Each month we are featuring the birthstone of the month and did a post listing each of the birthstones & anniversary gemstones. Most everyone knows their birthstone, but do you know the history and significance of birthstones?
Through out history, gemstones have played a very important role in the lives of people. In current times birthstones represent the birth month of individuals. Many believe that birthstones have special powers to those who wear them, others just like wearing a gem that represents the month in which they were born.
When did gemstones first become associated with the months of the year you ask? Historians believe that the first known records come from the book of Exodus in the Old Testament of the Bible where it is written that the Hebrew’s high priest is described as having a breastplate with 12 very specific stones mounted in four rows , one for each of Israel’s tribes. In the first row there was a ruby, topaz and a beryl, in the second row there was a turquoise, sapphire and an emerald, in the third row there was jacinth, agate and an amethyst, and in the fourth and last row there was a chrysolite, onyx and a jasper. They were all mounted in gold filigree settings , one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes. (Exodus,Chapter 39:9-14, New International Version)
In the 8th and 9th centuries, gemstones were also believed to be connected to the 12 apostles. Since that time the 12 gemstones have been related to zodiac signs and birth months. It is believed that the actual wearing of birthstones more than likely originated in Poland around the 15th and 16th century. Some believed that the powers of a gemstone for a particular month were heightened by the wearer. For this reason, it is believed that people wore the different birthstones for each month hoping to achieve the full effects of that particular stone.
In 1912 the Jewelers of America organized an official list that would connect each month with a particular stone. The list changed according to what was most commercially available and not necessarily to what was deemed the proper birthstone for that particular month. This list is still used today to identify the stone that represents the month. There are some older birthstones lists that do vary from today’s modern list.
When choosing a birthstone for purchase, keep in mind that the same four C`s that apply to diamond buying also apply to colored gemstone purchases. Birthstone gems are graded and priced based on the four C’s of Carat Weight, Cut, Color and Clarity as well as place of origin, availability or rarity, possible treatment and of course, the current fashion. It is not uncommon for a particular birthstone to suddenly rise in price because it is currently fashionable to wear it. The type of gemstone a person selects will dictate the care that they require. For instance, some genuine stones are very durable, while others require more care. Rubies and sapphires are considered choices for everyday wear while an opal or a pearl require gentle handling. Simply taking the time to understand how to care for your gemstones can lead to years of enjoyment.
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It’s the old quandary. Is bigger better? Size is sought after, naturally; but overall quality counts in the stretch
Both CVD and HPHT diamonds can be cut into gems and various colors can be produced: clear white, yellow, brown, blue, green and orange. The appearance of synthetic gems on the market created major concerns in the diamond trading business, as a result of which special spectroscopic devices and techniques have been developed to distinguish synthetic and natural diamonds.
An even, perfectly symmetrical design popular among women with small hands or short fingers. Its elongated shape gives a flattering illusion of length to the hand.
An elongated shape with pointed ends inspired by the fetching smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and commissioned by the Sun King, France’s Louis XIV, who wanted a diamond to match it. It is gorgeous when used as a solitaire or when enhanced by smaller diamonds.
A hybrid cut, combining the best of the oval and the marquise, it is shaped most like a sparkling teardrop. It also belongs to that category of diamond whose design most complements a hand with small or average-length fingers. It is particularly beautiful for pendants or earrings.
This ultimate symbol of romance is essentially a pear-shaped diamond with a cleft at the top. The skill of the cutter determines the beauty of the cut. Look for a stone with an even shape and a well-defined outline.
This is a rectangular shape with cut corners. It is known as a step cut because its concentric broad, flat planes resemble stair steps. Since inclusions and inferior color are more pronounced in this particular cut, take pains to select a stone of superior clarity and color.
This is a square or rectangular cut with numerous sparkling facets. It is a relatively new cut and often finds its way into solitaire engagement rings. Flattering to a hand with long fingers, it is often embellished with triangular stones at its sides. Because of its design, this cut requires more weight to be directed toward the diamond’s depth in order to maximize brilliance. Depth percentages of 70% to 78% are not uncommon.
This is a spectacular wedge of brittle fire. First developed in Amsterdam, the exact design can vary depending on a particular diamond’s natural characteristics and the cutter’s personal preferences. It may be a traditional triangular shape with pointed corners or a more rounded triangular shape with 25 facets on the crown, 19 facets on the pavilion, and a polished girdle. It is definitely for the adventurous.
Birthday, Anniversary, Valentine’s Day, Holidays… What to buy? Well a friend that worked in a local store in a small community told me that men would come in at the last minute to buy a gift for their wives and come to the counter with a iron, vacuum, or other home appliance. She would sarcastically comment, “Nothing more romantic than the gift of work!” They would think for a split second and in panic ask for help in picking out a more suitable gift for the occasion. Being a small community, the wives would find out and stop by the store to thank her for helping their husband pick out the perfect gift.
September – Sapphire