golden Beryl (Heliodor). AQUAMARINE is the March birthstone, and it is the Anniversary Stone for those celebrating a nineteenth wedding anniversary. |
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A variety of quartz, CITRINE was named after the French word for lemon, "citro," to describe its typical yellow color. Its more saturated hues range through rich golden yellow into deep, earthy brownish oranges known as "madeira." CITRINE was long misnamed "Spanish topaz" because of its color similarity to precious topaz. It is still offered as a low cost alternative to topaz for complimenting earth-toned fashions. Unlike true topaz, CITRINE is readily available and inexpensive even in very large sizes. The designated gemstone for thirteenth wedding anniversaries, CITRINE is also a popular optional birthstone for November. |
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Known as the Queen of Gems and the gem of queens, EMERALD has been treasured for at least 5,000 years. The ancients held EMERALD in great esteem, believing it sharpened the wearer's eyesight and mind. Travelers relied on EMERALDS as protection against the hazards and perils of long journeys. EMERALD's unique range of green tones are especially soothing. Welcoming spring, EMERALD is the traditional May birthstone. It is also the recommended gemstone for those celebrating their twentieth and thirty-fifth anniversaries. |
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GARNET is a diverse "family" of gems that includes seven species that range from hues of red, orange and yellow to pink, green and brown. The exquisite deep green GARNET from Kenya and Tanzania is known as Tsavorite. GARNET's name evolved from 'granatus', the Latin for "seed-like", as crystals grow small and round. GARNET is said to keep travelers safe, promote a long-lasting love, prevent depression and aid hearing difficulties. Named in the Bible as a Breastplate stone of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, GARNET historically has been considered the January birthstone. All colors of GARNET are appropriate gifts for the second anniversary. |
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October's birthstone and the gem to mark a fourteenth anniversary, OPAL is renowned for its flashing phenomena known as "play of color". Body tones of OPAL vary from white to black, emphasizing the spectral colors of red, blue, green and yellow that form vivid patterns that dance in the light. OPAL was first described by Pliny the Elder during Roman times. One tale says that OPAL was created when God completed painting the universe, scraping the palette and dumping all the colors into one gem. The myth that the stone is unlucky for all but October birthdays resulted from the heroine's death in a novel written by Sir Walter Scott. The only misfortune surrounding OPAL is the pleasure missed by not owning such a dazzling gem! |
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Sometimes called "olivine," PERIDOT'S subtle and scintillating green tones range from pale yellowish green to grass green into a pleasant olive green. The Romans called PERIDOT "evening emerald" since its green appears to be more intense in reduced light. Mystics claimed that PERIDOT drove away evil spirits. This property was said to increase by setting the gemstone in gold. Hawaiian legend names PERIDOT as the tears of "Pele," the islands' volcano goddess. Today, the largest and finest stones come from Burma, while the majority of smaller fine gems are mined on the desert Indian reservations of Arizona. The traditional birthstone for August, PERIDOT may also be used to mark the sixteenth wedding anniversary. |
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RUBY has been prized for centuries as a symbol of love and immortality. Ancient lore held that RUBY was capable of curing illness and reconciling lover's quarrels. Hindus referred to RUBY as "The Lord of Gems" and believed its deep red color came from an inextinguishable fire which was capable of boiling water. RUBY is a traditional birthstone for July and recommended as a gift for couples celebrating both their fifteenth and fortieth anniversaries. |
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Although the name is derived from the Latin word for blue, "sapphirus" SAPPHIRE is actually available in virtually every color except red. According to ancient lore, it was a giant SAPPHIRE which gave the sky its blue color. In recent years, SAPPHIRE has become more widely available in a variety of colors, including yellow, pink, and orange. These gemstones are referred to as "fancy sapphires." SAPPHIRE is the traditional birthstone for September, and the blue variety is a recommended gift for couples celebrating their fifth anniversary. Sapphire also marks the anniversary for the forty-fifth year. |
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Deriving its name from the Sanskrit word meaning "fire", this November birthstone has long been believed to promote calm and faithfulness, to protect against enchantment and to cure insomnia. Traditionally found in colors ranging from pale yellow to golden orange and deep red of the finest TOPAZ, this gemstone occasionally occurs in shades of pink and lavender. Blue TOPAZ, occurring in colors from pale to deeply-saturated hues is the gem to celebrate one's fourth anniversary. Imperial TOPAZ is a suitable gift to commemorate the twenty-third wedding anniversary. |
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Nature's rainbow is reflected in TOURMALINE, a gem specie with an unlimited range of colors. TOURMALINE's spectrum also includes dual hues in a crystal or cut stone, called bi-colored gems. TOURMALINE, meaning "mixed colored stones" was derived from the Singhalese word "turmali". First identified in the eighteenth century, lore says that TOURMALINE aids against misfortune and protects travelers against falls. TOURMALINE is the Anniversary Stone for the eighth wedding celebration. Any of TOURMALINE's many colors are an appropriate alternative for October birthdays. |
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 Click on the photos to the left for a detailed description of these popular gemstones. |
 Amethyst |
 Aquamarine |
 Citrine |
 Emerald |
 Garnet |
 Opal |
 Peridot |
 Ruby |
 Sapphire |
 Topaz |
 Tourmaline |
