Birthstones
| January |  | Garnet Legend holds that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for illumination. It reportedly gives its wearer guidance in the night, protection from nightmares. Garnets are found in the U.S., Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil and India |
| February |  | Amethyst The Greeks believed that it would prevent intoxication when worn. The amethyst has also symbolised peace, protection and tranquillity. It is mainly found in Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia |
| March |  | Aquamarine In ancient times, the stone was said to aid seafarers. To dream of an aquamarine signifies the making of new friends; to wear aquamarine earrings brings love and affection. It is the universal symbol of youth, hope and health. The aquamarine is mainly found in Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia and Ukraine |
| April |  | Diamond Discovered about 2,500 years ago in India, the ancients believed they were splinters from the stars, or maybe crystalised lightening or hardened dew drops |
| May |  | Emerald The emerald was thought to cure a wide range of ailments, including low IQ, poor eyesight and infertility, it also enabled the wearer to predict the future. They are characterised by a garden of included crystals trapped within, known as the "jardin", because under magnification, you will see lovely patterns resembling foliage in a garden. Emeralds are found mainly in Columbia, Brazil, Zimbabwe and Zambia |
| June |  | Pearl Pearls have been recognised as the symbol of modesty, chastity and purity. They symbolise a happy marriage. Moonstone is sometimes used as an alternative since it physically resembles some pearls |
| July |  | Ruby Known as the "Lord of the Gems", the ruby is said to protect their owners from all kinds of misfortune. A fine ruby assured its owner that he would live in harmony with his neighbours. Many ancients believed the ruby possessed an inner flame that burned eternally. Rubies are found in Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Cambodia, Afghanistan and India |
| August |  | Peridot Peridots formed as the result of volcanic action. Tiny peridot crystals are sometimes found in the black sands of Hawaii. They were considered powerful amulets against all evil and said to be favoured by pirates. The peridot is found in Burma, China and the U.S. |
| September |  | Sapphire The sapphire was honoured by ancient priests and sorcerers for it was said to enable them to foretell the future. Ancients believed the Ten Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet. Sapphire is found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Kashmir, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China and the US |
| October |  | Opal Opal has symbolised hope, innocence and purity throughout the ages. Mediaeval writers believed opal could render its wearer invisible when the need arose. It is though to banish evil spirits and favour children, the theatre and friends. Opals are found in Australia, Mexico and the US. Tourmaline is used sometimes as a birthstone for October by those who prefer a faceted stone |
| November |  | Topaz The Topaz hold the distinction of being the gemstone with the widest range of curative powers. It has been known to change colours in the presence of poison. The Greeks felt it gave them strength. Topaz is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and China. Citrine is sometimes substituted for Topaz because it is readily available and less expensive |
| December |  | Turquoise In the 16th century, turquoise was used as currency by the Southwest Indians. They believed the gemstone would bring everyone good fortune. It has also been used in the preparation of cosmetics. Blue Topaz is a popular alternative for those who prefer faceted stones |
