Birthstones By Month

The use of birthstones is very personal and has been used since the first century to ward off evil and bring good luck on one's self. The twelve months of the years represent twelve different gemstones, each having certain unique and exceptional qualities of their own. Since birthstones are symbolic of your personality and your attributes, they are also a fun way to share something about yourself. Listed below are the months of the year and the gemstone or birthstone that you are born under.

January - Garnet

The garnet is the birthstone for people born in January. Garnets are beautiful gemstones known for their unadulterated beauty, variety of colours and their tremendous brilliance. Although the most frequently found garnets are deep, warm red, they are also found in several hues like green, intense yellow, fiery orange and earth tones. The abundant supply and the large spectrum of colours lend it much popularity in the realm of fashion and allow it to keep pace with the changing styles of contemporary jewelry. Garnets are much sought-after because of their classical gemstone colours red and green and rarities such as star garnets and stones whose colour changes depending on whether they are seen in daylight or artificial light. Moreover, it has a good hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale and its high refractive index gives the garnet a great brilliance. Today, garnets mostly come from African countries as well as India, Russia, Central and South America.

February - Amethyst

The right birthstone for people born in February is the amethyst. This beautiful violet gemstone is known for its unique and seductive beauty. It has been attributed with a large number of miraculous powers throughout the centuries by varied cultures. It is said to protect crops against tempests and locusts, bring good fortune in war and in the hunt, drive out evil spirits and inspire the intellect. Moreover, amethyst is supposed to have medicinal powers, a sobering and cleansing effect and is considered a stone of friendship. The amethyst is known to change its colour on being heated. A temperature of 250 degrees transforms the smoky stone to a shining yellow and brownish-red, whilst clear ones become yellow or colourless at 400 degrees. Some amethysts pale almost to colourlessness in daylight. Although found all over the world, amethyst deposits are highest in various states in southern Brazil, Uruguay and Madagascar.

March - Aquamarine

The hues of the gemstone Aquamarine range from pale blues to light blues to yellowish blues with hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. The more intense the color, the more expensive it is. Aquamarine has an imperfect cleavage and a vitreous luster and is a favorite gemstone of modern designers. Aquamarine was traditionally found in Madagascar, Russia, and Sri Lanka and is now prevalent in Brazil, Colorado, and North Carolina. An exotically beautiful gemstone, it arouses feelings of sympathy, trust, harmony and friendship. The blue of the aquamarine is divine and eternal reflecting the sky as well as life giving as denoted by the deep blue seas.

April - Diamond

Diamonds are one of the world's most precious gems and form the birthstone for people born in April. Throughout history the diamond has been revered as having an irresistibly seductive power of its own. It has earned its reputation due to its brilliance, fiery luminescence and the fact that it is the rarest and most expensive stone and hence most desirable. The most important characteristics that control a diamonds appearance and durability are the 4Cs - Color, clarity, cut and carat. Although diamonds are perceived a white or colorless gem, they come in a spectrum of colors. The colored diamonds are called fancies and are quite expensive. A diamond is seen as a true symbol of love and commitment and buying and owning a perfect diamond is thus of crucial importance.

May - Emerald

Emeralds are green members of the beryl family and holds fort as the birthstone for people whose birthday falls in May. This gemstone has been a prized possession of royalty since ancient times and a good quality emerald can be as or even more expensive than a fine diamond of the same carat. The Columbian emeralds are the most beautiful with a rich green colour. The hardness ranges from 7.5 to 8 on the Moths Scale. This May birthstone is considered to be the traditional gift for the 55th wedding anniversary. They are known to enhance clairvoyance and are worn to promote healing, and enhance love and commitment. Emeralds are found in India, South Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia and Zimbabwe.

June - Pearls

Pearls are known as organic gems because they are created by living creatures. The existence of the pearl begins with a piece of grit or dirt entering the shell of a mollusk, oysters and clams. The organism in self-defence coats the particle with layers of a substance called nacre, which eventually becomes thick enough to form a pearl. There are basically two types of pearls, natural and cultured. The process of the pearl coming to life is the same in both, only in the latter, the irritant is placed within the mollusk through human intervention. The pearl has been used to make jewelry since ancient times and considered to be a symbol of beauty, love, happiness and wealth. It has been one of the most coveted of gems due to its luminous beauty, inner glow and priceless nature.

July - Ruby

The color red is often associated with the gemstone ruby, which is the birthstone for people born in July. Rubies belong to the corundum family of minerals and have a hardness of 9 on the Moh's scale. Ruby with its beautiful red color is a universal favourite signifying love, passion, blood and romance. It is believed to have great medicinal powers, protective powers and is said to bring peace and prosperity.

August - Preidot

This bright green gemstone was called the evening emerald in the ancient times because it resembled emeralds in the light of the burning lamps. Peridot is the gemstone variety of the mineral olivine formed during volcanic eruptions. Originally found in the ruins of ancient Greece, it is now prevalent in Red Dea island of St. Johns, Arizona, New Mexico, Burma, Pakistan and China. Ground Peridot taken internally was once used to treat asthma and was believed to be a symbol of power and influence. People born in August believe this coloured gemstone to be their birthstone.

September - Sapphires

Though only the blue color is associated with sapphires, they exist in a rainbow of colours except red. One of the hardest minerals, sapphires are durable gemstones that have been in demand since the ancient times. The hardness of the sapphire is 9 on the Mohs scale and cornflower blue is the most popular sapphire color. Quality sapphires are found in Ceylon, Thailand, Australia, India, Burma, Africa and Brazil.

October - Opal

A precious gemstone, the opal may be light or dark, translucent or transparent. The opals used in making jewelry have a milky-white base with varying flashed of color. Good quality opals exhibit rainbow like colours when viewed from different angles. Black opals are the rarest and most expensive opals with a body colour that ranges from dark grey to black with fiery flashes of colour. Opal hardness generally ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 on the Moths scale. Australia is a leading source of opals but several fire opals are found in Mexico. Other sources include Africa, USA and Brazil.

November - Topaz

The colour in which topaz is most commonly found is yellow, However, it also comes in a spectrum of colours ranging from yellow, brown, honey, flax, green, blue, light blue, red pink and even colourless. The topaz has been known for at least 2000 years, and this gemstone forms the foundation to the twelve gates to the Holy City of New Jerusalem. It symbolizes beauty, splendour and is intended as protection against enemies.

December -Turquoise

Clear blue Persian turquoise is believed to be among the finest turquoise in the world. Turquoise has been a part of Native American tradition for thousands of years. The mines in India, China and South-western US produce huge quantities of this gemstone. The hardness of turquoise used in jewelry varies from 5-6 on the Moths scale. The colour of the turquoise changes ranges from blue to green and even yellow green.

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Unique Diamond Engagement Rings That Are All About Your Style

Diamond engagement rings tend to look the same when you look at them from woman to woman. She will usually have a round brilliant cut diamond set in solitaire mounting which would be a simple 2mm shank in white gold with a few pieces of melee running down the shoulder. However today you can choose from no less than a hundred different brands of uniquely cut diamonds. There must be at least 25 to 30 brands of round brilliant cuts alone. They may be all round but they all have a different type of cut pattern that is usually patented with abundant claims that their cut renders their round brilliant the most sparkly diamond available on the planet.

Some of these brands include, Hearts on Fire, Eighternity, Lazare, Rand and many others. Some of the differences are subtle while others are blatant. For instance a difference between a hearts on fire versus a Lazare diamond would hardly be discernible since they are both cut according to the same strict standards applied to the ideal cut round brilliant as introduced by Tolkowski. Other cuts such as the Eighternity show a completely different face up pattern when compared to the Lazare and Hearts On Fire round brilliants.

Some of the greatest innovations in unique diamond engagement rings comes from the square cuts. Modified cushions like the Carelle from the Gabrielle diamond brand and the combined step and square cut like the Lucerne are quite strikingly different from anything else on the market. When mounted in an wedding ring mounting, their individuality and one-of-a-kind nature is truly self-evident. You don't need an outlandishly artistic mounting to construct a perfectly unique engagement ring based on these square cuts.

However if you are stuck with your basic round brilliant diamond then you would need a mounting with a bit more oomph to it as far as creativity is concerned so they actually have a unique ring. There are many different types of mountings that could lend some creativity to your basic round brilliant diamond. Tension set rings come to mind as well as two toned rings and mountings with several metals combined like a Mokume Gane mounting. You could also go with a very high-end designer of engagement diamond rings like Henry Dunay and you would be assured that not very many women would have the same engagement ring as you.

A little research and investigating into the benefits offered by these branded diamonds is a good place to start in your quest for your unique style of diamond ring. Although they are pricey, the benefits outweigh the costs for many women who want the best for themselves.

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Pink Sapphire Rings

When it comes to selecting designer finger rings, gemstones are the first choice of every jewellery lover. Sapphires comes in various hues of blue, pink, green, yellow, purple, orange and even colorless sapphires. They sparkle, glow and shine and are pleasing to the eye. Pink sapphires deepen in color as the quantity of chromium increases. The monetary value of sapphire increases as the the colour deepens.

When used in jewellery they are totally captivating. The craftsmanship of sapphire rings and necklaces is a thing to admire. It is engraved in the jewellery piece along with diamonds or precious stones on white gold, yellow gold or platinum. While buying sapphire rings one should look out for jewellery information and stone information. Jewellery information includes metal stamp, metal, material type, metal weight, gem weight, ring size and whether it is re sizable. For stone information one should research for minimum color, minimum clarity, minimum total carat weight, minimum total gem weight.

Pink depicts feminism and pink sapphire rings can be a perfect gift for just any occasion for the special lady in your life. Be it an engagement, wedding, valentines day, mothers day or any special occasion sapphire rings attract every eye. There are many jewellery stores and online merchants who have a fabulous collection of pink sapphire rings besides other unique colors. They specialize in providing their customers with the finest quality natural sapphires. The specialty of natural sapphires is that they are not synthetic, are not heated to extreme temperatures, diffused, glass filled or oiled.

While they may appear beautiful, synthetic sapphire stones will not have the subtle variations and uniqueness of real gemstones, and are neither rare nor valuable. Always opt for natural sapphires which offer true beauty, rarity and superior value. Besides the vast collections of designs available, you can also create your own custom sapphire jewellery.

Natural sapphires does not mean they are unaltered. Natural sapphires are untreated and is free from any chemical or heat treatments. They are uncommon and valuable than treated and chemically altered stones. While buying a sapphire jewellery always look out for its authenticity. Once purchased, you will be given a certificate of guarantee. It should be certified from an independent gemological laboratory. They contain basic information about sapphire and the details of heat treatments if any.

Make the purchase from a reputable jeweller who deals directly with the miner so that your sapphire comes right from the mine to the cutter. Buying an untreated sapphire alone is not enough. The colour plays the major role in reflecting a sapphires beauty. Sapphires are known for their wide range of colours, and the choice of color is highly personal. The rich, deep, and pure colours are considered the most rare and valuable.

Holding a well cut sapphire stone under direct sunlight reflects its true colour. A natural sapphire depicts clarity and will have more inclusions than a treated sapphire. The types of treatments performed on sapphires will not only alter their colour, but also their clarity.

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How Important Are Engagement Ring Settings?

In planning to buy an engagement ring for your sweetheart, one very crucial element you have to consider is the setting. Engagement ring settings play the major role because they dictate the total appeal, beauty, splendor and sophistication of the ring. Ring settings come in different styles, metals and precious stones. The engagement ring for the lady of your life must look comfortably and elegantly perfect when she wears it in her finger.

Most classic, traditional and contemporary style engagement ring settings are crafted in yellow or white gold, palladium and platinum. You can purchase them in pre-set design or custom crafted with or without diamonds or a combination of diamonds and other precious stones. Reputable jewelry stores provide certified appraisal value of the ring. There are various engagement ring settings recognized by the jewelry industry. Among them are the Solitaire, Cathedral, Two Tapered Baguette, Antique, Vintage, Bezel and Channel. Other variations are the Three stones, Side stones, Bar, Invisible, Trellis, Pave, Prong, Custom, Flush and Tension settings. The most popular center stone is diamond. Diamond cut can be round, oval, marquise, pear, heart, lucida, emerald, princess, trilliant, radiant, Asscher and cushion cut. Many people used other gemstones as the center like South Sea Pearl with assorted small diamonds or other gemstones adorning the sides.

One popular engagement ring setting is the Classic Solitaire. It is much in demand because of its unique brilliance and the reflection of a sophisticated and illusionary look. Your round brilliant or princess cut diamond looks larger in this type of ring setting. It sets the diamond in a raised up position to allow full exposure to the light. Another variation of a solitaire setting is the Contour Solitaire. The ring band in this splendid setting is crafted upwards from both side of the center diamond to provide greater protection to the stones.

In the Cathedral setting, it is designed like a cathedral church with arches. The center diamond is secured in between bands of each side. The diamond cut can be whatever you prefer be it an old miners cut, European, Cushion, Asscher, Round or Princess Cut. You can have an 18k or 14k white gold, palladium or platinum. There are so many designs you can incorporate if your budget allows it. You can have a unique and masterfully crafted customized ring setting with romantic designs. A platinum head prong setting secures the center diamond stone. Cathedral setting type expresses true love and romance.

Engagement ring with side stones setting is also a popular setting style. The side diamond stones will perfectly enhance the radiance of your center diamond. If you want a channel setting, you can opt for a 14k or 18k white gold diamond bypass ring. It can be set with 6 or more brilliant round cut diamonds on each side of your stunning diamond center stone. You can have it crafted with the side shanks curving to secure the center diamond. You may also opt for an excellently designed three stone trellis ring setting to symbolize your past, present and future love commitment. Choose a 14k white gold ring set with two round cut diamonds on each side and a large center diamond within your price range.

The choice is endless when you are on a search for engagement ring settings. In dealing with online jewelry stores, compare and study their policies carefully before you decide. Many trustworthy jewelers are proud to offer you high quality, beautifully designed and fantastic looking engagement rings, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, a Full Lifetime Warranty, a 30 Day Return Policy, a Diamond Grading Report, Certificate of Authenticity, a gift box, free shipping with full insurance and wonderful discounted prices.

If your bride-to-be is the smart and practical type and would be amenable to the idea that she picks the engagement ring herself based on your price range, it will take a lot of burden from your shoulder.

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Diamond Solitaire Engagement Rings Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Diamond solitaire engagement rings are the most popular type of engagement rings; however, there are various shapes of diamonds that make excellent solitaire rings. While the round diamond is the most popular shape when it comes to solitaire diamond rings, there are many more shapes that you may want to consider. Many men do not realize when they go shopping for diamond engagement rings that there will be so many decisions to make regarding the ring. For the most part, most people are looking for a beautiful ring that sparkles and fits within their budget. However, deciding which shape of a diamond ring to buy is usually the first decision that should be made.

Heart shaped diamonds are romantic and for the woman who likes heart shaped jewelry, this may be the right shape to choose for diamond solitaire engagement rings. The princess cut is another popular shape; in fact, next to the round diamond, it is the most popular shape of a diamond engagement ring.

Other shapes to consider when you are in the market for a diamond engagement ring include oval, pear, and emerald cut diamond rings as well as cushion cut, which is a square to rectangular shape and marquise, which is considered an elegant cut of diamond.

Even after you choose the shape of the diamond there is still the setting and the band to consider. The prong setting is the most popular setting for solitaire rings but it is not the only choice. Also, depending on the shape, even if you choose a prong setting you will need to decide if you want four or six prongs holding the diamond in place.

If you don't already know what shape your intended would prefer you might want to ask her or look at any other rings she wears to get a clue. Shape is considered a personal style issue and has no bearing on the value of the diamond so the only thing that matters when it comes to shape is what her preference is. However, it is important, and actually fun to educate yourself about diamonds before you make the all important purchase of diamond solitaire engagement rings.

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Seven round diamonds (3/4 cttw) form a band of brilliance that spans the top of this 14 karat gold ring. The stones are held in shared prong settings that show them off beautifully. A polished gold band with clean lines and squared edges completes the design. This ring is available in your choice of white or yellow gold and can be resized up or down by 1/2 size.

Sapphire Rings - How They Are Made

When looking to buy sapphire rings it is helpful and interesting to know the origins of a sapphire. You may have already purchased your new sapphire ring and are gazing at its beauty.

Sapphires have both natural and manufactured origins. They have a wide range of uses not just as exquisite gems found in sapphire rings, broaches, earrings, necklaces and many other jewelry pieces, but as optical components used in electronics.

Interestingly sapphire can also be used to make watch faces in expensive watches as the durability of the material make it very difficult to scratch or crack the surface.

Sapphire is not the hardest substance known to man so it is still possible to damage the surface if contact is made with diamond or silicone carbide.

Sapphire can also be made into high quality windows due to the strength.

Sapphire is manufactured in large crystal boules. Naturally the sapphire we get in sapphire rings is a single crystal form of aluminium oxide which is a mineral recognized as corundum. We commonly consider a sapphire to be a blue colour. When small amounts of iron and chromium are found it gives a sapphire its colour.

Sapphires come in a variety of colours dependant on the amount of iron and chromium inclusion together with certain other mineral types. Pink, purple, orange, green, yellow and red sapphires can be found, all of which can be polished to make sapphire rings. It takes true craftsmanship to cut the stone to ensure the vibrancy of the colour is realised. A poor cut gem will produce a dull appearance and a blue colour, which is too dark.

Sapphires are found in exotic locations such as Thailand, India, Ceylon, Burma Vietnam, Brazil, Australia and Africa.

Fancy sapphires are considered to be any other shade of colour other than blue or red. Pink sapphires have traces of chromium, the darker the colour the higher the value. Yellow and green sapphires have traces of iron and purple sapphires have traces of the element vanadium.

You may have noticed that some sapphire rings have the ability to change colour in different light. They can often have a blue colour in outdoor light but then shift their colour to a purple when in indoor light.

Natural sapphires are normally baked for several hours at very high temperatures to improve their colour which quite often is a greyish brown to begin with.

Some sapphire rings have a star like shape which is known as an asterism. These exceptional and beautiful sapphire rings are formed from the mineral rutile that gives the appearance of a six pointed star, when viewed from above.

The clearer the colour of the stone and visibility and brightness of the star would generally reflect in the sapphire rings overall value.

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