FACETS
Gem & Mineral
Gallery, LLC
Mailing Address:
PO Box 714
Newport, OR
97365
Established 1987
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The following is brought to you by the Jewelers of America.
What you should know about fine jewelry:
Gold
Diamonds
Gemstones
• Amber
• Amethyst
• Aquamarine
• Citrine
• Emerald
• Garnet
• Opal
• Pearls
• Peridot
• Ruby
• Sapphire
• Spinel
• Tanzanite
• Topaz
• Tourmaline
Sterling Silver
Care & Cleaning
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Birthstones
Just about everyone knows what his or her birthstone is..... Why is that? Because people still enjoy the folklore associated with the tradition of the birthstone. They like believing that wearing a birthstone brings them good luck and protects them.
Early civilization as far back as the Assyrians (1400 BC) invested rare and beautiful gemstones with magical properties. Some minerals were thought to contain a force or possess certain values and powers. For instance, amethyst was said to prevent intoxication.
Tradition associates a gem with each sign of the zodiac based on a color system. Color was thought to unleash the power attributed to the stone.
In time, birthstones became associated with calendar months rather than the zodiac. And people began to select birthstones in colors other than the original.
The following information includes the fascinating facts and folklore attributed to each birthstone.
Editors Note: Portions of this article Copyright 1997 - 2014, Jewelers of America, Inc.
Month |
Modern |
Traditional |
Other |
January |
Garnet |
Garnet |
Rose Quartz |
February |
Amethyst |
Amethyst |
Onyx, Moonstone |
March |
Aquamarine |
Bloodstone |
Rock Crystal |
April |
Diamond |
Diamond |
Quartz, White Sapphire |
May |
Emerald |
Emerald |
Chrysoprase, Beryl |
June |
Pearl, Moonstone |
Alexandrite |
Opal |
July |
Ruby |
Ruby |
Carnelian |
August |
Peridot |
Sardonyx |
Jade |
September |
Sapphire |
Sapphire |
Lapis Lazuli, Diamond |
October |
Opal, Tourmaline |
Tourmaline |
Pink Tourmaline, Zircon, Aquamarine |
November |
Topaz,
Citrine |
Citrine |
Smoky Quartz |
December |
Zircon,
Turquoise |
Zircon, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli |
Tanzanite |
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January
Garnet
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Garnet is the accepted birthstone for the month of January. It is also
the accepted anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage.
When most people think of garnet, they picture the dark red bohemian
garnet that was popular in Victorian times. You may be surprised to learn
that garnets are found in every color except blue, including brilliant green
tsavorite garnet, raspberry pink rhodolite garnet, and orange malaya garnet.
Bright red "anthill" garnets are found in Arizona. The Tsars of
Russia favored rare green damantoid garnets.
Garnets offer enough variety in appearance to suit every taste, as well
as an outstanding price range to suit every pocketbook.
Legend holds that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for illumination.
It reportedly also gives its wearer guidance in the night, protection from
nightmares, and according to the Egyptians, is an antidote for snake bites
and food poisoning. It was also thought to have a special affinity with
the blood.
Garnets are durable and brilliant and will give years of pleasure.
As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches,
sharp blows, and extreme tempera-ture changes.
Garnets are found in the U.S., Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil and India.
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February
Amethyst
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Amethyst is the recognized birthstone for February and the accepted anniversary
gemstone for the sixth year of marriage.
Amethyst is a variety of quartz, and comes in pale lilac to rich, deep
purple shades. Ideally, it is a deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes
that give amethyst its beauty and fire.
Because of its abundance, it is readily available in all sizes and shapes.
It is durable and can be worn every day. Coupled with the folk legend of
the Greeks that it will prevent intoxication when worn, it becomes a most
desirable gem!
Amethyst was said to have a sobering effect on the wearer-not only those
who indulged but on those over-excited by love's passion as well. It has
symbolized peace, protection and tranquility. Some say it will
prevent baldness and improve the complexion, as well as protect from
treason and deceit. Because royalty has always adored the color purple,
amethysts abound in the ornaments of ancient Greeks and Egyptians, and in
the British Crown Jewels.
As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches
and sharp blows.
It is found mainly in Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia.
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March
Aquamarine
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Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for March. It is also the accepted
anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage.
The ideal color of aquamarine is a refreshing pastel sea blue. Stones
with a clear blue color without green or gray are generally the most valuable.
If you are looking for a big, durable gemstone, aqua is readily available
in larger sizes and is truly dramatic when cut in rectangular or oval shapes.
It is a member of the important beryl family, which also includes emerald.
In ancient times, the stone was said to aid seafarers; thus it is an
excellent gift suggestion for sailors or one who takes frequent cruises!
To dream of aquamarine signifies the making of new friends; to wear aquamarine
earrings brings love and affection. It is a universal symbol of youth, hope
and health.
As part of the normal finishing process, some aquamarines are heated
to remove traces of yellow.
To maintain the brilliance of this beautiful gemstone, it should be immersed
in jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small bristle
brush.
Do not use a home ultrasonic machine.
As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches
and sharp blows.
Aquamarine is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar and
Ukraine.
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Bloodstone is an alternative birthstone for the month of March, and is often used as the stone of choice in men's rings.
Bloodstone one of the many varieties of jasper or chalcedony, is also known as Heliotrope. Bloodstone is an opaque dark green variety of chalcedony with red spots. Included hornblend needles produce the green color and the red spots are caused by iron oxide.
History: Early Christian legends held that the red spots were from Jesu's blood that fell on a piece of jasper at the foot of the Cross.
Bloodstone is the gem for the astrological sign of Aries. The primary sources of bloodstone are Australia, Brazil and India.
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April
Diamond
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Diamond is the birthstone for the month of April. Besides being the most
popular gemstone for engagement rings, diamond is the accepted anniversary
gem for the 10th and 60th years of marriage.
The name "diamond" comes from the Greek word "adamas"
meaning unconquerable-suggesting the eternity of love. In fact, diamonds
have been the traditional symbol of love since ancient Greece. Discovered
about 2,500 years ago in India, the ancients believed they were splinters
from the stars, perhaps crystallized lightening or hardened dew drops.
Although diamonds are associated with being a colorless stone, they are
occasionally found with a strong, bright color-green, red, pink, blue, canary
yellow and amber. These "fancy" colored diamonds are highly-prized.
Occasionally, to improve appearance, diamonds are laser-drilled and,
sometimes, a foreign substance is used to fill surface cavities or fractures.
Diamonds may also be irradiated and/or heated to induce "fancy"
colors.
Even though it is the most durable of gemstones, care should be taken
to protect a diamond from sharp blows. Household chemicals may discolor
or damage the mounting. To clean, you may use a jewelry cleaner, lukewarm
soapy water and a small bristle brush, soak in a half-and-half solution
of cold water and ammonia for 1/2 hour, or use a home ultrasonic machine
with its recommended cleaner.
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May
Emerald
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Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May. It is also the anniversary
gemstone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage.
Emerald is one of the most highly-prized of all the gems. The name comes
from the Greek "smaragdos" which means green stone. The most prized
is pure grass green.
Emeralds are often characterized by a garden of included crystals trapped within, known as the "jardin", because under magnification you
will see all sorts of lovely patterns resembling foliage in a garden. A
flawless, clear emerald is very rare and is usually found in only small
sizes. Small to medium sized stones are often faceted in the "step"
or emerald cut. The gem is also lovely when cut into a cabochon or dome
shape. Sometimes emeralds are even carved.
According to legend, the wearing of emerald not only cured a wide range
of ailments, including low I.Q., poor eyesight and infertility, but also
enabled the wearer to predict the future.
As part of the normal fashioning process, most emeralds are immersed
in colorless oil or resin so small voids are not as noticeable.
Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals, and extreme temperature changes. Do not use a home ultrasonic
machine.
Emeralds are found mainly in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
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June
Pearl
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Pearl is the birthstone for the month of June. It is also the accepted
anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage.
A pearl is the product of an oyster's defense mechanism. When a foreign
irritant is introduced either by man (cultured) or naturally, the oyster
immediately surrounds it with layers of a substance called nacre. This forms
the exquisite gemstone know as pearl.
Pearls come in a wide range of colors. They should be relatively free
from skin blemishes. The more perfectly round the shape the better. The
higher the luster, or "orient", the more valuable the specimen.
The larger the pearl, the greater the value.
Besides the popular round shape, there are stylish mabe (large hemispherical cultured pearls), fresh water (elongated in interesting shapes and colors),
and South Sea (large cultured pearls 10mm and up from Australia's and Indonesia's
waters), to name a few.
Pearls have been recognized as the emblem of modesty, chastity and purity.
They have come to symbolize a happy marriage.
Avoid household chemicals, cosmetics, hair sprays, and perfumes. Don't
use ultrasonic cleaners. Wash with mild soap and water and store in a protective
chamois pouch or tissue paper.
Alexandrite the traditional birthstone for June is a beautiful, but very rare stone. It is very difficult to find natural alexandrite. Most Alexandrites on the market are synthetic or created. Alexandrite rings are very beautiful. If Alexandrite is set in a ring, the wearer can watch the color change from green to red, mauve or brown in incadescent light. Alexandrite has a hardness rating of 8.5.
Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
Alexandrite has been found in Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar, Russia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
Moonstone is a translucent stone that has a shimmering phenomenon known as adularescence and comes in various tones of colorless, white, yellow, orange, and gray. It always has a white or blue sheen. It is sometimes used as an alternative by those born in June since it physically resembles some pearls.
Moonstone Care:Moonstone has a hardness of 6 and therefore can be easily scratched.
Moonstone is found in Brazil, European Alps, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and USA (Pennsylvania and Virginia). Sri Lanka has the highest quality moonstones.
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July
Ruby
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Ruby is the accepted birthstone for July. It is also the accepted anniversary
gemstone for the 15th and 40th year.
Ruby is known as the "Lord of the Gems" because of its rarity
and beauty. Derived from the Latin word "ruber", it simply means
red. Ruby, like sapphire, is a variety of corundum and only exists as a
true red in color. The finest color is a vivid, almost pure spectral red
with a very faint undertone of blue, as seen in Burmese rubies which are
considered the finest.
The highest quality rubies are said to protect their owners from all
kinds of misfortune. A fine ruby assured the owner he would live in harmony
with his neighbors. It would protect his stature in life, his home and land.
Its protective powers were intensified when set in jewelry, and worn on
the left side. Many believed rubies possessed an inner flame which burned
eternally.
As part of the customary fashioning process, virtually all rubies are
heated to permanently improve their color and appearance.
As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches
and sharp blows.
The finest rubies emanate from Burma, having been mined there since ancient
times. Other sources include Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania,
Cambodia, Afghanistan and India.
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August
Peridot
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Peridot is the accepted birthstone for August. It is also the accepted
anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage.
Peridot should be a lively lime green, without a brownish or olive cast.
Peridot is the child of volcanic action. Tiny peridot crystals are sometimes
combed from the black sands of Hawaii.
Peridots were favored by pirates, considered powerful amulets against
all evil, and when set in gold, were said to protect the wearer from the
terrors of the night. They had medicinal uses, too. If fashioned into a
chalice from which medicines were drunk, they intensified the effects of
the drug.
Care should be taken to protect peridot from scratches, sharp blows,
household chemicals and extreme temperature changes. Do not use a home ultrasonic
machine for cleaning.
The peridot is abundant, and is available in larger sizes. It is found
in Burma and the U.S.
The most important source of peridot in the world is the San Carlos Apache
Indian Reservation near Globe, Arizona, where it is mined by native Americans.
Large sizes are mined in Myanmar (Burma) and peridot is also found in
China.
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September
Sapphire
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Sapphire is the September birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary
gem for the 5th and 45th years of marriage.
Sapphire, a variety of corundum, comes in all colors except red (the
red variety being known as ruby), but is especially popular in deep blue.
Fancy colored sapphires-including pink, green, orange, and golden yellow-are
magnificent when combined in a necklace or bracelet.
Prince Charles chose a blue sapphire for Princess Diana's engagement
ring. The stone's durability, combined with its beauty, makes it the perfect
alternative for an engagement ring.
Ancient priests and sorcerers honored sapphire above all gems, for this
stone enabled them to interpret oracles and foretell the future. Ancients
believed the Ten Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet. Marriage
partners put great faith in the stone. If its luster dimmed, one knew his
or her spouse had been unfaithful. Sapphire refused to shine when worn by
the wicked or impure.
As part of the customary fashioning process, virtually all blue, yellow
and golden sapphires are heated to permanently produce or intensify their
color.
As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches
and sharp blows.
Sapphire is found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma),
Kasmir, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China and the U.S.
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October
Opal
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Opal is the October birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary gemstone
for the 14th year of marriage.
The well-known Roman naturalist Pliny described opal as "made up
of the glories of the most precious gems... the gentler fire of the ruby,
the rich purple of the amethyst, the sea-green of the emerald, glittering
together..."
White opal has a white or light body color with flashes of many colors.
Black opal has a black, dark blue, dark green or gray body color with vivid
flashes of color such as red, pink and bright green.
Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages. In the
Middle Ages, young, fair-haired girls wore opals in their hair to protect
its lovely blond color. Medieval writers believed opal could render its
wearer invisible when the need arose. It was also said to have a beneficial
effect on eyesight. It was thought to banish evil spirits and favor children,
the theater, amusements, friendships and feelings.
Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals, and extreme temperature changes. To maintain the brilliance of
opal, it should be wiped clean with a soft cloth. Do not use a home ultrasonic
machine or jewelry cleaner.
Opal sources are Australia, Mexico and the U.S.
Sometimes tourmaline is used as a birthstone for October as it comes in many colors such as blue, yellow, pink, red, black, green and clear - but primarily in pink and green. It also occurs in color combinations within single stones which accounts for its popularity. Having a hardness of 7.5 and not being as fragile as opal Tourmaline is often selected by those who prefer faceted stones.
As with all gems, care should be taken to protect tourmaline from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it be a heater vent or in a hot car). Do not clean tourmaline in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
Tourmaline is found in Africa, Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and USA (California, Connecticut, Maine, New York and Texas).
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November
Topaz
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Topaz is the accepted birthstone for November. Blue topaz is the accepted
anniversary gemstone for the 4th year; Imperial topaz for the 23rd year
of marriage.
Most people think of topaz as a transparent golden yellow gemstone. However,
this gemstone occurs colorless as well as orange-yellow, red, honey-brown
(dark sherry), light green, blue and pink.
The name topaz is derived from the Greek word meaning "to shine"
and also implies "fire". Orange-red "Imperial" topaz
and pink colors are rare and most valuable.
The lore, magic and romance of topaz goes back many thousands of years.
It holds the distinction of being the gemstone with the widest range of
curative powers. The Greeks felt it gave them strength. In addition, it
supposedly cooled tempers, restored sanity, cured asthma, relieved insomnia
and even warded off sudden death. Topaz is said to make its wearer invisible
in time of emergency. It proved the loyalty of associates by changing color
in the presence of poison.
As part of the normal fashioning process, most brownish to sherry brown
topaz are heated to produce a permanent pink color. Certain types of topaz
are irradiated and heated to produce shades of blue.
Topaz is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and China.
Smoky Quartz or Citrine are often used an alternative to topaz because it appears in many of the same colors as topaz. Unlike topaz, smoky quartz and citrine are readily available and inexpensive even in large sizes.
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December
Turquoise
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Turquoise is the accepted birthstone for December and is the accepted
anniversary gemstone for the 11th year of marriage.
Colors in turquoise range from sky blue (most desirable color) to blue
green and apple green.
The name means "Turkish stone" because the trade route that
brought it to Europe used to come via Turkey. The best qualities are found
in northeast Iran (Persian turquoise). However, the United States southwest
is now the world leader in production.
The deposits in Sinai were already worked out by 4,000 BC. At that time
the stone was used for jewelry, amulets and in the preparation of cosmetics.
During the 16th century turquoise was used as currency by the Southwest
Indians. They believed the gemstone could bring spoils to the warrior, animals
to the hunter, and happiness and good fortune to all.
Although large quantities of beautiful turquoise which have not been
color enhanced are available, today's turquoise is commonly stabilized with
plastic to improve its color and durability. Chalky varieties of turquoise
are normally impregnated with oil or wax to enhance color. This color change
may not be permanent.
Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, hot water, and household chemicals. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine.
Zircon though not mass marketed due to limited availibility is sometimes selected by those who prefer faceted stones. Zircon is a natural stone - not to be confused with Cubic Zirconia which is manmade. Colorless zircone is used to imitate diamonds but also comes in: blue, yellow, orange, red, brown and green. It has a hardness of 7.5.
Care: Zircon is somewhat soft so avoid scratches and sharp blows. Avoid hot water and household chemicals. Zircon will have more wear on its facets than diamond. Zircon is imitated by colorless glass and synthetic spinel.
Zircon is found in Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, France, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
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(c) 2000 - 2014 FACETS Gem & Mineral Gallery, LLC All Rights Reserved.
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