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Birthstone Jewelry & Gift Ideas.

click here to browse our BIRTHSTONE selection

The Tradition and Lore of Birth Stones.

“There is no doubt that the owner of a ring or ornament set with a birth stone is impressed with the idea of possessing something more intimately associated with his or her personality than any other stone, however  beautiful or costly.”

-The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, G. F. Kunz

People have been fascinated with birth stones since ancient times and birth stones still hold a bit of mystery and romance for us all.  Belief in the powers of birth stones may be traced to a Bible story that describes Aaron’s breastplate as being decorated with 12 precious stones.  Later the12 stones may have been linked to the months of the year.  Specific personality traits have been attributed to individuals according to their birth month and corresponding gemstone.  In 1912 the American National Association of Jewelers officially adopted a list of birth stone gemstones based on ancient lore:

Whatever mystical powers and ancient character traits were attributed to individuals and their respective birth stones in early days, people today wear birth stone jewelry because of the beauty of the birth stones. Discoveries of new gemstones and technological advancements have yielded a wide variety of gemstones in brilliant colors, pastels, neon shades and transparent gemstones.  Which colored gemstones, or birth stones, are popular have more to do with fashion cycles and personal preference than with any desire to improve fortunes or to ward off evil.  However, many still believe that wearing one’s birth stone brings good luck. 

In addition to birth stones for birth months, birth stone gemstones have been given other attributes. Ancient peoples believed that planets could transmit powers to people through birth stones.  Zodiac stones based on astrological signs were thought to transfer magical powers and even supernatural gifts to individuals who wear their birth stone. Colored gemstones were used as amulets and talismans to take advantage of their supposed magical powers.  Birth stone gemstones were also used to predict the future, as aids to healing diseases and as important elements of religious ceremonies.

Zodiac Birth Stones.

Care of Birth Stone Gems and Birth Stone Jewelry

DON’T:

• Avoid using cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they may alter the color of your birth stone.
• Avoid getting makeup, perfume and hairspray on your birth stone jewelry.
• Avoid using ultrasonic cleaning machines, since the vibrations may damage brittle birth stones.  Never store birth stone jewelry wrapped with diamonds.  Diamonds may scratch the softer gemstones.

DO:

• Have your birth stone jewelry professionally cleaned and serviced annually.  Your jeweler will check that clasps and prongs are not worn or broken.
• Between professional cleanings soak birth stone jewelry in warm, soapy water for several minutes and use a soft, non-metallic brush to remove dirt and grime.
• Always clean birth stone jewelry in a bowl, not your sink to eliminate a chance losing your heirloom down the drain.
• Store your birth stone jewelry pieces separately in tissue or cloth and in separate compartments of a jewelry box. The original birth stone jewelry box is usually the best one for storage.
• Remove your birth stone jewelry when doing housework, cleaning or gardening and before any beauty salon treatments. Chemicals can harm or ruin your birth stone gem stone.
• Use a professional jeweler to repair your birth stone jewelry.
• Have safety chains or safety clasps installed on your more expensive or sentimental birth stone jewelry pieces.
• Add your birth stone jewelry to your home insurance policy.  Jewelry insurance is usually quite affordable.

click here to browse our BIRTHSTONE selection

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