GEMSTONES &
BIRTHSTONES
WHAT IS A GEMSTONE
Gemstones are minerals prized for their beauty, relative scarcity and durability. Out of the approximately 3,000 minerals available, only about 300 are valuable enough to be cut into gems. Gemstones may last forever, but the world of gemstones is always changing. New sources are discovered, new cutting methods perfected, new fashion colors introduced, and new ways of using gemstones are constantly being developed.
Most gemstones are hard minerals formed by nature, deep in the earth, without assistance from man. Gemstones range in color from crystal clear to deepest black and every color of the rainbow in between. Some are opaque, like jade or onyx, meaning no light passes through them. Others, like diamonds and sapphires, are crystalline and reflect light in sparkling brilliance.
People in all parts of the world either wear or carry gemstones as an ornament or as a talisman. Certain gemstones are thought to have certain metaphysical abilities, like healing, health or inspiration. Gemstones may also be birthstones, and are believed to reflect traits of persons born in designated months. Whether gemstones have supernatural traits is up to the wearer.
TYPES OF GEMSTONE
There are three different types of gemstones: natural, lab-created and simulated.
GENIUNE
Mined from nature. No assistance from man was given to create these stones – they occur naturally. These gemstones will either be unmarked or noted as “genuine” stones.
LAB-CREATED
Has all the physical properties of a natural stone – including chemical composition, crystal structure and optical and physical properties - except it has been “grown” in a lab. Only a well-trained gemologist can tell if a stone is natural or lab-created.
SIMULATED
A simulated gemstone is one made entirely by man and has no natural counterpart. Simulated gemstones can be made of glass, resin, crystal or other materials. When purchasing, the fact that gemstones are “simulated” must be on the label.
BIRTHSTONE
JEWELRY
There is a different and beautiful birthstone for every month of the year. And when it comes to a truly meaningful gift, birthstone jewelry is the perfect choice. Birthstones are gemstones that have personal, astrological or mythical meaning to the wearer. Most gemstones, including birthstones, are thought to hold unique healing powers.
GARNET
Garnet is believed to be the gemstone of friendship, loyalty and devotion.
Garnet is typically a rich brownish-red color.
AMETHYST
Often worn as a talisman, amethyst is said to ward off evil spirits. Amethyst ranges from pale pinkish-lavender to rich, deep purple.
SHOP AMETHYST JEWELRYAQUAMARINE
Sought after as a stone of healing, aquamarine is worn as protection from the dangers of the sea. Aquamarine is generally a light, icy blue.
SHOP AQUAMARINE JEWELRYDIAMOND
Diamond is said to be the gemstone of everlasting love. Diamonds range in hue from white to brown to black and are available in many colors.
SHOP DIAMOND JEWELRYEMERALD
Long associated with fertility and rebirth, today emeralds are believed to signify wisdom and patience. Emeralds range from pale to deep green.
SHOP EMERALD JEWELRYPEARL
Thought to be the tears of the goddess Aphrodite, pearls are symbolic of love and purity.
Pearls can be found in many colors, but the most popular is white.
RUBY
Regarded by ancient Hindus as the “king of the gems”. Today ruby signifies love and passion. Ruby ranges in color from pale to rich red.
SHOP RUBY JEWELRYPERIDOT
Believed to have the power to attract wealth, peridot is a gemstone of strength. Peridot ranges from pale to rich spring green.
SHOP PERIDOT JEWELRYSAPPHIRE
Thought to guard against evil, today sapphires symbolize purity, fidelity and wisdom.
Sapphires are available in every color except red, however blue is the most popular.
OPAL
Unique and opulent, opals symbolize faithfulness, confidence, hope and purity. Opals are available in many colors with iridescent white being the most popular.
SHOP OPAL JEWELRYCITRINE
Said to draw all good things unto the wearer, citrine also symbolizes energy, creativity and flexibility.Citrine boasts warm and sunny tones, while golden-yellow stones are highly prized.
SHOP CITRINE JEWELRYBLUE TOPAZ
A symbol of love and affection, blue topaz is worn to increase strength, wisdom and courage. Blue topaz ranges in hue from pale Swiss blue to deep London blue.