OUR TAKE ON BIRTHSTONES
Garnet the traditional January birthstone symbolises faith, fidelity, and true friendship. Derived from the Latin word for pomegranate due to its rich red colour garnet was worn for protection and extra boldness in battle or while traveling and as a guard against poison.
A favourite of Vikings and is often found among unearthed Viking jewellery.The garnet was believed to reduce inflammation or fever during Medieval times. Also thought to bring wealth and sleep to whoever wears it.
Amethyst symbolises love, temperance and intellect and love. It is the birthstone for February. Supposed power to stop excessive passion and desire and to overcome temptation, the stone has remained popular among religious leaders throughout history. Dedicated to St. Valentine as well as Bacchus, the Greek god of wine. The stone received its name after Amethystos, the nymph turned into a stone to hide from Bacchus’ pursuit. Hildegard von Bingen suggested and wrote that the amethyst could treat skin ailments and cure tumours. Thought to protect against drunkenness if wine was sipped from an amethyst cup.
The modern March birthstone - The stone of the sea. Seawater, “aqua” meaning “water” and “marina” meaning “sea.” derived from Latin. Its clear blue color seems scraped from the surface of waves or collected from seafoam. As legend goes, mermaids are the source of the stone. Sailors believed the aquamarine would protect them from dangers at sea by channeling Neptune`s power. Its transparency makes it highly reflective and eye-catching and is one of the clearest gems making it an excellent alternative to an engagement ring. The stone is believed to bring tranquility as well as a happy marriage.
The most durable of all the birthstones is the diamond. It is the traditional engagement ring choice and is highly prized for its beauty and durability. Associated with the planet Jupiter by Western cultures, while the Hindu religion tied it to Venus, which symbolised love. Classified as a symbol of purity and once used as medicine reserved for wealthy royalty and religious leaders in ancient cultures.
Emerald the May birthstone, are known as the stone of joy, vitality and is the emblem of the beauty of nature. It once symbolised fertility and rebirth. Its green colour evokes the freshness of Spring. The inclusions found in emeralds are called jardins, the French word for gardens since its markings resemble petite wildflower patches in grassy fields. It was said during Medieval times that emeralds cured headaches and epilepsy and also rejuvenated the spirit.
The pearl provides wisdom, integrity, and truth. An emblem of perfection with its glossy sheen and smooth exterior. Believed to be the handiwork of mythological creatures like nymphs and dragons in ancient times while others believed it to be a product of thunderstorms or the tears of gods. Pearls require several years to cultivate and grow in mollusks. A little extra love and care is needed to look after pearls.
Ruby is a symbol of love, power, and passion. Not to be worn by the faint of heart. The ruby makes the perfect anniversary or Valentine’s Day gift. It is the gemstone for love. The deeper the red, the more valuable the ruby. Believed to protect from harm, the vibrant red could strike fear into the hearts of enemies. Used in ancient and medieval medicine for blood circulation and heart stimulation, and in many other cures. Believed to provide concentration to those who wear rubies and to make the wearer irresistible too!
Peridots create joy and positivity with their bright and vibrant colour. The stone of expression and creativity. Formed from volcanic activity and the only gems besides diamonds that come from the earth’s crust. A perfect summer stone because of their vibrance. Peridots are used to detox, boost metabolism, or regenerate low spirits. Peridots come in a varied assortment of greens, from a dull olive or forest green to bright lime.
Believed to illuminate the mind with wisdom, spiritual insight, and mental clarity. Symbolising loyalty, faithfulness, and longevity, the sapphire is a popular alternative engagement stone. It is thought to provide personal motivation and assurance. Once prescribed to cure ailments of the eyes.
The pink tourmaline helps to restore relationships and has a sweet and sensitive energy. Tourmalines come in a vast amount of colours but pink, the rarest of them all, is associated with October. The tourmaline is believed to have probiotic powers by aiding digestion and also boosting the immune system. An electrical charge can be produced by rubbing the stone. When held to the light, a tourmaline may display a “cat-eye,” This is known as chatoyancy.
Topaz is referred to as the “fire stone”. It has an intense energy. It gives self confidence, an extra glow and promotes kindness and charity. Associated with the sun gods Ra and Jupiter in ancient times that could also quench thirst and prevent unsettling dreams.
The cool and clear blue topaz soothes and calms the mind and soul. It has many properties including providing a good night`s sleep, good communication and is often used in mediation, Because of its calming properties, this stone is often used in meditation. Once given to hot-tempered people or high-fevered patients to cool them off. The many colours of topaz vary from pale blue (sky blue) medium blue (Swiss blue topaz) to a deep blue /London blue topaz.
Garnet the traditional January birthstone symbolises faith, fidelity, and true friendship. Derived from the Latin word for pomegranate due to its rich red colour garnet was worn for protection and extra boldness in battle or while traveling and as a guard against poison.
A favourite of Vikings and is often found among unearthed Viking jewellery.The garnet was believed to reduce inflammation or fever during Medieval times. Also thought to bring wealth and sleep to whoever wears it.
Amethyst symbolises love, temperance and intellect and love. It is the birthstone for February. Supposed power to stop excessive passion and desire and to overcome temptation, the stone has remained popular among religious leaders throughout history. Dedicated to St. Valentine as well as Bacchus, the Greek god of wine. The stone received its name after Amethystos, the nymph turned into a stone to hide from Bacchus’ pursuit. Hildegard von Bingen suggested and wrote that the amethyst could treat skin ailments and cure tumours. Thought to protect against drunkenness if wine was sipped from an amethyst cup.
The modern March birthstone - The stone of the sea. Seawater, “aqua” meaning “water” and “marina” meaning “sea.” derived from Latin. Its clear blue color seems scraped from the surface of waves or collected from seafoam. As legend goes, mermaids are the source of the stone. Sailors believed the aquamarine would protect them from dangers at sea by channeling Neptune`s power. Its transparency makes it highly reflective and eye-catching and is one of the clearest gems making it an excellent alternative to an engagement ring. The stone is believed to bring tranquility as well as a happy marriage.
The most durable of all the birthstones is the diamond. It is the traditional engagement ring choice and is highly prized for its beauty and durability. Associated with the planet Jupiter by Western cultures, while the Hindu religion tied it to Venus, which symbolised love. Classified as a symbol of purity and once used as medicine reserved for wealthy royalty and religious leaders in ancient cultures.
Emerald the May birthstone, are known as the stone of joy, vitality and is the emblem of the beauty of nature. It once symbolised fertility and rebirth. Its green colour evokes the freshness of Spring. The inclusions found in emeralds are called jardins, the French word for gardens since its markings resemble petite wildflower patches in grassy fields. It was said during Medieval times that emeralds cured headaches and epilepsy and also rejuvenated the spirit.
The pearl provides wisdom, integrity, and truth. An emblem of perfection with its glossy sheen and smooth exterior. Believed to be the handiwork of mythological creatures like nymphs and dragons in ancient times while others believed it to be a product of thunderstorms or the tears of gods. Pearls require several years to cultivate and grow in mollusks. A little extra love and care is needed to look after pearls.
Ruby is a symbol of love, power, and passion. Not to be worn by the faint of heart. The ruby makes the perfect anniversary or Valentine’s Day gift. It is the gemstone for love. The deeper the red, the more valuable the ruby. Believed to protect from harm, the vibrant red could strike fear into the hearts of enemies. Used in ancient and medieval medicine for blood circulation and heart stimulation, and in many other cures. Believed to provide concentration to those who wear rubies and to make the wearer irresistible too!
Peridots create joy and positivity with their bright and vibrant colour. The stone of expression and creativity. Formed from volcanic activity and the only gems besides diamonds that come from the earth’s crust. A perfect summer stone because of their vibrance. Peridots are used to detox, boost metabolism, or regenerate low spirits. Peridots come in a varied assortment of greens, from a dull olive or forest green to bright lime.
Believed to illuminate the mind with wisdom, spiritual insight, and mental clarity. Symbolising loyalty, faithfulness, and longevity, the sapphire is a popular alternative engagement stone. It is thought to provide personal motivation and assurance. Once prescribed to cure ailments of the eyes.
The pink tourmaline helps to restore relationships and has a sweet and sensitive energy. Tourmalines come in a vast amount of colours but pink, the rarest of them all, is associated with October. The tourmaline is believed to have probiotic powers by aiding digestion and also boosting the immune system. An electrical charge can be produced by rubbing the stone. When held to the light, a tourmaline may display a “cat-eye,” This is known as chatoyancy.
Topaz is referred to as the “fire stone”. It has an intense energy. It gives self confidence, an extra glow and promotes kindness and charity. Associated with the sun gods Ra and Jupiter in ancient times that could also quench thirst and prevent unsettling dreams.
The cool and clear blue topaz soothes and calms the mind and soul. It has many properties including providing a good night`s sleep, good communication and is often used in mediation, Because of its calming properties, this stone is often used in meditation. Once given to hot-tempered people or high-fevered patients to cool them off. The many colours of topaz vary from pale blue (sky blue) medium blue (Swiss blue topaz) to a deep blue /London blue topaz.