You might be familiar with the romance of birthstones, but how well do you know birthstone gemology? Take our short quiz and learn about the composition, cutting, and value of birthstones.
What is My Birthstone?
Throughout history, people have given poetic meanings to different gemstones. Nowadays, our use of birthstones is probably the best-known example of this practice. Each month has a special stone assigned to it. For those born in a particular month, that month’s gem purportedly acts as a “good luck” charm. Of course, birthstones and their meanings vary across cultures. Below you’ll find a list of birthstones commonly used in English speaking countries.
| MONTH | MODERN | ANCIENT |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond | Diamond |
| May | Emerald | Emerald |
| June | Alexandrite | Pearl |
| July | Ruby | Ruby |
| August | Peridot | Sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| October | Rose Zircon | Tourmaline or Opal |
| November | Golden Topaz or Citrine | Topaz |
| December | Blue Zircon or Tanzanite | Turquoise or Lapis |
Source: How Well Do You Know Your Birthstone Gemology? – IGS
- How Well Do You Know Your Birthstone Gemology? – IGSby Donald Clark, CSM IMG You might be familiar with the romance of birthstones, but how well do you know birthstone gemology? Take our short quiz and learn about the composition, cutting, and value of birthstones.
- Amethyst Symbolism and Legends – International Gem SocietyLong ago, a beautiful maiden was on her way to worship at the Temple of Diana. However, she had the misfortune of crossing paths with the god of wine, Bacchus. Angered since he’d just suffered some slight, he’d vowed to take revenge on the next person he met. He spied the maid and unleashed his two guardian tigers upon her. As the great beasts bounded towards the hapless lass, the goddess Diana intervened. To spare her such a terrible fate, she turned her into a pure, clear stone.
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- “Pearls” of Wisdom: Different types of Pearls in Jewelry MakingAlmost all pearl jewelry in the marketplace today is made up of cultured pearls which means they were produced with human assistance by oysters or other mollusks at a pearl farm as opposed to being found by divers.
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- Sterling Silver Facts and CareWhat Is Sterling Silver? For jewelry sterling silver is by far the most popular silver alloy in the world. Sterling silver, also called .925 silver, consists of 92.5 percent fine silver and 7.5 percent other metals (usually copper). Manufacturers use sterling silver because of its strength and durability. All silver items in MMA International’s Silver Stars Collection are .925 sterling silver.
Categories: Gemstones, Jewelry Guides & Info
Amethyst Symbolism and Legends – International Gem Society 
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