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PawnShops.net - Jewelry FAQs - Information about Birthstones
Birthstones
Frequently Asked Questions
On August 12,
1912, the American National Retail Jewelers' Association adopted a
standard list of birthstones, changing some of the traditional
birthstones to other more commercially viable gems. In 1938 the
American Gem Society also adopted this list, with the addition of
Citrine, for it's members' use. In 1952 the American National Retail
Jewelers Association, The National Jewelers Association, and the
American Gem Society all approved this list, thereby creating tha
official list of Modern Birthstones as follows:
January
- Garnet
Garnet
represents friendship, passion, love and devotion.
Legend holds
that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for illumination. It
reportedly give its wearer guidance in the night, protection from
nightmares. Garnets are found in the U.S., Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil
and India.
Symbolizes
sobriety, peace, protection, and tranquility.
The Greeks
believed that it would prevent intoxication when worn. The amethyst
has also symbolized peace, protection and tranquility. It is mainly
found in Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia.
It is the
universal symbol of hope, youth, and health.
In ancient
times, the stone was said to aid seafarers. To dream of an aquamarine
signifies the making of new friends; to wear aquamarine earrings
brings love and affection. It is the universal symbol of youth, hope
and health. The aquamarine is mainly found in Brazil, Nigeria,
Madagascar, Zambia and Ukraine.
Discovered
about 2,500 years ago in India, the ancients believed they were
splinters from the stars, or maybe crystallized lightening or
hardened dew drops.
The emerald was
thought to cure a wide range of ailments, including low IQ, poor
eyesight and infertility, it also enabled the wearer to predict the
future. They are characterized by a garden of included crystals
trapped within, known as the "jardin". Emeralds are found
mainly in Columbia, Brazil, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Symbolizes
wisdom. wealth, faith, knowledge and innocence.
Pearls are
composed of organically generated Calcium Carbonate (Aragonite). A
shellfish, usually an oyster, deposits the calcium carbonate around
an irritant such as sand grain to create a perl. The most valuable
are salt water pearls, perfectly round and pure white or pure black.
They occur in a myriad of shapes, sized, and colors from pure white
to pink, cream, champagne, (yellowish), greenish, bluish, grey, and
black. Pearls are very soft, and tend to decompose after about 150
years. Most modern pearls are "farmed" by introducing an
irritant into an oyster, and most are chemically treated to enhance colors.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is
considered important for gamblers. When worn near the heart it is to
bring luck in love, and said to have a positive effect on the nervous
system and glandular system.
Alexandrite is
best known for its color change from greens- blues in daylight to
reds/purples in incandescent light. It was named after Czar Alexander
II of Russia as it was found on his 21st birthday. Because of the
luck of discovering the gem on the Czar's birthday, it is considered
a good luck amulet.
Known as the
"Lord of the Gems", the ruby is said to protect their
owners from all kinds of misfortune. A fine ruby assured its owner
that he would live in harmony with his neighbors. Many ancients
believed the ruby possessed an inner flame that burned eternally.
Rubies are found in Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kenya,
Tanzania, Cambodia, Afghanistan and India.
Peridots formed
as the result of volcanic action. Tiny Peridot crystals are sometimes
found in the black sands of Hawaii. They were considered powerful
amulets against all evil and said to be favored by pirates. The
Peridot is found in Burma, China and the U.S.
The sapphire
was honored by ancient priests and sorcerers for it was said to
enable them to foretell the future. Ancients believed the Ten
Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet. Sapphire is found in
Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Kashmir, Australia, Nigeria,
Kenya, Tanzania, China and the US.
Opal has
symbolized hope, innocence and purity throughout the ages. Medieval
writers believed opal could render its wearer invisible when the need
arose. It is though to banish evil spirits and favor children, the
theater and friends. Opals are found in Australia, Mexico and the US.
The Topaz holds
the distinction of being the gemstone with the widest range of
curative powers. It has been know to change colors in the presence of
poison. The Greeks felt it gave them strength. Topaz is found mainly
in Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and China.
Citrine is one
of the most affordable gemstones, thanks to the durability and
availability of this golden quartz. Named from the French name for
lemon, "citron," many citrines have a juicy lemon color.
Blue Zircon is
a pastel blue, but some exceptional gems have a bright blue color.
Zircon is mined in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Australia,
and other countries.
Turquoise
Symbolizes
love, happiness and luck.
In the 16th
century, turquoise was used as currency by the Southwest Indians.
They believed the gemstone bring everyone good fortune.
January
- Garnet
February
- Amethyst
March
- Aquamarine
April
- Diamond
May
- Emerald
June
- Pearl / Alexandrite
July
- Ruby
August
- Peridot
September
- Sapphire
October
- Opal
