Birthstones and Their Meanings

January – Garnet: “Garnet” originates from the old English word “gernet” that was used during the 14th century. It means “dark red.” The root word is “granatum,” it’s a Latin word meaning “seed,” this is because it resembles pomegranate seeds. Although the garnet is typically red in color, it is named after a cluster of minerals that come in an array of colors from deep red to vibrant green. There are some rare garnets that are either blue, colorless, or they change color depending on the lighting.

There are many old wives tales about the garnet stone that is often seen on birthstone necklaces; apparently, it brings good health, peace, and prosperity to the home. It is also referred to as the gem of faith, if you wear the gem and do good, you will attract more good into your life. On the other hand, if you commit bad acts while wearing it (on a birthstone necklace perhaps), you will attract more bad into your life.

The garnet is also a symbol of the strong bond formed in friendship, it is often given as a gift (in a birthstone necklace) to those who have friends that they deeply value.

Regardless of how or why you wear the garnet, this dazzling gemstone is a blessing to those who are born in January and want to get the new year off to a positive start. Buy your mother a mothers necklace with a garnet stone, or you friend a birthstone necklace with a garnet stone today

February – Amethyst: The Romans and the ancient Greeks believed that the amethyst stone (now often found in mothers necklaces) had the power to protect them against the evil spirit of Bacchus. It was also believed that the person wearing it was kept with a clear head throughtout the time they wore it and had the awesome ability to think on their feet. The gemstone has many myths attached to its heritage; during the middle ages, the English regalia we now know and cherish today in museums was adorned with amethysts as a symbol of royalty. This gemstone has a history dating back to as far as 2000 BC. According to some historical records, Saint Valentine wore an amethyst ring that had the image of cupid carved in it. It was also one of the twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament. Leonard da Vinci believed that the amethyst helped to eliminate evil thoughts and sharpened the intellectual capabilities of the wearer. Making it a perfect stone for a mothers necklace or a birthstone necklace.

March – Bloodstone/Aquamarine: The month of March shares two very different birthstones, bloodstone and aquamarine (great choices for either mothers necklaces or birthstone necklaces of all types).

Bloodstone: The Babylonians used the bloodstone to make amulets and seals, it was believed to have healing powers. It was especially capable of eliminating blood disorders. It is also referred to as the martyr’s stone because it is rumoured that it was created when the blood of Christ stained jasper when he was crucified.

The Babylonians also used bloodstone to perform divination, and the Egyptians had a love for the gem because they believed that it assisted them in defeating their enemies. They also believed that it had the ability to make them invisible and increase their strength. Other cultures believed that bloodstone had the ability to win legal battles, change or control the weather or activate the gift of prophecy. Doesnt this stone sound like it would be amazing on a birthstone necklace or mothers necklace?

Aquamarine: The name aquamarine originates from the Latin word for seawater. Historically, it is believed that the gem kept sailors safe at sea and kept the waves under control. It was also believed to guarantee a happy marriage. Perfect choice for your mothers' "mother necklace" then. No?

April – Diamond: Everyone loves diamonds (especially on a birthstone necklace or a mother necklace), they say they are a girl's best friend! However, they have an interesting history that many people are not aware of. According to historians, this rare gem has been traded since 4 BC. Its value is based upon the fact that it is formed deep in the earth's crust and uncovered when it is forced upwards. It is believed that diamonds have the ability to remove toxins from the blood, cure pituitary gland disorders, and heal brain disease. Throughout history, the diamond has always been a symbol of everlasting love; and today, it is most commonly known as the stone given in an engagement ring. If this isn't the most perfect stone if you are stuck for choice on a stone for a birthstone necklace or a mother necklace, we do not know what is the.

May – Emerald: It is estimated that emeralds are 2.97 billion years old; Cleopatra is said to have cherished them. During her reign, she decided that all emerald mines in Egypt belonged to her. The Egyptians not only used emeralds for jewellery (birthstone necklaces perhaps), but they also used them for burials and placed them in the tombstones of monarchs believing that they served as a form of protection.

In Colombia, the Muzo Indians had treasured emerald mines that were so well hidden, it took the Spanish conquistadors almost twenty years to find them. Wonder how many birthstone necklaces stones from these mines made.

Emeralds are believed to have a number of mystical powers, it was believed that they were capable of curing stomach problems, stopping bleeding and controlling epilepsy. Due to its comforting green color, it is also believed that it keeps the wearer calm, relaxed and free from panic. Great birthstone necklace or mother necklace option for sure.

Today, the emerald is a symbol of security, peace, new beginnings and loyalty. Buy your mothers necklace with an emerald stone today.

June – Pearl/Moonstone/Alexandrite: There are three birthstones for the month of June, pearl/moonstone and alexandrite.

Pearl: The ancient Greeks believed that pearls were the tears of the gods. In 520 B.C, the oldest pearl jewellery was found in the sarcophagus of a Persian princess after her death.

The ancient Japanese believe that pearls came from the mythical creatures of the sea (nymphs and mermaids). During this time, the Chinese believed that pearls were carried between the teeth of dragons and to claim the pearls, the dragons must be slain, which was a symbol of wisdom. Because of the rare nature of pearls, only the richest nobles were able to afford them, ancient Egyptians were often buried with precious pearls.

Moonstone: The moonstone is found in several cities and countries such as New Mexico, Virginia, North Carolina, Tanzania, Myanmar, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, India, and Brazil. The moonstone is associated with passion, love, fertility and good luck. Awesome birthstone necklace option.

Alexandrite: The alexandrite was first found on the Ural Mountains in Russia in 1830. It was named after Alexander; the second heir to the throne. It is a rare variety of the chrysoberyl mineral that changes color according to the lighting. Beautiful choice for a birthstone necklace or your moms' mothers necklace.

July – Ruby: The ruby is symbolic of prosperity, protection, and passion; historically, they were especially revered in Asian countries. Chinese noblemen dressed their armor with rubies because they believed that they would provide them with protection. They were also buried underneath buildings because they were believed to secure good fortune.

Ancient Hindus believed that if rubies were offered to the the god Krishna, they would be reborn as emperors. Greek legends claim that the glowing warmth within rubies could melt wax. This is truly a fantastic stone for birthstone necklaces and mothers necklaces.

August – Peridot/Sardonyx/Spinel: August is represented by three different birthstones, this became official in 2016. Sardonyx was August's original birthstone, at a later date peridot was added, and it became the months primary gemstone. Spinel was also added at a later date. Abundance of choice for birthstone necklaces and mothers necklaces.

Peridot: Peridot is known for its glowing lime green color; historians are unsure of where the name originates. However, the majority of scholars believe that it comes from the Arabic word “faridat” meaning “gem.” There are also scholars who believe that it comes from the Greek word “peridona” which means “giving plenty.”

Peridot comes from the mineral olivine which is formed deep within the mantle of the earth and is only brought to the surface when a volcano erupts.

Ancient Egyptians referred to peridot as the "gem of the sun,"; the belief is that those who wore it were protected from the terrors of the night. Some historians speculate that Cleopatras famous collection of emeralds may actually have been peridots. Emeralds and peridots were often confused during the medieval period. We won't confuse them on your birthstone necklace.

Spinel: The name spinel originates from the word "spina,"; it is a Latin word meaning "thorn." This gemstone is available in a variety of colors, bluish green, blue, violet, purple, orange, vibrant pink and intense red. Spinel is found in several countries including Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Tajikistan.

Sardonyx: During the Old Testament, sardonyx was one of the stones in the Breastplates of High Priests, it was a sign of spiritual strength (making it a perfect option for a birthstone necklace for mom). Sardonyx rings were worn by Roman soldiers, they would carve the image of Mars into them, and it is believed that it protected them during battle. Today sardonyx is associated with clear communication, happiness, courage and stability in partnership and marriage (perfect for mothers necklaces). Sardonyx is found in the United States, Uruguay, Madagascar, Czechoslovakia Germany, and Brazil.

September – Sapphire: Sapphire represents nobility, loyalty, and wisdom. This precious stone is typically blue in color; however, it also comes in all colors of the rainbow apart from red. The name "sapphire" originates from the Greek word "sapphieros" and the Latin word "sapphirus" which mean "blue stone." However, some scholars believe that it came from the Sanskrit word "sanipriya" meaning "dear to Saturn."

The celestial blue color of the sapphire is believed to symbolize heaven and attract wise judgment and divine favor (ain't this amazing symbology for a birthstone necklace). When the Greeks were looking for answers from the oracle, they wore sapphire for guidance. Hindus used it when they were worshipping their gods, and the Buddhists believed that it opened the door to spiritual enlightenment. The ancient Hebrews believed that the ten commandments were written into tablets of sapphire.

In 1981, when Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana with a 12-carat blue sapphire engagement ring, it became a symbol of love in the United Kingdom. Show her love with a sapphire stone birthstone necklace today.

October – Opal: The month of October is represented by two birthstones, tourmaline and opal. The word "opal" comes from the Greek word "opallios," and it means "to see a change in color." Over the year's opal has been associated with good luck; however, there are some superstitions that claim that it can bring bad luck to those who wear the stone but were not born in October. Be sure to get this birthstone on a necklace for people born in October. Dont risk it.

Arabic legend states that bolts of lightening dropped opals from the sky. On the other hand, the Aborigines of Australia believed that when God walked the earth, He came in a rainbow, and when His feet touched the ground, he left opals behind. During the middle ages, it was believed that the opal was a lucky gemstone and that it possessed magical powers. However, in 1829, Sir Walter Scott wrote a book entitled Anne of Geierstein, and in it an enchanted princess wore an opal that changed color any time her mood changed. The gem was doused in holy water and its magic powers were extinguished. The princess died soon after.

November – Citrine: Citrine is brownish-orange and pale yellow in color; due to its variety of lemon inspired shades, it is named after the citrus fruit. It is often confused with the topaz stone mentioned earlier because of its pale yellow color. The word "citrine" was first recorded in the English language, and it has been used to describe yellow gemstones as early as 1835. Historically, it is believed that citrine gemstones had the power to manifest desires, calm tempers, soothe anger and promote prosperity. Today citrine is often found in men's cufflinks and women's jewellery (birthstone necklaces included).

December – Tanzanite/Zircon/Turquoise: The month of December has got three birthstones, tanzanite, zircon and turquoise.

Tanzanite: The Tanzanite is named after its country of origin; this blueish purple gemstone is only found in Tanzania and comes from the mineral zoisite.

Unlike other gemstones, the tanzanite doesn't have a long history, it was found in 1967 by Maasai herders in Tanzania. When discovered it was identified as a variety of the mineral zoiste which was discovered in the 1800's. However, when Tiffany & Co decided to become its main distributer, they renamed the gemstone "tanzanite" because they thought that the stones previous name sounded like the word "suicide."

Zircon: Scholars believe that the name "zircon" comes from the word "zargun" which is the Persian word for "gold colored." Other scholars believe that it comes from the Arabic word "zarkun" which means "vermilion" or "cinnabar." During the Middle Ages, the gem was believed to promote wisdom, honor and riches, it was also believed to drive away evil spirits and induce a restful night's sleep. Ideal symbology for a birthstone necklace.

Turquoise: History suggests that turquoise is one of the oldest gems in the world. The name originates from the words "pierre tourques," which means "Turkish stone." The name suggests that it may have originated in Turkey. Tibet has claimed it as their national gem, and throughout history, it is believed to have guaranteed protection from evil, good health and wealth. Awesome birthstone necklace stone.

How to Choose a Mother Necklace (Birthstone Necklaces For Mom)

Choosing a mother necklace can be difficult, you want to make sure that you get your mother exactly what she deserves, and that is nothing but the best. There are so many designs, trends, and styles are always changing - which can make it hard to find the right fit. However, there are some things you will want to take into consideration when buying birthstone necklaces for your mother.

Style: One of the most important factors to take into consideration is style, what kind of clothes does your mother wear? What does her wardrobe look like? This will make it a lot easier when it comes to choosing the right birthstone necklace for mom. What type of lifestyle does your mother live, is she flashy, modest, or something in between? Do you think she would like a gold mom necklace or a silver mom necklace? A gold mom necklace is more flashy, and silver mom necklace is more modest.

Comfort: Comfort is not something that most people will think about when it comes to buying a mother necklace. If your mother is the type of person who will wear her mother necklace throughout the day, you don’t want to purchase something that is too heavy. You also want to make sure that it fits comfortably around her neck, it shouldn’t be too small that it chokes her, neither should it be too big that it’s hanging half way down her body.

Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a birthstone necklace or set of birthstone necklaces for mom? Price really shouldn't be an issue because at the end of the day, it's the thought that counts. If you've got the money; go for it, get your mother the best your money can buy; however, if you don't have a large budget, there are plenty of cheaper options when it comes to birthstone necklaces for mom. If you do want to get a mom necklace that's out of your price range, there are some jewellery stores that will allow you to pay in installments.