Birthstone Jewelry > Tradition and Lore
Since ancient times, certain personality traits have been associated with each gemstone and the individuals whose birth month is represented by that gem. Legendary powers have been attributed to many gemstones and they were worn to bring good fortune to their owner.
 
  Month              Birth Stone           Personality Trait            Legend
January Garnet Steadiness Gem of Friendship
Garnets are associated with sincerity, and thought to be an antidote to anger and discord. During the crusades, garnets were worn as protection against wounds and accidents. The most treasured garnets are a deep red color.

February Amethyst Truthfulness Emotional Protection
Amethyst is said to be the stone of protection and is thought to bring peace of mind to one who wears it. The ancient Greeks believed it brought protection against intoxication. The royal purple color has been prized by kings and queens.

March Aquamarine Bravery Brings Love and Affection
Aquamarines were considered sacred to Neptune, God of the sea. They were worn by Greek sailors to remain brave on perilous journeys. Other cultural legends say that to wear aquamarine attracts love, affection and new friends

April Diamond Ethics Invincible Gem of Kings
The diamond is one of the most prized gems in history, used to adorn the crowns of kings and queens throughout the ages. In ancient times it was considered the emblem of fearlessness and invincibility. Today it represents love and betrothal.

May Emerald Love Fertility and Rebirth
The rare and beautiful emerald has long been considered as the symbol of youth, rebirth and springtime. In ancient times emeralds were dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love, Cleopatra revered them for their enchanting green hues.

June Alexandrite Well-Being The Power of Change
Alexandrite possesses an enchanting chameleon-like personality. In daylight, it can appear as a beautiful green, sometimes with a bluish cast. However, under artificial lighting,the stone turns toward orange or reddish tones.

July Ruby Happiness Gem of Passion
The ruby represents passion and a happiness for life. In the Orient, rubies were believed to contain the spark of life -- "a deep drop of the heart's blood of Mother Earth". The most prized rubies reflect the deep red color of blood.

August Peridot Marital Bliss Cures Disease
Peridot was considered to free the mind of envious thoughts and as an aid to friendship. In the middle ages it was used as a cure for disease of the liver. Peridot is prized for it’s unique chartreuse color and liquid transparent quality.

September Sapphire Innocence Gem of Heaven
Sapphire symbolizes the heavens, innocence, truth, good health, and preserver of chastity. During the middle ages, sapphire was worn by preists, because it represents the purity of soul. It’s deep blue color is associated with the night sky.

October Tourmaline Optimism Calming Influence
Tourmaline is known as the "peace stone," because it has a legendary power to dispel fear and make its wearer calm. Pink tourmaline promotes female balance and protection. It imparts a sense of optimism to the wearer.

November Citrine Loyalty Cures Anger
In ancient legend, topaz could be used to control heat. It was believed to have the power to cool boiling water, and also to avoid excessive anger. As medication, citrine was used to cure fever.

December Swiss Blue Topaz Loyalty and Passion Cures Anger
Swiss Blue Topaz offers all of the history, lore, and intrigue of Sky Blue Topaz. However, Swiss Blue Topaz presents the wearer with a deeper, royal blue color that is believed to unite body, mind and spirit. This attribute probably explains the personality trait of passion.