Colored gemstones has always been an object of desire. They are associated with power, loyalty romance and calmness. They are valued by celebrities and royalties for their beauty.
The formation of a gemstones is based on a geological process. Their unique beauty is based on the color, transparency, luster, cut style and their optical effects.
Gemstones have been associated with the birth of a child since ages. These gemstones are often known as birthstones. Traditionally, a birthstone is associated with each month of the year. For example, the birthstone for January is a garnet, while babies born in April get a diamond as their birthstone.
Eastern cultures recognizes a range of gemstones associated with birth, though rather than associating a gem with a birth month, gemstones are associated with celestial bodies, and astrology is employed to determine the gemstones most closely associated with and beneficial to a particular individual. For example, in Hinduism, there are nine gemstones associated with the Navagraha (celestial forces including the planets, the sun, and the moon), known in Sanskrit as Navaratna (nine gems). At birth, an astrological chart is calculated, and certain stones are recommended to be worn on the body to ward off potential problems based on the place of these forces in the sky at the exact place and time of birth.
Now let us take you to the amazing world of birthstones based on the month that you are born in.
1. JANUARY
Birthstone - Garnet
"Thought to possess calming and restorative powers"
COLOR : Garnet includes affordable dark red varieties, rare and valuable greens, and many colors in between
CLARITY : Garnet clarity often depends on garnet type. Red garnets often don’t have eye-visible inclusions
CUT : Many garnets are cut into standard shapes and calibrated sizes to allow setting into manufactured jewelry.
CARAT WEIGHT : Garnets can be found in all sizes and weights, although some varieties are rare in large sizes.
MAJOR SOURCES : Afghanistan, Brazil, India, Iran, Kenya, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania
CARE and CLEANING : Warm, soapy water is always safe for cleaning garnets. Steam cleaners not recommended
2. FEBRUARY
Birthstone - Amethyst
"Believed to quicken intelligence and dispel evil thoughts"
COLOR :- The finest amethyst color is strong reddish purple to purple with no visible color zoning.
CLARITY:- Most amethyst doesn’t have inclusions you can see without magnification.
CUT:- Amethyst is cut into a variety of standard calibrated shapes, including rounds and ovals.
CARAT WEIGHT:- Amethyst is available in all size ranges for setting into a variety of jewelry styles.
MAJOR SOURCES:- Brazil, USA, Uruguay, Zambia
CARE and CLEANING:- Warm, soapy water is always safe for cleaning. Steam cleaners not recommended. NOT subjected to heat treatment.
3. MARCH
Birthstone - Aquamarine
"Thoughts to enhance the happiness of marriages"
COLOR:- Aquamarine’s preferred color is a moderately strong dark blue to slightly greenish blue.
CLARITY:- Most cut gems are eye-clean. Large examples are available without visible inclusions.
CUT:- Because aquamarine’s color is light, cutting is important and well-cut gems show brilliance.
CARAT WEIGHT:- Aquamarine crystals range from tiny to very large—some even up to 100 lbs.
MAJOR SOURCING:- Brazil, Pakistan, USA, Uruguay, Zambia
CARE and CLEANING:- Warm, soapy water is always safe for cleaning. Steam cleaners not recommended. NOT subjected to steam cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners if the stone is fracture filled or has liquid inclusions.
4. APRIL
Birthstone - Diamond
"A symbol of clarity and strength"
CLARITY:- Clarity grades assess the number, size, relief, and position of inclusions and blemishes.
COLOR:- The less color, the higher the grade. Even the slightest hint can make a dramatic difference in value.
CUT:- Cut (proportions, symmetry, and polish) is a measure of how a diamond’s facets interact with light.
CARAT WEIGHT:- Rarity means larger diamonds of the same quality are worth more per carat.
MAJOR SOURCES:- Africa, Australia, Russia, Canada
CARE and CLEANING:- Diamonds can be cleaned safely with lint-free cloths, commercial jewelry cleaning solutions, and household detergents
5. MAY
Birthstone - Emerald
"An amulet believed to protect against evil spirit"
COLOR:- The most desirable emerald colors are bluish green to pure green, with vivid color saturation.
CLARITY:- In Emerald expect to see inclusions that dealers like to call an internal “jardin,” or garden.
CUT:- Due to the crystal shape emeralds are commonly cut as rectangular step cuts called emerald cuts.
CARAT WEIGHT:- Because its density is lower, a one-carat emerald will appear larger in size than a one-carat diamond.
MAJOR SOURCES:- Afghanistan, Brazil, Columbia, China, India, Russia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Pakistan
CARE and CLEANING:- Risky to clean with ultrasonic cleaner or streamers. Using warm, soapy water coupled with gentle scrubbing is the safest way.
6. JUNE
Birthstone - Pearl
"Symbol of modesty, chastity and purity"
COLOR:- Although white is most classic, appreciation has grown for more unusual natural colors.
SURFACE QUALITY:- The number of blemishes on a pearl's surface is evaluated to judge quality.
LUSTER:- Pearls with high luster have sharp bright reflections on the surface
SHAPE:- Spherical pearls are the most valued but symmetrical drops are also sought.
NACRE THICKNESS:- Nacre thickness is evaluated to make sure that cultured pearls are durable as well as beautiful.
SIZE:- Cultured pearls range from 2-16 mm in diameter, depending on the mollusk used.
MATCHING:- For pearl strands and multi-pearl pieces, how well the pearls match (or mix) affects the value.
MAJOR SOURCES:- Australia, Japan, China, French Polynesia, Indonesia
CARE and CLEANING:- The best rule of thumb is that pearls are the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off when getting dressed. For routine care, clean with a soft, clean cloth after each wearing. NOT recommended to store in airtight areas for long period of times.
7. JULY
Birthstone - Ruby
"A symbol of wealth and nobility"
In Sanskrit, Ruby is Ratnaraj, meaning "the King of Gems".
COLOR:- Color is the most significant factor affecting a ruby’s value: Fine gems are a pure, vibrant red to slightly purplish red.
CLARITY:- If a ruby's inclusions affect its transparency or brilliance they reduce the gem’s value significantly.
CUT:- Rubies are commonly fashioned as mixed cuts, which have brilliant-cut crowns and step-cut pavilions.
CARAT WEIGHT:- Fine-quality rubies over one carat are very rare and price goes up significantly as size increases.
MAJOR SOURCES:- Afghanistan, Madagascar, Mozambique, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Vietnam
CARE and CLEANING:- Warm soapy water is always safe. Various chemicals, even mild substances like lemon juice can cause some changes in glass filled Rubies.
8. AUGUST
Birthstone - Spinel
"Symbol of power, victory and new hope"
Spinel crystals are so perfect, in Burma they are said to be nat thwe or “Polished by the Spirits.”
COLOR:- The most valued spinel colors are bright red, cobalt blue, and vivid pink and orange. Pale lavender is more affordable
CLARITY:- Spinel with no visible inclusions is preferred. The more prominent the inclusions, the less valuable the gem.
CUT:- Spinel is most often cut in cushion and oval shapes. When properly proportioned it has excellent brilliance.
CARAT WEIGHT:- Fine-color spinel is rare above five carats. Most fine-quality rough is cut to non-standard sizes to save weight.
MAJOR SOURCES:- Myanmar, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Vietnam
CARE and CLEANING:- Can be cleaned with warm, soap water. Ultrasonic cleaners and steamers are also safe to use.
9. SEPTEMBER
Birthstone - Sapphire
"A symbol of sincerity and faithfulness"
Intensely saturated and velvety, rare sapphires from Kashmir set the standard for blue.
COLOR:- Sapphires come in a variety of colors. Preferred sapphires have strong to vivid color saturation, regardless of hue.
CLARITY:- Blue sapphires typically have some inclusions, but they generally have better clarity than rubies.
CUT:- Sapphire is often cut with a brilliant pattern on the crown and a step cut pattern on the pavilion.
CARAT WEIGHT:- Blue sapphires range in size, and large blue sapphires are more readily available than large rubies.
MAJOR SOURCES:- Australia, China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, USA, Vietnam, Kashmir, Kenya
CARE and CLEANING:- Warm soapy water always safe to use. Ultrasonic cleaners and steamers safe and untreated, heat treated stones.
10. OCTOBER
Birthstone - Opal
" According to Arabic legend, Opal is believed to contain lightning"
Opal contains up to 20% water trapped in its silica structure.
COLOR:- Opal’s spectacular play-of-color can display all the colors of the rainbow.
CLARITY:- Experts expect different levels of clarity for different types of opals.
CUT:- Fine opals are often cut into irregular shapes that keep as much play-of-color as possible.
CARAT WEIGHT:- Opal has relatively low density so even larger sizes can be comfortable to wear.
MAJOR SOURCES:- Australia, Peru, Mexico, USA, Brazil
CARE and CLEANING:- Only safe way to clean Opal is warm soap water. Sensitive to heat; excessive dryness can lead to internal crackling and crazing.
11. NOVEMBER
Birthstone - Topaz
"Talisman of wisdom, longevity and beauty"
Comes from Sanskrit word “TAPAS” meaning fire.
COLOR:- The most valued topaz colors are Orangy red to red. Blue gems are widely available.
CLARITY:- Topaz used in jewelry is typically eye clean with no visible inclusions.
CUT:- Topaz crystals are usually columnar, and cut as oval or pear shapes to improve yield
CARAT WEIGHT:- Topaz often forms as large crystals. These can yield sizable cut gems.
MAJOR SOURCES:- Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, USA
CARE and CLEANING:- Clean with warm, soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaners and Steamers not recommended.
12. DECEMBER
Birthstone - Turquoise
"Ancient Egyptians called it ‘Mefkat” which also means “joy” and “delight” "
Turquoise buried in Ancient Egyptian tombs is among the world’s oldest jewelry.
COLOR:- The even blue color of this cabochon would be called Persian blue in the trade.
CLARITY:- These free-form turquoise cabochons show a typical matrix pattern.
CUT:- Although turquoise is usually cut into beads and cabochons, it can also be carved
CARAT WEIGHT:- Cutters work around large areas of matrix to yield pieces of evenly colored turquoise
MAJOR SOURCES:- China, Egypt, Iran, Mexico, USA
CARE and CLEANING:- Safe to clean only with warm soap water. Heat, Sweat, Skin oils can discolor or damage the stone.
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