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Hand-made Designer Jewelry
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Birthstones Quick Guide | Related article: The Healing Power of Stones |
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Gemstones are associated with various qualities and each month has a birthstone that represents it. This belief goes back thousands of years to the time of Moses. In a similar manner, each Zodiac sign also has a representative birthstone.
Use the above menu to select the zodiac sign you are interested in, read about its birthstone(s) and the stone's properties.
To see jewelry made with a specific gemstone, click on the gemstone title.
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Birthday StonesThe term "Birthday Stone" has also been used as a synonym for "Birthstone", however there is also a separate list of assigment according to the day of the week you were born:Monday: Pearl (the only organic gem) Tuesday: Garnet Wednesday: Cat's eye (Chatoyant Chrysoberyl) Thursday: Emerald Friday: Topaz Saturday: Sapphire Sunday: Ruby If you are not sure which day of the week you were born, you can check right here! Enter your birthday, then click on "Calculate": |
Aries March 21st - April 20thBirthstone: Bloodstone
Bloodstone Characteristics
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According to legend bloodstone (heliotrope, a form of chalcedony) was first formed when a few drops of Christ's blood fell and stained the jasper at the foot of the cross. Finely powdered bloodstone is also used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India, even nowadays. The classic bloodstone is green jasper with red inclusions of iron oxide.
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Taurus April 21st - May 21stBirthstone: Sapphire
Sapphire Characteristics
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Sapphire symbolizes sincerity and faithfulness and is one of the best choices for an engagement ring or any love-related gift. The ancient Persians believed that the Earth rested on a giant Sapphire and its reflection colored the sky. The most famous and valuable sapphires are royal blue.
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Gemini May 22nd - June 21stBirthstone: Agate
Agate Characteristics
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Agate gets its name from the stone originally found in the Achates River in Sicily (now Drillo River). Ancient Egyptians have used agates for talismans, amulets, seals, and also vessels. Some early civilizations used eye beads (discs with a hole) to protect them from evil and as a good luck charm.
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Cancer June 22nd - July 22ndBirthstone: Emerald
Emerald Characteristics
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Emerald is the "gem of eternal spring" and has been cherished and used in ancient Egypt and India. Cleopatra adored her emeralds more than any other gem, and the Moguls of India inscribed emeralds with sacred texts and wore them as talismans.
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Leo July 23rd - August 22ndBirthstone: Onyx
Onyx Characteristics
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The ancient Greeks and Romans loved Onyx. The name itself derrives from the Greek word "onux", meaning "fingernail". Reddish brown onyx is known as Sardonyx. Sardonyx was popular in old Rom, especially for seals, because it was said it didn't stick to the wax.
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Virgo August 23rd - September 22ndBirthstone: Carnelian
Carnelian Characteristics
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According to G.E. Kunz (gemologist & historian) Carnelian is especially recommended for shy people. Wearing it will give them the courage they lack. Carnelian was also admired by Muslims, as Muhammad himself wore a silver seal ring with an engraved carnelian.
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Libra September 23rd - October 23rdBirthstone: Peridot
Peridot Characteristics
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According to legend bloodstone was first formed when a few drops of Christ's blood fell and stained the jasper at the foot of the cross. Finely powdered bloodstone is also used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India, even nowadays.
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Scorpio October 24th - November 21stBirthstone: Beryl
Beryl Characteristics
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The most popular, and quite rare Beryl is pastel pink, peach or lavender Morganite. The name for Heliodor, a golden beryl, derrives from the Greek word for sun "helios" and gift "doron". It has a beautiful sunny yellow color.
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Sagittarius November 22nd - December 21stBirthstone: Topaz
Topaz Characteristics
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The Egyptians associated the Topaz with the sun god Ra and considered it a very powerful protection against harm. According to legend, it dispels all enchantment and also helps improve eyesight! Greeks believed that Topaz has the power to increase strength and it was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink, as well as cure insomnia and asthma.
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Capricorn December 22nd - January 21stBirthstone: Ruby
Ruby Characteristics
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Rubies are said to bring wisdom, happiness and health to those who wear them, as well as bring good luck to gamblers and lovers.
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Aquarius January 21st - Fenruary 21stBirthstone: Garnet
Garnet Characteristics
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There is a large number of trade names for garnet, mostly based on color: Hessonite, Melanite, Malaya, Rhodolite, Bohemian garnets, Almandite,.. and all the species can be used as gemstones.
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Pisces February 22nd - March 21stBirthstone: Amethyst
Amethyst Characteristics
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In Tibet Amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha, so many roseraries are created using this stone. It was also thought to prevent drunkenness, hence many wine goblets were carved from it. Based on the belief that Amethyst encourages celibacy, it was very popular in the ornamentation of churches in the Middle Ages. Bishops still often wear Amethyst.
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