THE GEMSTONE PERIDOT

Symbolic of prosperity and good health, January’s crimson birthstonetraces back the Bronze Age used in Ancient Egyptian jewelry. During theMiddle Ages, it was exchanged to signify trust and affection.

Thought to provide healing and calmness,amethyst amulets were often worn by medieval soldiers for protection. Atype of quartz, February’s vibrant purple birthstone was a favorite ofboth St. Valentine and Leonardo da Vinci.

A treasured gem of ancient seafarers,the March birthstone derives from the Latin word aqua, meaning water,and was believed to have calming effects on its wearer. Aquamarine is avariety of beryl and features clear, bright colors and goodtranslucency.

Treasured for rarity, brilliance, anddurability, April’s birthstone is symbolic of eternal love and balance.Ancient civilizations believed that diamonds were lighting on earth.Made of just one element, carbon, it’s the hardest gemstone.

The vibrant green hue symbolizes newbeginnings and loyalty. May’s birthstone was a favorite of Egyptianpharaohs, especially Cleopatra. Emerald is a variety of beryl and thefinest-quality emeralds have vivid, saturated color.

The lustrous pearl is a rare gift fromthe sea and is only gemstone made by living creatures. June’s birthstonesymbolizes purity and innocence; ancient Greece believed they wereheartfelt tears of the gods.

In Hawaii, the August birthstone issymbolic the volcano goddess, Pele, and thought to ward off evilbringing good fortune to its wearer. Like diamonds, this rare gem formsdeep in the earth, but only surfaces during volcanic eruptions.

Known for a velvety-blue hue,September’s birthstone is a symbol of nobility and sincerity bringingwise judgment to the wearer. Like rubies, sapphires are a variety ofcorundum, a mineral with great hardness well suited to everyday wear.

Symbolic of hope and loyalty, October’sbirthstone stands out for the fiery range of colors contained within asingle stone. During the Middle Ages, it was believe this stone broughtgood luck to the wearer.

Symbolic of happiness and vitality,November’s birthstone ranges from pale yellow to orange in color causedby traces of iron in the quartz crystals. Known as the “healing quartz”for its ability to soothe and calm.

Blue topaz is one of December’sbirthstones along with tanzanite and turquoise, and symbolizes longlife, wisdom, and knowledge. Found in a wide range of hues from deepLondon blue to paler sky blue, its versatility allows it to be cut in awide variety of shapes. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gavestrength to the wearer. This stone comes in almost every color on thespectrum and high quality examples will have bright color and goodtransparency.

Birthstone jewelry is an intimate non expensive way to show someone that you are thinking of them. You can get a pair of earring, a pendant, a tennis bracelet a fancy ring. Just about anything.

A little research about the gemstone makes for a great story. Here is an example of a Peridot. Peridot is best known for its yellowish green color. Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine. Its chemical composition includes iron and magnesium, and iron is the cause of its attractive yellowish green colors. The gem often occurs in volcanic rocks called basalts, which are rich in these two elements.