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!

Birthstones and recommended jewelry for you – part 1 (June – September)

Since I've noticed that the most read post on my blog is Zodiac signs and we all are so interested in this kind of stuff, I've decided to write about birthstones. Find out which gem is associated with the month you were born in and some facts about it. I’ll even recommend you an exquisite piece of jewelry with that specific gemstone.

I’ll start with June, the month we are in. The first 4 birthstones are presented below, while the next 8 ones will be shown in my next two posts. So all of you born in October – May interval stay tuned for it!

June: Pearl

* The pearl symbolizes purity, wisdom, charity and loyalty. 

* In ancient Greece, it was believed that pearls had the power to prevent newly wed brides from crying and to promote happiness among all those who wore them.

* More than 2.000 years ago, ancient Chinese believed pearls had the power to perpetuate eternal youth.

Magnolia 16 mm White South Sea Cultured Pearl, Akoya Cultured Pearl and 5.14 ct Diamond Necklace set in 18k White Gold, by Mikimoto

July: Ruby

* Ruby has been the gem of passion and the heart's desire since the dawn of time. 

* Mystics used rubies to stimulate spiritual creativity and religious devotion. 

* Ancient Greek women believed that wearing ruby could bring them love and physical beauty.

* Rubies were considered the wedding stone through the Middle Ages and early Renaissance, as they were supposed to keep passion alive and promote lasting love and contentment in marriage.

Ruby and diamond necklace by Harry Winston, via Christies

August: Peridot

* Medieval alchemists used peridot in amulets to protect the wearer from demons, but by Renaissance times, peridot had become a love stone, worn to attract romance.

* It has also been alleged to encourage a positive emotional outlook on life, to prevent fear or guilt, and to help develop patience.

18k White Gold Diamond & Peridot Ring by Cartier. With 34 round brilliant cut diamonds, VS1 clarity, G color. Total Diamond Weight: .34ct. 

September: Blue Sapphire

* Blue sapphire was valued by ancient Hindu mystics as the key to developing wisdom and spiritual progress.  

* The Romans thought this gem attracted divine favor to their owners.

* All through the Middle Ages, sapphires were alleged to bring a great destiny to their wearers, and were often used in court and royal jewelry. 

* Alchemists believed that blue sapphires would help them develop clairvoyance, telepathy and divine wisdom.

Luscious Blue Sapphire and Diamond Earrings with 148 Round Stones. 64.82 Total Carats