Garnet was derived from the word granatum which is latin for pomegranate. Ancient cultures thought that garnets were connected to blood and that they could heal depression, protect from wounds, cure nightmares, and act as a remedy for certain poisons. Garnets are available in a variety of colors including shades of red, purplish pink, and green.
February
Amethyst derives from the latin word amethystos which means sober. It was believed that amethysts protected the wearer from drinking too much alcohol. Amethyst is also the stone of St. Valentine which makes it the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Amethysts come in many shades of purple, the most desirable of which is the deep purple color often worn by nobility as a sign of power.
March
Aquamarine gets its name from two latin words; aqua meaning water and mare meaning sea. Ancient mariners believed that aquamarines would protect them from drowning at sea and other dangers. Aquamarines were also used to treat stomach, liver, and throat problems. Aquamarines come in blue-green colors ranging from almost clear to deep blue-green.
April
Diamonds are the stone to represent love and eternity and are sought after for their luster and durability. Many large diamonds such as the Hope diamond are believed to be cursed because they have a long history of theft and murder. Diamonds come in many colors including brown, yellow, blue, pink, and red.
May
Emerald derives from the latin word smaragdus via the French word emeraude meaning green. Most emeralds mined are not worth cutting, making large, high quality emeralds more precious than diamonds. The emerald is mentioned as one of the stones on the High Priest’s Breastplate in Exodus, representing the tribes of Israel. In ancient cultures emeralds represented fertility and good luck. Emeralds come in varying shades of green, the darker shades being the most desirable.
June
Pearls were thought to keep children safe in ancient times. They were also associated with good luck, wisdom, wealth, and love. The Chinese tell tales of pearls falling from the sky as dragons fought, while other cultures believed pearls to be the tears of the Gods. The ancient Greeks thought pearls promoted marital bliss by keeping newlywed girls from crying. Pearls come in white and pale shades of pink, brown, and gray.
July
Ruby derives from the latin word ruber which means red. Rubies are symbols of power in almost every culture. “A drop of the heart’s blood of Mother Earth” is how rubies are described in the orient. In India where the Ruby is considered to be the king of the gems high quality rubies are kept from contamination by lesser quality rubies to prevent them from losing their magical powers. In the 1880’s the French referred to rubies as the gem of gems. Rubies come in varying shades of red with the darker shades being more valuable.
August
Peridot comes from the French word peritot which means gold. Peridot is the national gem of Egypt and has been mined on St. John’sIsland in Egypt for over 3500 years. Many jewelry experts believe that the emeralds that Cleopatra wore were really peridots. Peridots were believed to dispel bad dreams and night terrors when set in gold and worn on the right arm for maximum power. Other legends link peridot to good luck with friendships, attracting lovers, and achieving happiness. Peridot usually comes in light green but color varies from gold which is where it gets its name to dark emerald green.
September
Sapphire comes from the Latin word saphirus and the Greek word sapheiros both of which mean blue. Sapphires have been prized as gemstones since around 800BC and are thought to be the stone upon which the Ten Commandments were written. Some cultures viewed the sapphire as a symbol of friendship and loyalty while other cultures believed sapphires brought prosperity and prevented terror and poverty in men. Today sapphires are viewed as the serenity stone. Sapphires come in blue, orange, yellow, purple, green, and clear.
October
Opal comes from the Greek word opallios which means to see a change of color. Some believe opals to be bad luck but ancient cultures believed opals to be a symbol of fidelity and assurance. Opals were also used as a treatment for problems of the eye and worn as an amulet to strengthen the eyes. Queen Victoria of England loved opals and gave them to her daughters when they married creating a trend for wearing opals. Opals come in white or black with highlights of other colors mixed in.
November
Topaz gets its name from the Greek word topazion meaning fire. Topaz was greatly valued as a gemstone in both Greek and Roman culture. In Hindu culture topaz is believed to relieve thirst, strengthen intelligence, and lengthen life when worn as a pendant. Some Africans use topaz in ceremonies to contact ancestors and promote healing. The most common color of topaz is clear but it is found in shades of blue, green, yellow, pink, and orange. Yellow topaz is the birthstone for November.
December
Turquoise gets its name from the Levantine traders commonly called Turkish traders who first brought it to Europe. Some cultures believed turquoise to have healing powers, relaxing the mind and easing mental tension. Many Native American tribes consider turquoise sacred, carving it into the shapes of animals and birds and using it in their burial rites. It was also used by Native American medicine men for healing and by Native American warriors to insure the accuracy of their aim. The color of turquoise is turquoise which ranges from a blue-green to a green-blue color.
