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Learn about Birthstones
Other Gemstones
Birthstones
Jewelry By Net offers a fine selection of birthstones to buy for special
occasions. Click here to see our chart of
birthstones.
January:
Garnet
Garnets are found in nature in every color except blue. The most popular color
is a beautiful, deep red. It was believed that the wearer of garnets was kept in
good health and protected while traveling. Garnets are worn to signify truth and
faith.
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February:
Amethyst
This member of the quartz family was prized by royalty in ancient times for its
regal, purple color. The amethyst is said to bring good luck and to radiate
love.
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March:
Aquamarine
Found in a range of blue shades from pale to dark, this gem embodies the beauty
of the seas. It was thought to bring its wearers knowledge, foresight and
inspiration.
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April:
Diamond
Diamonds are the most brilliant of gemstones and the hardest substance in the
world. They have been cherished for more than 6,000 years. In ancient times,
diamonds were thought to be pieces of stars that had fallen to Earth.
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May:
Emerald
Known as the queen of gems and treasured since ancient times, this vibrant green
stone has long been regarded as a symbol of fertility, rebirth and springtime.
Emeralds were believed to protect the wearer from the perils of long journeys.
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June:
Pearl
These jewels of the sea are indigenous to the waters surrounding Japan and
China. In those warm, calm waters, the oyster produces pearls in a wide range of
shades, from creamy white to black.
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July:
Ruby
A prized possession of kings and queens throughout the ages, the ruby has been
known for centuries as a symbol of love and immortality. In some countries,
engagement rings are set with rubies instead of diamonds.
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August:
Peridot
Mystics have claimed that this lustrous green stone drives away evil and has
special healing properties. Peridots have been found in meteorites and
volcanoes.
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September:
Sapphire
The name sapphire is derived from the Latin word for blue, "sapphirus." Ancient
Persians believed the Earth rested on an enormous blue sapphire, and its
reflection caused the blueness of the sky.
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October:
Opal
The opal's special characteristic is a rainbow-like play of color that changes
with the angle of observation. Colors vary, but it's the iridescent property
that creates the very special play of color called "fire."
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November:
Citrine
The name citrine comes from the French word for lemon, "citron," which describes
this stone's yellow hue. In ancient times, citrine was revered as a gift of the
sun and believed to be a powerful antidote to a viper's venom.
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December:
Blue Topaz
Topaz comes in many colors, including light blue, pink, yellow, red and green.
The most popular color is an enhanced blue. This gorgeous gemstone was said to
act as a protector and make the wearer invisible in emergencies.
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Other Gemstones
Agate
Agate is a type of chalcedony quartz. It is found in many hues and often has
layers of varying colors. Agate is believed to quench thirst and divert storms.
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Black Onyx
This striking gem of varying colors is a member of the chalcedony group of gems
and can appear opaque or translucent. Although it occurs naturally in black, it
is generally dyed black to improve its color. In India, onyx necklaces are
thought to cool feelings of love.
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Jade
The royal stone of ancient China, this opaque gem was said to represent love and
virtue. The most common colors are shades of green, lavender and rose.
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Smoky Quartz
A darker variety of quartz, this gemstone is a deep, rich brown with a smoky
appearance.
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Tanzanite
An exquisite purple-blue gemstone that is popular for its brilliance, Tanzanite
was first discovered in Tanzania in 1967.
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