Aug 11th 2020
All About Birthstones: Part II
By Charmco
Gemstone Birthstones
In our last blog post, we highlighted some of the charms from our stunning gemstone collection by focusing on the birthstones and their meanings for the first six months of the year. In this blog post, we explore the birthstones for July, August, September, October, November, and December. If you were born in any of these months, read on to discover what your birthstone is, what it can offer, and what it says about you
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July - Ruby
Those born in July are lucky to have the rich, red ruby as their gemstone. Rubies are revered throughout the world for their rarity, hardness (second only to diamonds), and beauty. Because of their blood-like color, rubies have long been associated with the “life force,” making it a symbol of youth and energy. Burmese warriors believed that wearing rubies in battle made one invincible.
Single Birthstone July Ruby
August - Peridot
Peridot is a yellowish green to greenish yellow variety of the mineral olivine; throughout history, it has often been confused with topaz and emerald, which both have similar colors. For instance, the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral is purported to be decorated with 200 cataracts of emeralds, but these are, in fact, peridots. Peridot was valued in many ancient and medieval cultures for its supposed ability to shield the wearer from evil spirits and the “terrors of the night,” making it a popular choice of gemstone for protective talismans.
Single Birthstone August Peridot
September - Sapphire
Although commonly associated with the color blue, sapphires actually come in every color of the rainbow, except red. Since antiquity, sapphires have been associated with royalty and romance, and often symbolize sincerity, truth, fidelity, and nobility. Ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire, which caused the sky to be blue. Throughout history, there have been many famous sapphires, from the 62 carat Rockefeller Sapphire, acquired in 1934 by financier and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr., to the 12 carat sapphire engagement ring worn by Princess Diane and given by her son to Kate Middleton, now Duchess of Cambridge.
Single Birthstone September Sapphire
October - Tourmaline
The word tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word toramali, which means “stone with mixed colors,” and, indeed, tourmaline often boasts various colors within a single gemstone. This dazzling beauty is believed to inspire artistic expression since it has a palette for every mood. Among the most popular colors of tourmaline are pink, red, green, and bluish violet. Each color carries its own purported healing properties, with pink bestowing love and compassion and green tourmaline promoting courage, strength, and stamina.
Single Birthstone October Tourmaline
November - Citrine
Citrine gemstones come in transparent yellow to brownish orange varieties, giving them an earthy, warm tone. Citrine has long been valued for its beauty, reminding people of the brilliance of the sun and the vitality of life. Because these stones evoke images of warmth and illumination, it’s no surprise that many people associate citrine with positivity, passion, and vitality. Wearers of citrine are said to be blessed with health, happiness, and success.
Single Birthstone November Citrine
December - Turquoise
Those born in the last month of the year get to enjoy the oldest gem on record, turquoise, as their birthstone. Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem that has been cherished for millenia, with Chinese artisans carving it more than 3,000 years ago. Turquoise is believed to possess many beneficial powers, such as good health and fortune. Hindu mystics believe that seeing a turquoise after beholding a full moon would ensure fantastic wealth. Turquoise is also important to many Native Americans, from the Pueblo, who maintain that the gem received its color from the sky, to the Hopi, who believe that turquoise is produced by lizards scurrying over the earth, and other tribes.
Single Birthstone December TurquoiseCelebrate Your Birthstone With Charmco
At Charmco, we offer a variety of stunning 14K gold gemstone charms featuring all the birthstones from January through February. Whether you were born in April and are searching for a dazzling diamond or you’re a May baby on the hunt for some exquisite emeralds, Charmco has the one-of-a-kind birthstone charms you need. Shop our birthstone and gemstone collections to discover more.