Birthstones
Learn More About Garnet - The January Birthstone
“Garnet “has been derived from the Latin term “granatum”. The term itself means “pomegranate” due to the crystals resembling the red color of the fruit. Most people believe that the garnet is a red gemstone, however, it can actually be found in many other colors such as black, and many shades of green and red.
Some garnets are even colorless. The various colors stem from metals like aluminum, iron, calcium, and manganese. Some garnets also contain fibers of minerals, which produce a beautiful illusion of a six or a four-rayed star that’s within the stone. The green garnets are very rare and highly prized. Colorless and emerald green garnets are also highly valued after the pure red garnets.
Garnets are found commonly as tiny pebbles in streams where the metamorphic and igneous rocks, that house them, have finally been weathered away. They can be found in many locations around the world, including Spain, Asia, India, Australia, South America, and North America.
It was once believed by ancient warriors that a garnet could bring them victory. Crusaders would use them to protect themselves against accidents and wounds while on journeys. The Asiatic warriors thought that glowing garnets could be used as bullets and inflict a more severe wound.
There has been evidence of garnet jewelry as far back as the Bronze Age with garnets being found in graves. Garnets used in jewelry have been discovered as far back as 2000 – 1000 B.C. in Sweden, 2300 B.C. in Sumeria, and 3100 B.C. in Egypt. The stunning garnet has been used in ornaments across the Atlantic, by Native Americans, and in Pre-Columbian Aztec cultures.
A precious stone like the garnet was also once believed to contain medicinal powers. During the Medieval times, it was thought to protect its wearer against bad dreams, wounds, poisons, and cured depression. A red garnet could relieve inflammatory diseases, fever, and hemorrhages.
Source credit: http://earthsky.org/earth/january-birthstone-garnet
Useful Information About July's Birthstone - Ruby
Ruby is the birthstone for July and takes its name from Latin ruber or red. Larger sizes of ruby are even rarer than diamonds. For some, rubies are the supreme gemstones and can leave diamonds in the dust. People of ancient Rome believed that rubies guarded one’s wealth and rank as well as excited the passions. There is a kernel of truth that lies behind the many stories about rubies glowing in the dark because modern gemologists know that certain stones demonstrate fluorescent color.
Peridot
Peridot is a gemstone made from minerals usually within igneous rocks.
Peridot has a long standing mystical reputation. It has been thought to have the power of warding off anxiety, making men articulate and promoting success in relationships and marriage. To exert full potential, the stone was set in gold. If it was to be used to protect wearer from evil spirited, it had to be pierced, strung on the hair of a donkey, and worn on the left arm. As a medical remedy, it was powdered to cure asthma. holding a Peridot under tongue was supposed to lessen the thirst of a person suffering from fever. Peridot gems have been found in meteorites that have traveled in space and landed on the earth.
Peridot can be located in Arizona, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Blue Sapphire
Sapphire are from mineral corundum: this mineral is one of the strongest and hardest on earth and is perfect for making quality jewelry pieces. Sapphires are normally heat treated to eliminate impurities and enhance the color and clarity, this treatment is usually permanent.
Sapphire has long symbolized truth, sincerity and faithfulness. It has been said that Moses was given the Ten Commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it the most sacred gemstone. They are the gemstone of choice for kings and high priests because they represent divine favor and are the symbol of pure and wise rulers.
Blue Sapphires come from Kashmir,Thailand, Australia, Western Cambodia, China, Nigeria , Tanzania, Brazil, Kenya, Malawi, Columbia and the United States.
Speak to Our Experts Today to Explore the History Behind Unique Birthstones
Contact Davids Jewelers to learn more about the precious stone, garnet, and to view our fine jewelry selections. We’re more than happy to answer your questions and provide you with all of the information you request.
- January - Garnet
- February - Amethyst
- March - Aquamarine
- April - Diamond
- May - Emerald
- June - Pearl or Alexandrite
- July - Ruby
- August - Peridot
- September - Sapphire
- October - Opal or Pink Tourmaline
- November - Topaz
- December - Blue Zircon
Contact us today to schedule a FREE evaluation. We offer gifts starting at just $20. Visit our jewelry store today.
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