Many Types Of Birthstones

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Many Types of Birthstones

Throughout the ages there have been many ways to show what month you were born - and perhaps get a bit of extra luck to overcome any challenges. It is fun to explore the many types and see what stones are attractive to you. Perhaps it will give you a jewelry idea for yourself or a friend!

Modern and Traditional Birthstones

Modern birthstones as the name says, are well relatively new. They were chosen in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers. That said, many are the same as the traditional birthstones from around the 15th century. You get more modern choices with the later list.

Though lists seem to vary, this seems to be the most usual. There are 6 months with the same birthstones:

January Birthstones

Modern - Garnet (Red)
Traditional - Garnet (Red)

February Birthstones

Modern - Amethyst (Purple)
Traditional - Amethyst (Purple)

March Birthstones

Modern - Aquamarine (Blue)
Traditional - Bloodstone (Green with Red)

April Birthstones

Modern - Diamond (White, Clear or fancy yellow)
Traditional - Diamond (White, Clear or fancy yellow)

May Birthstones

Modern - Emerald (Green)
Traditional - Emerald (Green)

June Birthstones

Modern - Pearl (White, Pink or Black)
Traditional - Alexandrite (Red or Green)

July Birthstones

Modern - Ruby (Red)
Traditional - Ruby (Red)

August Birthstones

Modern - Peridot (Olive Green), Jade (Green, Lavendar, or Yellow)
Traditional - Sardonyx (White with Brown stripes)

September Birthstones

Modern - Sapphire (Blue or Pink)
Traditional - Sapphire (Blue or Pink)

October Birthstones

Modern - Opal (White or Black with multicolor sparkles)
Traditional - Tourmaline (Pink or Green)

November Birthstones

Modern - Yellow Topaz (Yellow)
Traditional - Citrine (Yellow)

December Birthstones

Modern - Blue Topaz (Blue), Turquoise (Blue), Tanzanite (Blue)
Traditional - Zircon (White or Clear)

Fun Jewelry, Birthstone and Gemstone Articles

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Birthstones Make Great Personalized Gifts

There are several for each month - so choose one that fits in your budget

Have Fun With Birthstone Jewelry

Hint: You can choose any month you want :)

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Health Based Birthstones?

Ayurvedic Medicine has Birthstones!

Believe it or not, the Ayurvedic system of medicine actually has as set of recommended birthstones. Though it sounds odd, these are recommended stones from over 1000 years ago that are supposed to help one with the obstacles that come with being born in a particular month.

Ayurvedic Medicine is a type of medicine practiced in India.

Here are those birthstones:

January - Garnet
February - Amethyst
March - Bloodstone
April - Diamond
May - Agate
June - Pearl
July - Ruby
August - Sapphire
September - Moonstone
October - Opal
November - Topaz
December - Ruby

June Birthstone Every One Loves

Pearls are fantastic. They are often referred to as the "Queen Gem". They can be worn by anyone, but have special significance for people born in June. If you already have hite pearls, consider other colors .. such as pink:
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Useful Birthstone Resources

Birthstones from Many Cultures
This page has many many types of birthstones - it lets you choose your favorite!
Zodiac Star Stones
There is actually gemstones associated with the zodiac signs - pretty cool eh? Well, it is neat seeing lucky charms listed too!
Zodiac Jewelry
If you would prefer symbols rather than gemstones, here they are!
Chinese Zodiac Jewelry
If you still don't like your birthstone - perhaps you wold like a birth animal! The Chinese zodiac animals are according to the Chinese year you were born.

Favorite Birthstone Jewelry from Flickr

Ashley. by caliente jewelry
 by caliente jewelry
mother's necklace (birthstones) by knitsteel
Sterling Silver Birthstone Initial Necklace by Dazzled Beader Designs
Family Birthstone Initial Christmas Ornament (Doubles as Bookmark) by Dazzled Beader Designs
Sterling Silver Family Birthstone Rose Love Knot Ring by Dazzled Beader Designs
Birthstone Beauties AA Miss Garnet January by vikk007
mother's necklace (birthstones) by knitsteel
Sterling Silver Couples Birthstone Ring - Adjustable by Dazzled Beader Designs
Family Birthstone Celtic Spiral Pendant by Dazzled Beader Designs
automatically generated by Flickr

Birthstones From The Stars

Zodiac Birthstones are Fun!

So, what do you do if you don't like *any* of the birthstone choices? If you like astrology, see if you like your Zodiac Birthstone! Zodiac birthstones are quite old but I couldn't find an exact date. I would guess they are about the same age as the Ayurvedic birthstones - but have no proof. Anyways, without further ado, here they are:

Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19): Bloodstone, Diamond
Taurus(Apr. 20-May 20): Amber, Blood Coral, Emerald, Sapphire, Turquoise
Gemini (May 21-Jun. 20): Agate, Chrysoprase, Pearl
Cancer (Jun. 21-Jul. 22): Emerald, Moonstone, Pearl, Ruby
Leo (Jul. 23-Aug. 22): Onyx, Sardonyx, Tourmaline
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22): Carnelian, Jade, Jasper, Sapphire
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22): Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Peridot
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Aquamarine, Topaz
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Amethyst, Sapphire, Topaz, Turquoise
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Agate, Garnet, Ruby
Aquarius(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Amethyst, Garnet, Moss Agate, Opal
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Amethyst, Bloodstone, Rock Crystal, Sapphire

Zodiac Jewelry

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Chinese Zodiac Jewelry

A DIfferent Type Of BIrth-Related Jewelry

Though this isn't a gemstone, it is birth related so I thought to include it here. The Chinese Zodiac is based on the year you were born. There are 12 animals, so if you like yours, enjoy wearing it. Alternatively you could wear the animal that attracts you most .. just for the fun of it!

Ox - [1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009]

Tiger - [1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010]

Rabbit - [1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011]

Dragon - [1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012]

Snake - [1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013]

Horse - [1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014]

Ram - [1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2115]

Monkey - [1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016]

Rooster - [1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017]

Dog -[1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018]

Pig -[1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019]

Rat - [1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020]

Sometimes animal jewelry just makes you smile!

Birthstone Powers According to their Color

Birth Color Stones?

Jewelry aficionados are usually fond of gem stones because of their brilliant hues. Truly, these jewels are fascinating to show off around that one is sure to make a fashion statement out of these colorful rocks. You can even accessorize any outfit with your birthstones so that it will become visibly attractive. It also adds luck. But one should take note that the shade of these gems are actually connected with the power it can bestow its user.

Each of the birthstones have a ruling planet, representing element, and god or goddess which serves as the emblem of its magical use on its bearer. The correspondence of the planet, element and deities with the jewels is based actually on the stone's colors. This explains the power a certain birth stone can offer.
Here are the twelve birthstones and the surprising outcome one may receive upon bearing them:

Red stones are ruled by the planet Mars, also a crimson planet. With Fire as its element, these stones are said to be intense in outcome like the burning fire. These jewels strengthen the physical body making its user energized. The strong color of the gem is perceived to promote courage too. In medicine, red stones are utilized for curing blood-related ailments and wounds. January's Garnet and July's Ruby are the stones that gives the following effect.

Ruled by both the planet Mercury and the Sun, Yellow stones aids in solving dilemmas connected with communication. They have this "enlightening" effect on their bearer making issues instantly clear. Yellow stones also treat skin problems, support the nervous system and normalize the digestive system. Examples of Yellow stones are Peridot for August and Topaz for those who are born in November.

Green is the color of nature, rebirth, fertility and life, and it is given that green gems possess the said mystical characteristics. Earth is the ruling planet of the green stones. May's Emerald, October's Opal and December's Turquoise all green in color, have the ability of providing clear eyesight and healthy, functioning kidneys. It also cures migraine and stomach problems. But best of all, green jewels gravitates money.

The blue stone is ruled by Greek God Neptune due to its ocean-like color. Just like its element, the water, blue stones endorse peace and calms ranging emotions. It also exalts nightmares. In health, it reduces probabilities of having fevers and ulcers. In the ancient era, it is used in purification of the body by integrating it in hot bath water. The Aquamarine and Sapphire of those who were born in March and September respectively are the ones that can give you these benefits.

Ruled by Jupiter, Purple stones like the Amethyst of those who have February as their birth month are usually associated with mysticism. Since Jupiter is also the head Roman God, these stones are linked with the brain. They are used for rituals designed for the subconscious mind and psychic power. It heals headache, depression, mental illness and even hair loss.

Lastly, White birthstones are ruled by the moon given by its illuminating hue. These stones, obviously April's Diamond and June's Pearl, are used in rituals at night especially during the full moon phase, so that it can reach the utmost energy provided by these rocks. With this, white birth stones are also said to be the best protection provider at night It treats insomnia, oversleeping and reduces nightmares.

The eye-catching color of a stone is obviously not just for fashion but also for the function birth color stones confer. Next time, if you'll be using a birth stone jewelry, keep in mind that it doesn't also add glitz to your beautiful dress or free-flowing gown but it can improve your inner beauty, energy and strength. Who knows, the confidence and smile you are flashing everyone actually came from the gem stone you are wearing?

Useful Gemstone Color References:

What Are Your Thoughts About Birthstones?

  • GreenOasis Jun 23, 2011 @ 9:11 am | delete
    Nice lens. Thanks.
  • JoshK47 Jun 22, 2011 @ 10:36 am | delete
    Great guide! Though I personally don't put much thought into my own birthstone.
  • ShandiGP May 31, 2011 @ 5:07 pm | delete
    Nice! Do you have pictures of each modern and traditional birthstone?
  • CruiseReady May 30, 2011 @ 10:23 pm | delete
    I just love my birthstones for june - both of them
  • phoenix-arizona-friends May 27, 2011 @ 2:08 pm | delete
    Am I the only one who is, for whatever reason, a big fan of my birthstone? I was a huge fan of Emeralds even before I knew they were my birthstone.
  • jamjar919 May 27, 2011 @ 1:15 am | delete
    I am jade :)
  • ghosthost Apr 3, 2011 @ 5:29 am | delete
    its very lovely stones..
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Birthstones can be used in engagement rings too!

Are You Getting Married Soon?

Consider a birthstone engagement ring! These generally are a bit less expensive AND more personalized. You can have it made exactly to your tastes and fit into your budget. aquamarine engagement rings and emerald engagement rings are quite popular.

Make certain the stone is durable and have the ring of your dreams!

More Jewelry Related Lenses To Visit

Have fun learning more about jewelry and gemstones
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