Gemstones have been used for a variety of reasons. The two most
common are for birthstones and to make memorable anniversaries. There are
particular reasons why some of the stones are used and there are also some
links to the stones to the signs of the zodiac.
History of Gemstones
The gemstones are something that have been used for centuries but
only standardized from 1912. This was done by the American National Association
of Jewelers. While the birthstones do work well with the gemstones for the
zodiac signs, there is no exact match. The benefit of the stones is that they
are unique, just like the qualities of the signs of the zodiac.
Garnet – The Stone of
January
The January birthstone is the garnet and was there were thoughts
that the stone would keep people safe during travel. This deep red stone is
also seen in the Zodiac gemstone lists for the star sign Capricorn, which is
just one of the star signs that a person born in January may match. It also
closely matches another of the gemstones – the Oynx.
The Purple Amethyst for
February
The Amethyst is the birthstone for February and it is thought to
help with strengthening relationships and help the wearer gain courage. For the
Ancient Greeks, the stone helped to guard against becoming drunk, and comes
from the Greek’s word for Sober. The purple stone was once the gem of the
royals and nobody else could wear it. The Aquarius star sign is one that uses
Amethyst but the most common is Turquoise, which is actually the birthstone for
those born in November.
March – Aquamarine Stones
Those born in March often have the star sign Pisces, so it makes
sense that the birthstone has a water look to it. The aquamarine gemstone is
the birthstone for those born in March and was once thought that it help to
cure diseases of the stomach, liver and the heart. Sailors also used the
birthstone in their talismans to help gain the protection from Neptune, the
Greek God of the Sea. The gemstone for Pisces is usually moonstone, which
changes color depending on the wearer’s mood.
Beautiful Diamonds for
Those in April
The gemstone for those born in April is the diamond. This is a
symbol of love everlasting and has also been thought to bring some courage to
the wearer. This is one of the only birthstones that matches the zodiac sign –
Aries – which is also a diamond.
Emerald Green for May
May is another birthstone that matches the zodiac sign Taurus. The
green, emerald is a gem that has links throughout history and was even thought
to be the favorite gem of Cleopatra. The gem is linked to love, fertility and
rebirth and it was even linked to the Goddess Venus by the Ancient Romans, who
was the Goddess of Love. Now, the gem represents patience, wisdom and growth.
The Pearl and Ruby – June
and July’s Gemstones
June’s birthstone is the pearl, which is a symbol of being pure. It
was thought, by the Ancient Greeks, that a pearl was a hardened tear from
Aphrodite, who was the Greek’s Goddess of Love. The gem of love is July’s ruby
birthstone. This beautiful red gem was through to protect wearers from any evil
by the Ancient Hindus.
Peridot for August
August’s birthstone is a green colored gem called peridot. This gem
is the symbol of strength and is often known as the “evening emerald” because
of the color. It was once thought that the crystals of the peridot came were
from the ashes in the volcanoes, which were the tears from Pele, the volcano
goddess. When the gem is set in gold, it is believe that the wearer will be protected
from nightmares.
Deep Blue Sapphires for
September
The beautiful blue sapphire gem is one of the most popular options
now and is the birthstone of those born in September. It is thought that the
gemstone would protect the wearer from any evil or poisoning. The stone is now
the symbol of wisdom and purity and is a match to the Virgo’s gemstone.
Opal for October and Topaz
for November
The opal is the gemstone for those born in October and is a symbol
of confidence and faithfulness. In the past, the opal necklaces were worn to
help keep evil away as well as protecting the eyesight. The next on the list is
November’s topaz, which is a sign of affection and love. It was thought that
this stone gave the wearer an increase in strength.
Turquoise Blue for
December
Finally, there is the December stone Turquoise, which is thought to
be a charm of love. It was also though to help with relaxing the mind and
helping with success and fortune.
As well as birthstone, gems are used to mark special anniversaries.
The most common ones known are the 60 year anniversary, which is the Diamond
Jubilee, and the 50, which is the Golden Jubilee. The 25th year is
also marked with the Silver Jubilee and the 30th is the Pearl
Jubilee. Gold, Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald are also popular occasions and mark
one year, five years, 15 years and 35 years respectively.
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