Birthstone and Zodiac Charts and Anniversary Gemstones



Gemstones have been used for a variety of reasons. The two most common are for birthstones and to make memorable anniversaries. There are particular reasons why some of the stones are used and there are also some links to the stones to the signs of the zodiac.

History of Gemstones

The gemstones are something that have been used for centuries but only standardized from 1912. This was done by the American National Association of Jewelers. While the birthstones do work well with the gemstones for the zodiac signs, there is no exact match. The benefit of the stones is that they are unique, just like the qualities of the signs of the zodiac.

Garnet – The Stone of January

The January birthstone is the garnet and was there were thoughts that the stone would keep people safe during travel. This deep red stone is also seen in the Zodiac gemstone lists for the star sign Capricorn, which is just one of the star signs that a person born in January may match. It also closely matches another of the gemstones – the Oynx.

The Purple Amethyst for February

The Amethyst is the birthstone for February and it is thought to help with strengthening relationships and help the wearer gain courage. For the Ancient Greeks, the stone helped to guard against becoming drunk, and comes from the Greek’s word for Sober. The purple stone was once the gem of the royals and nobody else could wear it. The Aquarius star sign is one that uses Amethyst but the most common is Turquoise, which is actually the birthstone for those born in November.

March – Aquamarine Stones

Those born in March often have the star sign Pisces, so it makes sense that the birthstone has a water look to it. The aquamarine gemstone is the birthstone for those born in March and was once thought that it help to cure diseases of the stomach, liver and the heart. Sailors also used the birthstone in their talismans to help gain the protection from Neptune, the Greek God of the Sea. The gemstone for Pisces is usually moonstone, which changes color depending on the wearer’s mood.

Beautiful Diamonds for Those in April

The gemstone for those born in April is the diamond. This is a symbol of love everlasting and has also been thought to bring some courage to the wearer. This is one of the only birthstones that matches the zodiac sign – Aries – which is also a diamond.

Emerald Green for May

May is another birthstone that matches the zodiac sign Taurus. The green, emerald is a gem that has links throughout history and was even thought to be the favorite gem of Cleopatra. The gem is linked to love, fertility and rebirth and it was even linked to the Goddess Venus by the Ancient Romans, who was the Goddess of Love. Now, the gem represents patience, wisdom and growth.

The Pearl and Ruby – June and July’s Gemstones

June’s birthstone is the pearl, which is a symbol of being pure. It was thought, by the Ancient Greeks, that a pearl was a hardened tear from Aphrodite, who was the Greek’s Goddess of Love. The gem of love is July’s ruby birthstone. This beautiful red gem was through to protect wearers from any evil by the Ancient Hindus.

Peridot for August

August’s birthstone is a green colored gem called peridot. This gem is the symbol of strength and is often known as the “evening emerald” because of the color. It was once thought that the crystals of the peridot came were from the ashes in the volcanoes, which were the tears from Pele, the volcano goddess. When the gem is set in gold, it is believe that the wearer will be protected from nightmares.

Deep Blue Sapphires for September

The beautiful blue sapphire gem is one of the most popular options now and is the birthstone of those born in September. It is thought that the gemstone would protect the wearer from any evil or poisoning. The stone is now the symbol of wisdom and purity and is a match to the Virgo’s gemstone.

Opal for October and Topaz for November

The opal is the gemstone for those born in October and is a symbol of confidence and faithfulness. In the past, the opal necklaces were worn to help keep evil away as well as protecting the eyesight. The next on the list is November’s topaz, which is a sign of affection and love. It was thought that this stone gave the wearer an increase in strength.

Turquoise Blue for December

Finally, there is the December stone Turquoise, which is thought to be a charm of love. It was also though to help with relaxing the mind and helping with success and fortune.

As well as birthstone, gems are used to mark special anniversaries. The most common ones known are the 60 year anniversary, which is the Diamond Jubilee, and the 50, which is the Golden Jubilee. The 25th year is also marked with the Silver Jubilee and the 30th is the Pearl Jubilee. Gold, Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald are also popular occasions and mark one year, five years, 15 years and 35 years respectively.

Comments