Gemstones are actually human creations. After minerals are formed by pressures and gasses in the earth, we excavate them from deep below. After we excavate these precious or semiprecious stones, we cut and polish them into specific shapes, or cuts. It is then that they are considered to be gems. Gemstones are most often set into gold, silver, or some other precious metal and worn as jewellery. Only stones with high levels of colour, clarity, cut, and durability are considered to be gemstones.

Birthstone history and lore have been a part of various cultures’ belief systems for centuries. We have long held the belief that a special birthstone is dedicated to each month of the year, and that each stone possesses special properties or virtues that it can transmit to those born in that month.

Beginning within the traditions of Judaism and Christianity, there is speculation that the twelve stones in the great breastplate of the Jewish High Priest might have had some influence on this evolution. Centuries ago, the interpreters of Revelation began to ascribe to each of these stone attributes of the twelve apostles.

Whatever the origin, even today it’s within our nature to covet jewellery that is more intimately associated with our personality like a birthstone piece of jewellery. The concept that birthstones possess extra metaphysical significance to the wearer contiunes to hold a spell over the hearts of whoever possess it. The scope of information about birthstones and coloured gems is long and detailed, and may even stir the imagination of a steadfast cynic.

Just as there are twelve months in a year, there are twelve birthstone’s assigned to each month. From January to December they are as followed respectively-

* Garnet
* Amethyst
* Aquamarine
* Diamond
* Emerald
* Pearl
* Ruby
* Peridot
* Sapphire
* Opal
* Topaz
* Turquoise

The designer silver birthstone jewellery can be a perfect gift, especially for women as it is a universal fact that women love jewels. Gifting some one designer birthstone jewellery on almost any occasion really sends out the message that you truly care as not only do you know the persons birthstone but you have also taken the trouble to find the perfect designer one for him/her. These birthstone jewellery items are a very personalized gift.

It also means that you wish the person stays healthy and happy always as birthstones are meant to bring and maintain positivity in one’s life. Designer silver birthstone ornaments are worn not only by women but also men around the world; hence they are the perfect personalized gifts for a friend, parent, or partner.

Care should be taken while buying these items. You should only buy it from a reputed shop that guarantees quality. Often many dealers sell such precious birthstone jewels at heavy discounts; they are of low and cheap quality and are not even real but synthetic stones. The discounts offered are just in order to lure customers into buying their products and hence you should be cautious with the same.

Women have the option to choose from various kinds of designer jewellery pieces, from earrings to necklaces. The options for men too are not far behind. Birthstone cufflinks, rings and bracelets are some of the options that are available.

So the next time you think of gifting a dear one, try getting them birthstone jewellery, a gift that will be valued forever.

Ideas for gifts with birthstones

There are many different types of jewellery that incorporate birthstones. A lovely idea is a pendant made from their birthstone and matching earrings to go with it.

If you know roughly their ring size, a ring with their birthstone is also a great gift idea.

Today you can also buy lots of beautiful figurines and crystal animals which have a small part made from a specific birthstone. Similarly, there are guardian angel brooches which have a small birthstone incorporated into their design.

If jewellery and figurines are not something you think the person you are buying for will like, there are also bookmarks and many other items which incorporate birthstones.

Depending on the birthstone however, will determine how much of these gifts are available. For instance, if you are looking to buy a crystal figurine with a birthstone, you may find it easy if you are looking for garnet or sapphire. However some of the more expensive birthstones such as diamonds and emeralds may not be part of the range.

Here are all of the birthstones for each month.

Some have two stones allocated to that month.

For the first six months of the year the birthstones are: Garnet for January, Amethyst for February, Aquamarine and Bloodstone for March, Diamond for April, Emerald for May and Pearl, Moonstone and Alexandrite for June.

For the last six months of the years the birthstones are:

Ruby for July, Peridot and Sardonyx for August, Sapphire for September, Opal and Pink Tourmaline for October, Citrine and Yellow Topaz for November and Blue topaz and Turquoise for December.

As you can see from the list, some gemstones are rarer and more expensive than others. In the case where there are two birthstones to choose from, look at the current jewellery of the person you are buying for before deciding on one over the other.

Birthstone jewellery often comes with an explanation of that birthstone which is also nice to include in the gift. If however you are buying for someone who was born in April for instance where diamond is the birthstone you may want to buy them diamond earrings or select a ring. There are so many diamond rings on the market that you are not likely to receive a birthstone explanation of why diamonds are for the month of April.

In this case, a great idea is to go online and do some research and print out a little explanation of their birthstone. It adds a little extra meaning to their birthstone gift.

Giving someone a gift that incorporates their birthstone is a great gift idea. I hope we’ve given you some great birthstone gift ideas for the person you’re buying for.

Agate is the stone of Gemini and the shining emerald is the stone of Cancer. For the Leo, onyx is the dedicated stone. The sizzling red or orange colored cornelian is the stone of Virgo. The pretty and delicate emerald is associated to Libra and the shimmering mermaid’s treasure “aquamarine” is Scorpio’s stone. For Sagittarius the simple and classic topaz is dedicated. And finally passionate ruby is the stone of Capricorn which represents love, power and royalty.

It was also believed that by wearing the endlessly captivating birthstone jewellery one can cure different diseases and problems with the help of the magical power they posses. Wearing a ruby ring was believed to heal the stomach ache and emerald was thought to be good for the eyes. Yellow stones were used to cure jaundice and this idea is still popular and followed by many people. Peridot however was believed to give good sleep, and to cure asthma topaz was used.

The metals used for this type of jewellery are gold, silver and white gold. The gemstones look marvelous in silver color as the beauty and grace of the stone is enhanced. Rings, earring, brooches, pendants and other items are made using these birthstones with divine beauty. There are so many exciting colors of birthstones to choose from. You can give jewellery of birthstones as gifts to your loved ones as it can be a very sentimental keepsake that will be cherished forever. Many famous celebrities adore the birthstone jewellery and consider different gemstones as lucky for them. They think these stones have brought them the fame they are enjoying today and so they never forget to wear their lucky birthstones either in rings or pendants etc.