Gemstones have fascinated people for thousands of years and display an almost limitless variety in their beauty and meaning.
When choosing a stone for your piece, consider the information below. It is provided to help you select the perfect stone that
communicates exactly what is in your heart.
Amethyst
Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February and the gemstone for the 4th and 6th wedding anniversaries.
The name was derived from a Greek word meaning 'not to intoxicate,' leading to the belief that drinking wine from an amethyst
cup would prevent drunkenness. Amethyst was thought to protect soldiers, ensure victory, aid hunters, protect against diseases,
control evil thoughts, and quicken one's intelligence. It is considered to be a surface cure for headaches and toothaches and is also
used to increase spirituality.
Ametrine
Ametrine, nature's blend of amethyst and citrine, is a stunning stone that flatters all skin tones and complements wardrobes
of all seasons.
Purple represents spirituality, passion, mysticism, and faith. Yellow signifies mental and spiritual enlightenment, vitality,
and hope. Together, ametrine presents the wearer with a gem that is symbolic of spirituality, steadfast loyalty, and a zest for life.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March and the gemstone for the 16th and 19th wedding anniversaries. Derived from a
Latin word meaning 'sea water,' aquamarine was know to protect ocean voyages and guard against sea monsters.
It is believed that aquamarine, when soaked in water, would treat eye troubles, respiratory diseases, and hiccups. It is said that
aquamarine is used to help ease depression and grief and to re-awaken love in long marriages. It also signifies the making of new
friends.
Citrine
Citrine is the birthstone for the month of November and the gemstone for the 13th wedding anniversary. Derived from the French
word citron, meaning 'lemon,' citrine's color is associated with light-heartedness and cheerfulness.
Citrine is believed to help one connect with the spirit and is often given as a symbol of hope, youth, health, and fidelity.
Garnet
Garnet is the birthstone for the month of January.
Red garnet was used by North American Indians as bullets, as they believed it would
seek blood and inflict a deadlier wound. Christians believed garnet symbolized Christ's sacrifice; Islamics believed it
illuminated the fourth heaven. Garnets were thought to stop bleeding, cure inflammatory diseases, and smooth discord.
Opal
Opal is the birthstone for the month of October and is the gemstone for the 14th and 18th wedding anniversaries. In ancient times,
Opal was recognized as a symbol of faithfulness and confidence.
The brilliantly-colored opal was said to have magic powers because of its play of many colors. It was known to strengthen eyesight,
protect against contagious diseases, ease sadness, and turn pale in the presence of poison. Opal symbolizes magic, love, hope,
happiness, and truth.
Peridot
Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August and the gemstone for the 16th wedding anniversary.
Peridot was known to be dull by day but 'glow like a coal' at night, letting prospectors spot deposits in the dark and mark them
for digging the next day. Peridot was thought to help dreams become a reality and was often given as a symbol of fame,
dignity, and protection.
Sapphire
Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and the gemstone for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
Ancients believed sapphires influenced spirits, guarded against unchastity, protected against capture, and made peace
between enemies. Sapphires were also thought to clear the mind and skin and cure fevers, colds, eye diseases, and ulcers.
Sapphire is a longtime symbol and guardian of purity, representing truth, sincerity, and consistency.
Sunstone
Sunstones are created in the 'shifting sands' of southeastern Oregon. The mineral content of the Oregon Sunstone differs from
feldspar found any other place in the world, making it extremely rare. The unique brilliant reds, pinks, peaches, champagnes,
greens, and multi-colors make each stone have its own personality.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is the gemstone for the 24th wedding anniversary and is the new December birthstone.
It has been recognized as helping one deal with change and is known to uplift the spirit and open the heart. Tanzanite's blue
and purple hues are associated with generosity and friendship.
Topaz
Derived from Topazios, the name of an island in the Red Sea, topaz is the gemstone for the 4th and 19th wedding anniversaries.
In 15th century Rome, topaz was used to detect poisons, calm anger, and break spells. Christians believed topaz represented
uprightness. Hindus wore topaz above the heart to prevent thirst and assure a long life, beauty, and intelligence. Greeks felt
topaz gave them strength and used it as an amulet against harm.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is the birthstone for October and is the gemstone for the 8th wedding anniversary.
Tourmaline was once believed to protect its wearer against bad decisions, many dangers, and misfortune. It is also known to
attract friends and lovers. Pink tourmaline promotes female balance and protection, while green tourmaline promotes the same
among males.
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