Birthstones
October - Opal & Tourmaline
This is the month when the leaves start to turn fiery shades of red and gold, and pumpkins grace our doorsteps. But did you know that October has not one, but two birthstones? Opal and Tourmaline are the stars of the show this month, and these beauties feature predominantly in the collection.
Opal is the traditional birthstone for October, but in 1812 the National Association of Jewelers began including Tourmaline so we are lucky to have two diverse and captivating gemstones to work with this month.
Ray as an interesting history with opals, Australia produces 95% of the worlds opals so they are the unofficial national stone of his homeland. Ray suffered “opal trauma” for many years of my his career. In the first month of his apprenticeship with a fine jewelry house in Melbourne, Australia he was handed a beautiful cabochon opal. As he pinched it between his fingers it fired out of his hand, dropped to the floor and and it shattered to pieces. It belonged to a customer and was worth an absolute fortune. Naturally after thatRay was terrified of opals. If anyone handed him one he would break into a sweat.
On one of his cherished gemstone adventures in Tuscon Ray fell in love with all the beautiful opals he was seeing and he thought “If he buys them and they break they’re his so it’s not a problem” and a new love affair with Opals was born. Now they are a huge part of the collection.
The name opal comes from the Sanskrit word Upala, meaning ‘precious stone’ and later the Greek derivative Opallios meaning ‘to see a change of color’.
This play/flash of color the stone creates is one of the many reasons they are so beloved. Opals come in so many varieties and color ways; Ethiopian, Fire, Boulder, Black, White Pink… the list goes on.
Opals are believed to bring inner peace, enhance creativity, and strengthen relationships. Some even claim they can help soothe the mind and heal emotional wounds.
Like opal, tourmaline is also admired for its wide variety of gemstone color ways. Tourmalines have a long history and have been used as gemstones for centuries. They were initially discovered in Sri Lanka over 2,000 years ago. Ancient legend in Sri Lanka believed that tourmalines traveled from the center of the Earth and passed over a rainbow, which is why they exhibit such a wide array of colors.
Rays eye always wanders to pink tourmalines, the vibrant natural color not only matches the brand but also his design aesthetic. He does love to work with green tourmalines and once in a while will come across a special color change tourmaline he can’t say no to.
Tourmaline is associated with gentleness, compassion, joy, and love and is also the 8th anniversary gift. Whether you're an October baby or not, opal and tourmaline make wonderful gifts. Their vibrant colors and unique properties make them ideal for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or yourself. Spoil yourself or someone you love <3
September - Sapphires
With a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations, Sapphire has seen it all – from kings and queens flaunting it as a symbol of power and wisdom to commoners seeking its magical properties. It's like the wise old sage who's been around for ages, but with a dazzling makeover.
This gem is a dazzling delight in shades of blue that range from the serene ocean blue to a velvety midnight hue. Sapphire is so precious that even the engagement ring of British royalty holds a stunning Sapphire at its center, making all other gemstones green with envy. Sapphires come in a variety of colors including yellow, orange, pink, green and white. In addition to being the September birthstone, sapphire is also the gem commemorating the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
Now, let's talk about the magical powers of this beauty. Legend has it that it can protect you from envy, harm, and evil thoughts. People say it can even bring harmony to relationships – a real gemstone cupid, if you will.
Sapphire is versatile, too. It's not all about rings; it dazzles in earrings, pendants, and bracelets too. Sapphire loves to accessorize, darling! Wear it to a fancy gala, a casual dinner party, or even to the supermarket – it's always ready to shine, no matter the occasion. I always say that jewelry is meant to be worn!
Be warned, though: Sapphire is a bit of a diva when it comes to cleaning. It demands gentle treatment, like a spa day with some lukewarm soapy water and a soft brush. But hey, we all deserve some pampering, right?
It's the perfect companion for September-born folks who love to turn heads, spread positive vibes, and carry a bit of magic wherever they go. With Sapphire by your side, you'll be ready to take on the world with style, charm, and a whole lot of sparkle!
August - Peridot & Spinel
August is one of only three months of the year that has three birthstones! They are peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. For those lucky souls born in August (like me!), their birthstone is one of my personal favorites the vibrant and enchanting Peridot. Also known as the "Evening Emerald" due to its captivating green hue. Peridot is also the most common birthstone associated with August, and is often gifted for the 16th wedding anniversary.
Peridot is the yellowish green to greenish yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. Throughout history, peridot has often been confused with other gems such as topaz and emerald. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot.
The peridot birthstone has also been used for centuries as a protective talisman, shielding the owner from evil spirits and ‘terrors of the night’.
Peridot's striking green hue makes it an excellent choice for jewelry, particularly for those who love vibrant and eye-catching gems. Its affordability, coupled with its unique color, makes it a preferred alternative to more expensive green gemstones like emerald. The gemstone is often faceted, but due to its high transparency, it can also be found in cabochon cuts, revealing a smooth, polished surface that showcases the gem's natural beauty.
This is a stunning example of an 18k yellow gold Crownwork ring with prong set faceted peridot center stone with two prong set emerald baguettes and aqua enamel on inverted shank.
July: Ruby
- Name derived from latin work ruber, meaning red. The color of love and passion
- Wedding Anniversary : 40th
- Zodiac signs : Aries, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius
- Properties include ; Motivation, Happiness, Devotion, Power and Leadership
There is something so elegant and classic about the ruby that works with any outfit for any occasion. Ruby is a red precious gemstone variety of Corundum, and it has to have iron in its structure to be considered ruby. Iron gives it its color and separates it from corundum (sapphire). Works so well in jewelry, its tough and durable, ruby measures 9 on the Mohs scale. Diamonds are the only natural gemstone harder than ruby.
Fun fact: The red fluorescence power of ruby helped build the first working laser in 1960. Rubies, both natural and synthetic are still used to make lasers, as well as watches and medical instruments. It’s the gemstone with superpowers
We also love working with rubies in their natural form. They have a gorgeous organic beauty and deeper pinky, red earth tones.
A perfect example of this is this natural ruby necklace from our collection.
June - Pearl & Moonstone
Traditionally the June birthstones are pearl and moonstone. Pearls & moonstones are wonderful to work with and have been a long time favorite of mine.
Pearl has long been popular as a gemstone, despite being fundamentally different from most other crystal-based precious and semi-precious stones. Pearls are the only gemstones made by living creatures. Mollusks produce pearls by depositing layers of calcium carbonate around microscopic irritants that get lodged in their shells, usually not a grain of sand, as commonly believed. They have such unique shapes and color variations.
Click here to watch my jewel school about all things pearl. I have been a pearl wearer myself for years, everyone should own a strand or two!
Click here to shop pearls in my collection.
Moonstone, was named by the Roman natural historian Pliny, who wrote that moonstone’s shimmery appearance shifted with the phases of the moon. The finest classical moonstones, colorlessly transparent with a blue shimmer, come from Sri Lanka. Since these sources of high-quality blue moonstones have essentially been mined out, prices have risen sharply. Other mines have since been found in India, Australia, Myanmar, Madagascar, and the United States.
Moonstone traps light and scatters it inside, creating a vivid imagery of a moonlight glowing in water. The energy of moonstone is introspective and balancing. Wear it to usher in new beginnings and bring closure to each end.
Click here to view moonstones throughout my collection.
May - Emerald
May birthdays fall right in the heart of Spring and the emerald is the perfect gem to symbolize and celebrate this month. It is also the traditional wedding anniversary present for the 20th and the 55th year.
Prized for its brilliant green color, the emerald, a symbol of rebirth, is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Emerald, derived from the word smaragdus, means, quite literally, green in Greek. Emeralds are the green to greenish blue variety of the mineral Beryl, the majority of Emeralds are mined in Colombia and Zambia.
To determine if an emerald is real you can shine a blacklight onto the emerald. A natural emerald will show a pure green or blue-green hue. With the light, it will either not have any backlight or a weak orange-red or green color. Synthetic emeralds fluorescence will showcase a dark red color. An imitation stone will have a yellow or brown undertone color.
Click here to see emeralds currently featured in my collection.
April - Diamonds
March - Aquamarine
As winter starts to fade away, March blooms with the promise of spring, bringing forth not only blossoming flowers but also a gemstone as mesmerizing as the tranquil sea – Aquamarine. Known for its serene blue hue reminiscent of the clear ocean waters, Aquamarine holds a special place in the hearts of those born in this transitional month.
Aquamarine derives its name from the Latin words aqua marina, meaning water of the sea, a fitting description for its soothing blue color. This gemstone belongs to the beryl family, alongside emeralds, and is cherished for its clarity and transparency.
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Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Aquamarine carries symbolism and significance deeply rooted in various cultures. It is often associated with tranquility, courage, and clarity of mind. Its calming energy is believed to promote harmony and inner peace, making it a cherished gemstone for meditation and spiritual practices. Aquamarine is also thought to inspire truthfulness and communication, fostering open and honest dialogue in relationships.
While Aquamarine is most commonly known for its serene blue hue, it can exhibit a range of shades from pale pastels to deeper blues. Its versatility allows for a myriad of jewelry designs, from necklaces to my everyday wearable stretch bracelets.
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Aquamarine is also the traditional gift for the 19th wedding anniversary. Click here to view our feature in the March 2024 edition of National Jeweler Magazine
February - Amethyst
February, a month synonymous with love, valentines, and chilly winter days, has a gemstone that perfectly captures its essence - the amethyst. With its enchanting purple hues, this birthstone is a timeless symbol of tranquility, wisdom, and sobriety.
Amethyst, a member of the quartz family, derives its name from the Greek word amethystos, meaning not intoxicated. Ancient Greeks believed that wearing amethyst could protect one from drunkenness, making it a popular choice among those who enjoyed a good feast. Today, it continues to be a favorite gem for those born in February.
One of the most striking features of amethyst is its regal purple color. Ranging from delicate lilac to deep violet, amethyst's shades are as diverse as the personalities born in the month of February. This mesmerizing color is said to represent royalty and nobility, making it an ideal choice for those who want to feel like kings and queens, even on an ordinary day. As I always say jewelry is meant to be worn!
Aside from its aesthetic appeal, amethyst is also associated with various metaphysical properties. Known as the stone of spirituality and contentment, amethyst is believed to enhance one's intuition and provide a sense of calmness. Some even claim that it helps in achieving a restful night's sleep, making it the perfect gem for those who need a little extra relaxation in their lives.
January - Garnet
Hello gemstone enthusiasts and January babies! If your birthday falls within the frosty embrace of the first month of the year, you're in for a treat—Garnet is here to steal the spotlight as the January birthstone! Garnet is also the zodiac stone for Aries, Leo and Libras. It is the traditional wedding anniversary gift for the 2nd year.
Now, before you start picturing a bunch of little red fruits hanging from a tree, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of why garnet is so special.
Shades of Love
First off, garnets are not just a one-shade wonder. While the most common hue is a deep, romantic red, these gemstones come in a kaleidoscope of colors, ranging from vibrant oranges to lush greens. It's like a love affair with the entire spectrum!
Time Travel with History
If garnets could talk, they'd have an epic tale to tell. Historically, these gemstones have been used as protective talismans by warriors and travelers. They were believed to bring good fortune and ensure a safe journey. Imagine wearing a piece of jewelry that's seen more adventures than your favorite action movie hero!
Energy Boosters
Need a little pick-me-up during the chilly winter months? Garnets are said to boost energy and revitalize the wearer. So, if you find yourself in need of an extra dose of motivation to stick to those New Year's resolutions, maybe a garnet accessory is just what the doctor ordered (or, you know, what the gemologist recommended). It's said to bring strength, good health, and even protect you from nightmares.
Affordable Elegance
One of the best things about garnets is that they manage to strike a perfect balance between affordability and elegance. So, whether you're a January baby treating yourself or someone looking for a thoughtful gift, garnet won't break the bank but will certainly steal the heart.
So, there you have it—a brief journey into the delightful world of January birthstones. Garnets, with their kaleidoscopic beauty and rich history, are here to add a touch of warmth to the frosty month. Embrace the hues, wear them proudly, and let the world know that January babies are as vibrant and unique as their birthstone! Cheers to the Garnet Galore!
December - Turquoise, Tanzanite & Zircon
December, a month brimming with holiday cheer and the promise of a new year, is adorned with not one, but three enchanting birthstones that capture the essence of winter's magic. Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon come together in a symphony of blue hues, each with its unique charm and significance.
Turquoise: Timeless Tranquility
Known for its distinctive robin's egg blue color, Turquoise has been cherished for centuries for its calming and protective properties. Believed to bring good fortune and strength, this opaque gemstone has adorned the jewelry of ancient civilizations and continues to be a popular choice today. Turquoise reflects the crisp, clear winter sky, making it a perfect birthstone for those born in December. Turquoise is also the traditional gift for the 11th wedding anniversary.
Turquoise has been mined in the Nishapur district of Iran for more than 1,000 years. The prized even-colored, intense blue turquoise from this region is dubbed robin’s egg blue, sky blue and Persian blue. Trade professionals now use these terms to describe turquoise of this color – regardless of the source.
Closer to home in Arizona AZ, the Sleeping Beauty turquoise mine is one of the most well known producers of turquoise in the world. Arizona’s Sleeping Beauty mine was a prolific producer for more than four decades. Increased government regulations and mining costs led to the mine's closure in 2012. Since then, the price for Sleeping Beauty turquoise has risen significantly and become very sought after.
Tanzanite: Radiant Elegance
A relative newcomer to the world of gemstones, Tanzanite has swiftly become a sought-after choice for December birthdays. Its deep blue-violet hues evoke the wintry twilight sky, radiating a sense of elegance and sophistication. Discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s, Tanzanite is prized for its rarity and unique color-changing ability, displaying different shades depending on the viewing angle.
Tanzanite is also known to bring composure, poise and harmony and is also the traditional gem gifted for the 24th wedding anniversary.
Zircon: Sparkling Brilliance
Zircon, available in an array of colors, is often found in stunning shades of blue, making it a fitting gemstone for the winter month. Its brilliance and fire make it a captivating choice for jewelry, symbolizing the clarity and honesty associated with those born in December. Zircon has been used as a talisman for travelers, ensuring safe journeys and promoting wisdom. Zircon is the oldest mineral on earth, the name comes from the Persian word 'zargun' which means 'gold colored', although they come in a variety of colors.
Whether you're drawn to the tranquil charm of Turquoise, the radiant elegance of Tanzanite, or the sparkling brilliance of Zircon, December birthstones offer a spectrum of choices for those celebrating birthdays during this festive month. As you explore the world of these enchanting gems, consider incorporating them into your jewelry collection or gifting them to loved ones.
November - Citrine & Topaz
November babies are fortunate to have not one, but two dazzling birthstones to choose from – citrine and topaz. These gems embody the warmth and vibrancy of the fall season, making them the perfect choice for those born in this cozy and contemplative month.
Citrine: The Golden ‘Ray’ of Sunshine.
Citrine, often referred to as the "sunshine gem," is a variety of quartz known for its sunny yellow and golden hues. Its name was derived from the French word Citron which means lemon. It’s a stone associated with positive energy, joy, and clarity. Citrine is believed to promote good fortune, prosperity, and creativity. Its vibrant color has earned it the nickname "the merchant's stone," as it is thought to attract wealth and abundance.
One of the fascinating aspects of citrine is that it doesn't accumulate negative energy, making it a gem that encourages positivity and optimism. Whether worn as jewelry or displayed in your home, citrine can help brighten your life with its cheerful energy.
The colors of the stone can range from a very pale yellow, almost green in color, to a stronger deep often smoky yellow.
Click here to shop citrine throughout my collection
As November rolls around, those celebrating their birthdays have a choice of two beautiful birthstones to choose from, each with its unique charm and symbolism. So, embrace the vibrancy of November with these stunning birthstones, and let them bring joy and positivity into your life.
Click here to peruse Topaz jewels
