Why Birthstone Jewelry?

Birthstones (sometimes referred to as birthday stones) are precious minerals and gemstones which are associated with a specific month in the Gregorian calendar. Birthstones are grouped into four categories including: traditional birthstones, modern birthstones, mystical birthstones and ayurvedic birthstones.

Traditional birthstones were identified by ancient societies, which believed that the stones' wearers had the power to influence the movement of the planets. As such, the colorful birthstones were paired with the twelve zodiac signs:

• Aquarius – Garnet

 • Pisces – Amethyst

 • Aries – Bloodstone

 • Taurus – Sapphire

 • Gemini – Agate

• Cancer – Emerald

 • Leo – Onyx

 • Virgo – Carnelian

 • Libra – Peridot

• Scorpio – Beryl

• Sagittarius – Topaz

• Capricorn - Ruby

The modern birthstone list was formed in 1912 by the Jewelers of America Society, in an attempt to solidify and standardize the birthstone catalog. The modern list is the most commonly used birthstone catalog in Western societies.

 • January – Garnet

• February – Amethyst

• March – Aquamarine

• April – Diamond

• May – Emerald

 • June – Moonstone, Pearl

 • July – Ruby

 • August – Peridot

 • September – Sapphire

 • October – Opal

 • November – Topaz

 • December – Turquoise

Mystical birthstones are the Tibetan list of birthstones while ayurvedic birthstones are the Indian list. These lists include the stones' medical and mystical properties, assigned by the respective cultures.

 What are some of the mystical or magical properties associated with birthstones?

Birthstones are thought to possess a myriad of mystical and medicinal properties. For example, emeralds turquoises, aquamarines and sapphires are used for healing physical, mental and emotional ailments, as well as promote a general sense of well-being. Birthstones such as amethyst and topaz are said to increase wisdom, intelligence and courage, help solve problems, and remove obstacles and limitations. Other birthstones, including ruby, peal and diamond are associated with love and passion. These birthstones are believed to have the power to open the wearer's heart to love, and promote harmony and well-being in any romantic relationship.

 Why birthstone jewelry?

Birthstones jewelry comes in a variety of shapes, colors and designs and includes birthstone earrings, birthstone bracelets and birthstone necklaces and pendants, birthstone rings. Birthstone jewelry is unexpected, unique and personal. In addition to its stunning appearance, birthstone jewelry is infused with sentiment and mystique. Many ancient cultured believed that the wearers of birthstone set jewelry will be blessed with well-being, health, inner harmony and balance. Consequently, this type of jewelry has become a popular, stylish, expressive accessory. As opposed to diamond jewelry or precious gemstone jewelry, birthstone jewelry is very affordable. Since birthstones are not as rare as diamonds, and can be found quite easily in nature, their value is decreased. Thus, they are an affordable and agreeable alternative to expensive precious gemstones.

2009 birthstone jewelry trends

This year, birthstone jewelry is a hot commodity, and a desirable accessory. Charm bracelets set with separate charms and individual birthstones are very 'in' with the younger crowd, while birthstone set mother's necklaces (pendants set with the mother's birthstone along with her children's) and birthstone eternity and promise rings are increasingly popular with the older groups.