Birthstone & Gems Jewelry

By Jen Hui Chen

Birthstone Jewelry is the gemstone associated with the month of one's birth, the wearing of which is commonly believed to give good luck or health and can have such an impact on emotion, happiness, and love.
Supernatural powers have long been attributed by astrologers to certain gemstones.
Birthstones are also a fun way to share something about yourself
Most birthstones are naturally occurring gems and their healing powers have led them to become valued possessions
You can choose from many gemstones to find the right gem for yourself or great gift for the loved one.

January Birthstone - Garnet Jewelry
Promotes sincerity, loyalty and devotion.
Garnet is the birthstone for January and the gem for the second anniversary.
Garnets are durable and suitable for everyday wear but protect them from sharp blows. Clean with mild dish soap: use a soft brush behind the stone where dust can collect.
February Birthstone - Amethyst Jewelry
Symbol of peace, protection and tranquility.
Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the 6th and 17th anniversary gem. 
Amethyst is durable and suitable for everyday wear. Clean with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.

March Birthstone - Aquamarine Jewelry    
Symbol of youth, hope and health.
This elegant gemstone is the birthstone for March and the gem for the 19th anniversary. Aquamarine is a durable gem perfect for everyday wear. Clean with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.
April Birthstone - Diamond Jewelry
Emblem of fearlessness and invincibility.
Diamond is the birthstone for April and the gem of the 10th and 60th anniversary.
Diamonds are judged according to the 4Cs: color, clarity, cut and carat weight. For color and clarity, less is more. Gems with the least amount of color and the fewest imperfections are the most rare and valuable. The bigger the diamond, the higher its carat weight and the more it costs per carat. Cut is arguably the most important value factor because the quality of a diamond's cut gives it its life and sparkle. 
Diamond is a durable gem perfect for everyday wear To clean diamond jewelry, you can use mild dish soap or ammonia and water: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect. Ultrasonic cleaners are also a good way to clean your diamond jewelry.
May Birthstone - Emerald Jewelry
Bestows faithfulness and unchanging love.
Emerald is the birthstone for May and the gem of the 20th and 35th anniversary.
Although emerald is a very hard gem, emerald rings shouldn't be worn when working with your hands or exercising vigorously. Avoid cleaning emerald with hot soapy water or steam and never clean an emerald in an ultrasonic cleaner. Clean emerald with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.

June Birthstone - Pearl Jewelry
Symbol of modesty, chastity and purity.
Cultured pearls can be distinguished from imitation pearls by a very simple test. Take a pearl and rub it gently against the edge of a tooth. Cultured (and natural pearls) will feel slightly rough, like fine sandpaper, because of the texture of natural nacre. Imitations will feel as smooth as glass because the surface is molded or painted on a smooth bead.
Because pearls are organic, they have a relatively low hardness of 2.5 to 3.5 and should be stored away from other jewelry to prevent scratching. Always put on perfume, lotion, and sprays before you put on pearls, since chemicals may be absorbed into the surface of pearls, staining them. Wipe your pearls clean with a moist soft cloth after wearing them.

July Birthstone - Ruby Jewelry
Believed to promote good thoughts and rekindle desire.
Rubies are durable and suitable for everyday wear. Clean with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.

August Birthstone - Peridot Jewelry
Said to protect against fears and bad dreams.
Peridot is the birthstone for August and the 16th anniversary gem.
Peridot is harder than metal but softer than many other gems. Store Peridot Jewelry with care to avoid scratches. When you wear it, protect it from blows. Because Peridot is sensitive to rapid changes in temperature, never have it steam cleaned and avoid ultrasonic cleaners. Clean with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.

September Birthstone - Sapphire Jewelry
Symbol of truth, sincerity and constancy.
Sapphire is the September Birthstone, the gem of the fifth and 45th wedding anniversary.
Sapphires are durable and suitable for everyday wear. Clean with mild dish soap: use a soft brush behind the stone where dust can collect.

October Birthstone - Opal Jewelry
Symbol of hope and purity.
Although Opal is durable, it should be protected from scratches when not being worn and rings should be removed during heavy activity. Clean with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the gem where dust can collect.

November Birthstone - Citrine Jewelry
Mark of Authority and power. 
Citrine is the birthstone for November and the 13th anniversary gem.
This durable and brilliant gem is as easy to own as it is to wear. Clean with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.

December Birthstone - Tanzanite Jewelry & Blue Topaz Jewelry
Believed to have mellowing properties.

Tanzanite Jewelry is a birthstone for December and the 24th anniversary gem.
Tanzanite jewelry is a little more delicate than other gemstone jewelry and should not be set in a ring that will be worn during strenuous activity. Never clean tanzanite in an ultrasonic cleaner or have a ring resized or repaired without having the gem removed. Clean with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.
Blue topaz Jewelry is a birthstone for December and  the fourth anniversary gem.
Blue Topaz is a very hard gemstone, but it can be split with a single blow: a trait it shares with diamond. As a result it should be protected from hard knocks. Clean with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.