12 Birthstones and What They Mean ...

Deep blood-red like a ruby, garnet is said to protect the wearer during travel. So if you’re afraid to fly, wear a piece of garnet jewelry with your Saint Christopher’s medal…

The name for this gorgeous purple birthstone comes from the Greek word, amethystos, which means “sober.” In ancient Greek times, it was thought to protect the wearer from intoxication… and only royalty could wear it. Now amethyst is thought to enhance personal relationships and give the wearer courage.

The birthstone for March was once thought to protect sailors from the ocean’s wrath, and also to treat stomach ailments by drinking water that had an aquamarine soaking in it. Now, it’s just a lovely pale-blue stone… but some still think it treats stomach, liver, and kidney disease.

We all know already that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and that they symbolize eternal, undying love and devotion. So if you’re lucky enough to have been born in April, it’s the perfect excuse to buy a special diamond for yourself. It’s an investment, right?

Did you know that Cleopatra loved emeralds, and that they used to symbolize fertility? Now the deep green stone represents wisdom and patience.

I love the color changes in Alexandrite, but the Pearl is really the first birthstone for June. Legend says pearls are actually Aphrodite’s tears of joy, and they’ve often represented purity, which is why brides wear them on their wedding days.

Red hot passion and love! That’s what the ruby symbolizes now, but in the past, Hindus believed the ruby protected the wearer from evil.

If you set a pale-green peridot in gold, it will protect you from nightmares. Historically, since peridot can be found near volcanoes, legend says that the stones are actually the frozen tears of the volcano goddess, Pele.

In ancient times, sapphires were thought to protect the wearer from poison, and it was a favorite of priests and kings for this reason.

If you’re having a hard time finding pink tourmaline, no worries – opal is an alternate stone for October. It’s a very soft stone, and it shatters easily, so wear it with great care. It symbolizes faithfulness and the word itself comes from the Latin word “opalus,” meaning “precious jewel.”

Citrine looks exactly like what it sounds like — bright, vibrant yellow! And topaz comes in more colors than you can imagine. Topaz used to be very popular in engagement rings, too, since it symbolizes love and affection.

I wish I had a December birthday, because I love both topaz and turquoise! Turquoise used to be thought of as a very potent love charm and turquoise rings in particular used to be worn to protect the wearer from harm.

The rings are pretty, aren’t they? And the meanings come straight out of the Farmer’s Almanac, that vault of fascinating knowledge. Do you think your birthstone does what it should? Why or why not? Or have you found a fab piece of birthstone jewelry you just have to share? Please let me know!