A birthstone is a gemstone that symbolizes a month of birth. They are often used in personal jewelry such as rings or pendants.

GARNETGarnet is the birthstone for January. Thousands of years ago, red garnet necklaces adorned the necks of Egypt’s pharaohs and were entombed with their mummified corpses as prized possessions for the afterlife.The term carbuncle was often used in ancient times to refer to red garnets, although it was used for almost any red stone. Carbuncle was thought to be one of the four precious stones given to King Solomon by God.

AMETHYSTAmethyst is the birthstone for February and because of its winelike color, early Greek legends associated amethyst with Bacchus, the god of wine. Other legends reflected beliefs that amethyst kept its wearer clear-headed and quick-witted in battle and in business affairs. Because amethyst was associated with wine, it was believed that wearing amethyst prevented drunkenness.

AQUAMARINE’Aquamarine is the birthstone for March.It has been said that the mineral gives the wearer protection against foes in battle or litigation. It makes the wearer unconquerable and amiable, and also quickens the intellect.

DIAMONDDiamond, the birthstone for April, has a long history as a beautiful object of desire. In the first century, the Roman naturalist Pliny stated: “Diamond is the most valuable, not only of precious stones, but of all things in this world.”The world’s love of diamonds had its start in India, where diamonds were gathered from the country’s rivers and streams. Some historians estimate that India was trading in diamonds as early as the fourth century B.C.

EMERALDEmerald is the birthstone for May and its lush green has soothed souls and excited imaginations since antiquity.Rome’s Pliny the Elder described emerald in his Natural History, published in the first century: “nothing greens greener” was his verdict. He described the use of emerald by early lapidaries, who “have no better method of restoring their eyes than by looking at the emerald, its soft, green color comforting and removing their weariness and lassitude.”

MOONSTONEAccording to Hindu mythology, moonstone, the birthstone of June, is made of solidified moonbeams. Many other cultures also associate this gem with moonlight, and it’s easy to see why. Its internal structure scatters the light that strikes it, creating a phenomenon known as adularescence.Legends say that moonstone brings good luck.

RUBYThe birthstone for July, ruby is one of the most historically significant colored stones. Rubies are mentioned four times in the Bible, in association with attributes such as beauty and wisdom.Ruby has accumulated a host of legends over the centuries. People in India believed that rubies enabled their owners to live in peace with their enemies.

PERIDOTPeridot, the August birthstone, has always been associated with light. In fact, the Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun.”Some believed that it protected its owner from “terrors of the night,” especially when it was set in gold. Others strung the gems on donkey hair and tied them around their left arms to ward off evil spirits.

SAPPHIRESeptember’s birthstone, sapphire traditionally symbolizes nobility, truth, sincerity and faithfulness. It has decorated the robes of royalty and clergy members for centuries.Its extraordinary color is the standard against which other blue gems — from topaz to tanzanite — are measured.In ancient Greece and Rome, kings and queens were convinced that blue sapphires protected their owners from envy and harm.

OPALWriters have compared opals, birthstone of October, to volcanoes, galaxies and fireworks.Arabic legends say opal falls from the heavens in flashes of lightning. The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease. Europeans have long considered the gem a symbol of hope, purity and truth.In fact, throughout most of history, opal has been regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all gems because it can show all colors.

TOPAZThe ancient Greeks believed that topaz, November’s birthstone, gave them strength. In Europe during the Renaissance people thought that topaz could break magic spells and dispel anger.For centuries, many people in India have believed that topaz worn above the heart assures long life, beauty and intelligence.

TURQUOISETurquoise is one of the world’s most ancient gems and the birthstone of December. Archaeological excavations revealed the rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with turquoise jewelry, and Chinese artisans were carving it more than 3,000 years ago.Turquoise has long been considered a stone that guarantees health, good fortune and protection from evil.SOURCE: GIA.EDU