Birthstones and recommended jewelry for you – part 2 (October – January)

Are you ready for the second round of birthstones? People born between October and January pay attention, this post is for you! 

October: Opal or Tourmaline

* Opals have been used for everything from easing childbirth to bringing strength in battle.

* Long known as the Wish Stone, opal is supposed to promote love and romance and grant wishes and personal happiness.

* Tourmaline is said to bring high energy, good luck, creativity and romance, depending on its color.

  

Chopard pink opal and diamond earrings, via Pinterest

               Chopard pink opal and diamond earrings, via Pinterest

Estate Tourmaline and Diamond Ring

 November: Topaz or Citrine

* Topaz was often used to promote wisdom in its wearer, which may explain the medieval custom of giving topaz rings to heads of state, diplomats, and royalty.

* Topaz is reputed to increase understanding, strengthen breathing, prevent colds, enhance creativity, bring relaxation, control angry passions, restore energy, and aid in tissue regeneration.

Georgian Citrine Riviere Necklace with Pear Shape Drop, circa 1830 Fred Leighton

December: Turquoise or Tanzanite

* Turquoise was very appreciated in ancient Egypt; Egyptian Pharaohs wore turquoise jewelry and Cleopatra probably used ground-up turquoise for eye paint and wore turquoise in her jewelry too.

* Children in several cultures were later given turquoise charms to protect them from harm, prevent nightmares, and to grant them restful sleep.

De Grisogono Turquoise bracelet - made of 111.46 carat black diamonds, 58.65 carat rubies and 240 carat turquoise gemstones

January: Garnet

*As garnet is the group name for a family of gemstones that come in so many colors, there are so many symbols of this gem depending on its hue;

* It was believed that garnets promote true love, warn of danger by changing color, and protect the wearer's home from fire and lightning.

* Garnets in yellow, brown and orange were believed to stimulate energy, increase sexual vitality, and promote compatibility in lovers.

* Green gemstones were said to bring prosperity, calm the nerves, and protect wearers from emotional stress.

* Pink garnets were believed to attract romance and cure broken hearts.

Bohemian Garnet and Seed Pearl encrusted earrings, 19th century

Bohemian Garnet and Seed Pearl encrusted earrings, 19th century 

 See you next time, with the last part from this birthstones series!

Lovin’ Turquoise

I've always had a predilection for Turquoise jewelry and I know a lot of people who have it. I actually have many friends who like Turquoise jewels as much as I do.

Most people respond positively to Turquoise as it is believed to be a color of faith and truth that heals and comforts us.

You might have seen a lot of Turquoise in the fashion scene in 2010 as it was designated the color of the year back then.

As Pantone's experts approve, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals colors and all shades of brown, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, lights up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

Via Mikael Adamson

 It’s a fact that Turquoise is a great accent color in jewelry.

Martin Katz  Jewelry - Oval Paraiba Tourmaline Cabochon and Diamond Ring
Microset with 276 diamonds and 72 paraibas

Via Christine Webb