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The gemstone used in December birthstone jewelry is the turquoise, a bluish green stone which is a phosphate of copper and aluminum. It’s a rare stone that has been used in decorative work and jewelry for many thousands of years and was worn from approximately 6000 B.C. by the Egyptians. It was a prized gem worn by the Pharaohs and Aztec kings. It was also used in lovely decorative work by the Native Americans and Persians. Most specimens found are very small, frequently so tiny that they they are only visible with a microscope. High quality turquoise is mined in Afghanistan, Australia, Iran, Arizona and New Mexico in the US.

The name turquoise is believed to come from the French word meaning Turkey as it was erroneously believed that the precious stones originated in that country as they were sold in the bazaars to Venetian merchants. In reality they most likely came from Persia (now Iran) or the Sinai Peninsula. It may also have arisen from the French word pierre turquin which means blue stone. It’s often found in deposits of copper typically in very dry, arid conditions.

Before turquoise was discovered in the US the highest quality gems, with an intense blue color, were from Persia and ‘Persian Turquoise’ is still used these days to designate the top quality gemstones. In the last part of the nineteenth century turquoise was found in the USA with deposits that were the equal of the quality of the gems from Persia. Nowadays the United States is the largest producer of this lovely precious stone.

How the Aztecs Used Turquoise

Turquoise was used extensively by the Aztecs, frequently with gold and various other minerals such as jade, jet, malachite and quartz as well as shells and corals. They used it in masks, shields, knives and mosaics. Some magnificent examples of mosaics that survived destruction by the Spanish Invaders are exhibited at the British Museum.

How the Native Americans Used Turquoise

The Apache, Navajo and Pueblo tribes used turquoise as an amulet frequently believing it could influence an archer’s aim. The original turquoise jewelry made by Native Americans included mosaics, beads and carvings and only from around 1880 was the characteristic silver jewelry made. Navajo artisans started to make this style of jewelry from silver coins for trade with white men.

Looking After Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise is moderately soft and must be looked after with care to avoid being scratched. It can become dull if it is heated, or exposed to sunlight or weak acids so you should take care to take off any turquoise jewelry before using household chemicals or hot water.

December Birthstone Jewelry

Turquoise is the gem for December in the modern birthstone jewelry system. In traditional schemes the birthstones are zircon and ruby. Jewelry set with turquoise would make a beautiful present whether set in necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings or charms. You can read more at December Birthstone Jewelry.

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Peridot is the contemporary birthstone for August, and as well as being used in August birthstone jewelry is the gemstone selected to celebrate the sixteenth wedding anniversary. This particular gem is a type of olivine which is an amalgamation of two minerals, foylite and forsterite. It is still quite uncertain where the word peridot originates from, whether it is derived from the French word peritot, which means unclear or the Arabic word faridat, meaning gem. Whichever is true the gem was called peridot firstly by the French sometime in the 18th century. Before this time the Peridot precious stone was just known as topaz.

For four thousand years peridot has been mined as a precious stone and is even mentioned in the Bible under the Hebrew name of, pitdah. Peridot is the state gem of Egypt and was used by the Egyptians from at least three thousand years ago. It was called the “sun gem” as early miners thought that it shone with a light that made the gem easier to locate. This exquisite precious stone is becoming increasingly fashionable perhaps because of the legend denoting it as the favorite jewel of Cleopatra.

Description of the Peridot Gemstone

Throughout the years this valuable August gemstone has frequently been mistaken for other gemstones. The peridot birthstone can be described as a light olive green with a hint of yellow. The gems most often confused with the peridot are zircon, emeralds, apatite and garnets, even though these hardly ever have the appealing component of yellow that compliments the peridot’s green color.

The Quality of Peridot Gems

Peridots having an iron percentage of less than 16% and trace elements nickel and chromium are those of the finest. Peridot is produced in Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Ethiopia, the USA and Germany. Historically the highest quality peridot was found in Egypt however a number of remarkable crystals have been discovered in Pakistan that challenge this claim. The gems discovered in Arizona are of inferior quality but are more plentiful, which makes them more affordable for many people. About 85 – 95% of global production is from Arizona. Gems from Egypt and Pakistan are better quality and rarer and consequently are quite valuable.

Magical Powers of the Peridot

This  lovely August birthstone symbolizes dignity and success and it is also thought of a safeguard for for all the body as it defends against negativity. It’s also linked with relaxation and the reduction of stress. The Egyptians used this jewel to as a cleanser for the heart. Some sicknesses such as fever and asthma were thought to be cured by placing some powdered peridot beneath the tongue. There is also a belief that setting this stone in gold will amplify its powers..

August Birthstone Jewelry

Peridot is a lovely jewel and is becoming widely fashionable. Peridot  jewelry can be fun collectors items and they make wonderful August birthstone jewelry gifts.

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Alexandrite, which is used in June birthstone jewelry, is among the rarest of gemstones to be found on the earth. It is known as the June birthstone and is the gemstone used to commemorate both the 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries. It belongs to the chrysoberyl group and made of a combination of titanium, aluminum, iron, chromium and the chrysoberyl mineral.

Alexandrite’s Color Changing Properties

This June birthstone is greatly valued because of it’s capacity to radically change colors. Compared to other stone for example diamonds and sapphires, alexandrite is a fairly novel gem to the market, having only been  found around 150 years ago. The Alexandrite gem was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia around 1830 and was named after Alexander II the Czar of Russia. This gem was given the name “magic gem” because of it’s gorgeous show of colors.

A Description of Alexandrite the June Birthstone

The color of this birthstone varies with the the wavelength of light and the chemical bonds in the gem. In natural lighting (sunlight) alexandrite displays a a color that is blue green like moss but when placed under the light from a candle or lamp this color changes to a lovely raspberry hue. This transformation is referred to as the alexandrite effect. It’s a result of the chemical combination of of chromium with the rare mineral chrysoberyl. The trace element chromium gives Alexandrite it’s lovely colors.

The Quality of Alexandrite Gems

It is critical to consider the strength of the color change when evaluating an alexandrite. The gemstone is considered rare and more valuable if the color change is complete and intense. A further thing to consider is the cutting quality and clarity of the gem. Alexandrites that are found in Russia are supposed to be of better color and quality, therefore making them more costly. The majority of the alexandrites on in the shops are less than 1 carat because larger sizes are unaffordable by most people.

Looking after Your Alexandrite Jewelry

it is necessary to keep alexandrites away from excessive heat exposure as this can impinge on their ability to change color. When cleaning these gemstones warm water may be used as well as alcohol or a specially made jewelry cleaning solution. If ultrasonic and steam are needed suitably qualified jewelers ought to be used.

Sources of Alexandrite

The original source of alexandrite in the Ural Mountains of Russia has now virtually run out, however the mines are still working and turn out a small number of carats each year. These days there are two major sources of alexandrite gemstones, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and Brazil. In the 1990’s Alexandrite gemstones were also discovered in countries such as Madagascar, India, Burma and Zimbabwe. Sadly, none of these locations has managed to produce as intense colors as the gemstones produced in Russia. Gems from these sources have their own individuality: for example the grey tones of stones from Ceylon and yellow tones in gems from Brazil.

In Conclusion

In spite of the comparatively short history of this “magic gem” it has already been attributed with a mixture of mystical and magical properties. It’s an uncommon and lovely gemstone and makes a magnificent June birthstone jewelry gift for a cherished one who has a June birthday.

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Ever since the first century specific gems have been associated with the signs of the zodiac and have been used in birthstone jewelry. Originally birthstone schemes were based on the individual color of the gems. The origins of the tradition are believed to be related to the Breastplate of Aaron which incorporated stones associated with the 12 tribes of Israel. Each stone was engraved with the names of the tribes and they were attached to the breastplate in four rows of three. Though the names of the gems used are known, the exact translation is controversial so the particular gemstones used are unknown. This has led to various stones being associated with the different zodiac signs.

More recently birthstones became associated with the months of the year instead of the signs of the zodiac and there’s been some variation in the month to which a stone is allocated. The most commonly used list at present is the one which was proposed in America in 1902 by the Association of Jewelers, and has some alternatives to the more expensive gemstones. There has been one addition since that time. Tanzanite was assigned to December in 2002 though it is not acknowledged by everybody.

Some other listings which correlate individual stones with the month of birth include Ayurvedic birthstones and mystical birthstones. The mystical birthstones system dates back to over 1000 years in the past and is from Tibet, the Ayurvedic listing is from ancient Indian philosophy and is thought to date to approximately 1500 BC. Nevertheless most people use the modern schemes put forward by the Association of Jewelers.

Contemporary System

• January – garnet, emerald
• February – amethyst
• March – aquamarine
• April – diamond
• May – emerald
• June – moonstone, pearl
• July – ruby
• August – peridot
• September – sapphire
• October – opal, tourmaline
• November – topaz, citrine
• December – turquoise, tanzanite, blue topaz

Consequently there are several alternatives to choose from. If you are not keen on your birthstone from the modern scheme, choose one from the traditional listing.There are gorgeous examples of gold birthstone jewelry available and they make superb birthday gifts for loved ones, that show how much thought we put into selecting a present that is just right for them. Read more at Birthstone Jewelry.

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Asking a person what his or her zodiac sign birthstone is normally generates an immediate answer. How is it that nearly everyone knows the answer? It is because people delight in the mystical qualities attached to birthstones, and believe that wearing birth stone jewelry, such as birthstone rings, will protect them and bring them good fortune. Beginning back in the period of  the Assyrians in 1400 BC, folks have connected magic properties to exquisite and rare gems and held the belief that minerals contained forces or possessed particular values and powers.

As per custom, a precious stone was delegated to each one of the zodiac signs based upon a color system. It was the color that was considered to bring out the power assigned to the stone. As years passed by, the birthstone became related with calendar months instead of the zodiac. Soon, folks started choosing birthstones in different colors. Read the rest of this entry »

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