APRIL BIRTHSTONE
DIAMOND
Appearing as though to be lit from within, it was once believed that diamonds were the icy, crystalline tears of the gods, sprinkled down from the heavens by lightening bolts. In Sanskrit, the diamond is called vajra, which means lightning.
A diamond is a crystal that formed deep within the earth's upper mantle; pure carbon transformed by billions of years of intense heat and extreme pressure into a compact network of atoms in perfect symmetry, securely held in four directions, making it one of the purest, and the hardest, naturally occurring substance in the world. This natural process can now be replicated through innovative techniques that simulate the conditions that create diamonds in the earth. Lab-created diamonds have the same chemical composition, physical structure, and optical properties as earth mined diamonds.
The birthstone for April derives its name from the Greek word adamas, which means “invincible” or “unbreakable.” With a Mohs hardness rating of 10 out of 10, a diamond is so hard that the only thing that can scratch its surface is another diamond. Valued for the clarity, the cut, and the carat, diamonds are mined in approximately 35 countries worldwide, and can be found in almost every color of the rainbow. Treasured for their exceptional ability to reflect and refract light, diamonds reveal luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles.
The Ancient Romans believed Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds. In modern times, the diamond has become a universal symbol of love. Its timeless beauty and elegant brilliance makes it an outstanding gift for any occasion. Aries and Taurus are the astrological signs for April, and so natural or lab-created diamond necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings make personal, meaningful gifts of birthstone jewelry!
Image credit: agta.org
In April spring finally unfurls! Dewdrops glimmer on fresh green leaves, blossoms glow in soft sunlight, and April's birthstone just happens to be one of nature's most adored gemstones; the sparkling, timeless diamond.
MARCH BIRTHSTONES
AQUAMARINE & BLOODSTONE
March's silvery breezes usher in longer days, and set the scene for the first days of spring. Aquamarine and Bloodstone are the two birthstones for March, and are quite different from one another.
Aquamarine is a lovely, clear blue gemstone that shimmers like the sky or sea on a sunny day. This crystalline gemstone fittingly derives its name from the Latin word for seawater. Ancient mariners believed that brandishing an aquamarine amulet would calm wrathful ocean waves and keep sailors safe at sea.
With a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, these pure blue gems are often faceted and polished for jewelry. The Dom Pedro Aquamarine, believed to be the largest faceted aquamarine in the world, weighs nearly 5 lbs. This member of the Beryl family can be found in many places on earth, most notably in Brazil and high in the foothills of Pakistan.
Bloodstone is an opaque, twilight blue-green jasper or chalcedony, dappled with red inclusions of iron oxide. In ancient times, it was believed that the sun itself would turn to red if the enigmatic bloodstone were to be placed in water. This is likely why this mineral aggregate is also known as heliotrope, a word from the ancient Greeks that literally translates as "to turn the sun."
Bloodstone can be found in various countries, but primarily in India, encased in other rocks or as pebbles in riverbeds. Rated as a 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, this beautiful, earthy gemstone is customarily cut and polished into cabochons for jewelry, although it comes in many shapes and cuts.
Pisces and Aries are the two zodiac signs of March, and so Aquamarine and Bloodstone jewelry make perfect birthday presents for that special someone or perhaps, additions to your own collection.
Image credits: GIA.edu
FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE
AMETHYST
February is the final month of winter in the northern hemisphere, and it's the shortest month of the year, which means that it is truly a rare thing if amethyst is your birthstone!
Amethyst is a semiprecious stone, a violet or purple variety of quartz, given its name by ancient Greeks for its ascribed capacity to prevent, and cure intoxication (amethystos). Once upon a time, you'd have to be "born to the purple" to own this deep purple gemstone. It was as elusive as a unicorn, believed to be found in only one place on earth. These days though, its lilac crystals can found in many locations around the world. It is far less expensive, and cherished by many.
Amethyst has a Mohs hardness of 7 out of 10, and forms within volcanic rocks, in cavernous, crystal-lined geodes that are sometimes so large, you can stand up inside them. Single amethyst crystals can be huge, occasionally weighing well over 150 lbs.
The very essence of the color purple, amethyst is considered to be a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength. The two zodiac signs of February are Aquarius and Pisces, and so if you celebrate a February birthday, wearing an amethyst may help to keep you calm, cool, and collected.
Image credits: GIA.edu
JANUARY BIRTHSTONE
GARNET
Whether you're celebrating a loved one's birthday (or your own), or embarking on a new endeavor, garnets make thoughtful, elegant gifts.
January opens the door into a brand-new year, and then invites you in for a moment of reflection. This is a time to contemplate what you've been up to, and what you might like to do next.
January's birthstone is garnet. Similar in shape, size, and color to the pomegranate seed (from which the gem takes its name), its delectable, candy-like red crystals certainly do look good enough to eat. Garnet is classically associated with the color red, but this beautiful and diverse stone can be found, to a lesser extent, in almost every color, with blue being the rarest. Some varieties can even change color under incandescent lighting.
A precious stone consisting of vitreous silicate material, garnet has a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7.5 out of 10. The crystals grow suspended in hot viscous rock, so every facet is well defined, with the absence of any attachment point, such as with crystals from a geode. Garnets come from many different regions and countries, and have been treasured for their beauty and symbolism since the Bronze Age.
Some associate garnet with a stable, balanced energy that inspires courage, good health, happiness, and passion. Perhaps manifesting strength in its wearer—to chart a new course, or let go of old patterns. The two zodiac signs of January are Capricorn and Aquarius, and so whether you're celebrating a loved one's birthday (or your own), or embarking on a new endeavor, garnets make thoughtful, elegant gifts.
Image credits: GIA.edu