For instance, they did not distinguish between a Ruby and a Garnet. Our list represents the modern birthstone list endorsed by the American Gem Society.
Garnet, the birthstone of January, is mined in a rainbow of colors. From the fiery orange of Mandarin Garnet to the rich green of Tsavorite Garnet and to the most widely recognized color of Pyrope Garnet, it is considered a great gift to symbolize friendship and trust. Amethyst, the birthstone of February, is a variety of Quartz that carries a spectacular purple color that ranges from a blend of deep violet and red to a lighter lilac hue.
Ancient Greeks believed that the stone protected the wearer from drunkenness and enabled them to keep a balanced mindset. Aquamarine, the birthstone of March, has a rich color and has long been a symbol of youth, health and hope. Its mesmerizing color ranges from pale to deep blue and are reminiscent of the sea.
A perfect birthstone for March, the Aquamarine creates a beautiful accent to spring and summer wardrobes. Browse Aquamarine jewelry. Diamonds, the birthstone of April, are commonly associated with love which make it the perfect gift for a loved one. While white diamonds are most common, fancy colored diamonds can be found in various colors including yellow, blue, pink and a variety of others as well. Browse Diamond jewelry. Emerald, the birthstone of May, carries the rich green color of Spring and radiates a beautiful vivid tone.
The color is dependent upon the type of impurities that are present in the stone. For instance, yellow diamonds have minuscule traces of nitrogen while blue ones contain boron. However, some speculate that the origins of birthstones dates back to biblical times when the breastplate belonging to a priest was decorated with 12 assorted colored gems.
As time wore on, the 12 gems became associated with the zodiac and the months connected to it. This started the tradition of wearing a colored stone each month as a sort of good luck charm. Initially people wore all twelve stones, rotating according to the month of the year to derive the greatest benefit of each stone. The advantage this has created for the modern day consumer is that it is now possible to choose from a number of stones for some months of the year according to your taste, ethical considerations and budget.
April is a case in point, as traditionally diamond was regarded as the only birthstone for the month but there are actually four other birthstones that have been associated with it over the centuries which are also worth considering. Furthermore, diamond production has caused environmental damage in and around many production sites, as well as courting accusations of labour exploitation.
Furthermore, clever marketing of diamonds over the last century or so, largely by De Beers, has had the effect of inflating prices by a combination of increasing demand and deliberately restricting supply. For these reasons, some have chosen to shun diamonds as an April birthstone in favour of four interesting alternatives that have proven credibility as true April birthstones: sapphire; opal; white topaz; quartz.
The inclusion of some of these gems as April birthstones stretches back to the ancient civilisations of antiquity, far pre-dating the use of diamonds.
One such example is the Ayurvedic birthstone calendar from ancient India, which dates back more than 3, years. Furthermore, some stones that are similar to diamonds have also been included more recently.
The main common element among all birthstones lies in the belief they bring good fortune and prosperity to their owners. Diamonds in Botswana lie in the typically hot, semi-arid eastern region of the country. These prolific mines have brought a boom to the economy, creating a growing middle class. Diamond 10 on the Mohs hardness scale is usually durable enough to be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. However, if your diamond birthstone has many inclusions or has been treated, it it is best to clean it with a lint-free cloth, or use warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush or a commercial jewelry cleaning solution.
Also, have your diamond birthstone jewelry periodically cleaned and its setting examined by a professional jeweler to maintain its beauty and integrity over time. Colored or colorless, large or small, the birthstone for April continues to captivate those lucky enough to be born in this month, and those lucky in love who receive — or give — a diamond engagement ring.
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