Birth Stones

Garnet (January)
This beautiful red gemstone gets its name from the Latin word ‘granatus’ which means seed as garnets resemble pomegranate seeds. Regarded as the gem of faith, constancy and truth garnets were believed to possess many curative powers. Used in amulets by early travellers, due to its protective and healing properties it was said to cure the wearer of all disease and guard against the perils of the journey. All these powers were said to double for people born in January.

Amethyst (February)
This vivid purple gemstone gets its name from the Greek word ‘amethystos’ which means not intoxicated. The Amethyst is credited with many astonishing qualities which include sharpening intelligence, making the wearer successful in business, protecting the soldiers and assure victory and helping guard against contagious disease and evil thoughts. For men, the amethyst promised sober judgment and commerce and for women it promised lofty thoughts and religious love.

Aquamarine (March)
This icy blue gemstone gets its name from the Latin word ‘aqua marina’ which means water of the sea. A talisman of ocean travellers assuring them of success and safety during their voyage, by being guarded by the mermaids of the sea. Water in which an aquamarine was soaked was believed to cure eye trouble, stoppage of breath and hiccups. Aquamarines were associated with the purity of the oceans and hence were credited with the power to keep its wearers clean in body and spirit as the birthstone for March.

Diamond (April)
The king of gems, diamond is derived from the Greek word ‘adamas’ which means unbreakable, untamed. The hardness and durability of the diamond have always stood for an eternally incorruptible principle that protects its wearer from evil. The far-reaching magic of the diamond included indomitable power against poison, fears, nightmares, sorcery, quarrels, lunacy and possession by devils. Diamonds brought power, riches, success, friends, everlasting youth and the promise of serenity and contentment as the birthstone for April.

Emerald (May)
This enchanting gemstone gets its name from the Sanskrit word ‘marakata’ meaning emerald or green. This gemstone epitomizes faith, kindness, goodness and the promises of nature. It is believed that the emerald healing benefits are vast, from curing fever and epilepsy to eliminating bouts of dysentery. Lovers believed the gem was endowed with the power to reveal the faithfulness of one's beloved. As the birthstone for those born in May, the emerald denotes love and success.

Pearl (June)
The only non mineral gemstone it gets its name from the Latin word ‘perula’ meaning small pear. The only gem which does not need cutting and polishing, but can be worn when taken out of the oyster that housed it. The Egyptians, Persians and Hindus held the pearl in great esteem and the Romans learned of it from them. Symbolizing wisdom and purity this gemstone has the power to turn evil into good. As the birthstone for June, the pearl brings a promise of health and longevity.

Ruby (July)
This captivating gemstone gets its name from the Latin word ‘rubrum’ which means red. A very highly valued gemstone which the Hindus called the king of all precious stones. They also believed that whoever gave rubies to Lord Krishna was virtually certain to be reborn an emperor in a future reincarnation. Ruby symbolizes peace and good health and is believed to be an excellent blood purifier. As the birthstone for July, the ruby signifies contentment and success.

Peridot (August)
This radiant gemstone gets its name from the Greek word ‘peridona’ which means giving ample. This olive green gemstone was thought to put evil spirits to flight, drive off the terrors of the night, and endow its owner with a sane mind, a kind temperament, and persuasive eloquence. It also confers divine powers and healing abilities giving the wearer fluency and power. As the birthstone for August, the peridot assures married happiness and good health.

Sapphire (September)
This mystical gem gets its name from the Greek word ‘sappheiros’ which means blue. Also called the gem of gems this gemstone has the power to cure many illnesses and freeing the mortal soul of any evils. Sapphires are stones of the apocalypse, and ancient lore held that the tablets upon which the Ten Commandments were written, were actually sapphire. As the birthstone for September, sapphires bestow romantic love, representing fidelity and romantic devotion to the wearer.

Opal (October)
This chaste gemstone gets its name from the Greek word ‘opallios’ and is from the same root as Sanskrit upálá for precious stone. Being highlighted with VIBGYOR (colors of the rainbow), it is the most desirable gemstone. Legend says the wearer of an opal will be urbane and courteous and protected from the wrath of others. The Arabs believed that opals fell from heaven in flashes of lightning and thus acquired their colors. As the birthstone for October, the opal stands for hope and loyalty.

Citrine (November)
This captivating gemstone gets its name from the French word ‘citron’ meaning lemon. It is also called the success stone because it promotes success, prosperity and abundance. Citrine is a perfect gift for the 13th anniversary. Citrine is a stone of protection, removing or deflecting negative energies of all kinds. Sensuality and sexuality can also be heightened by citrine. In the mental area, citrine enhances mental clarity, confidence, and will power. It also increases creativity and promotes honesty as a birthstone for November.

Tanzanite (December)
This gemstone is the newest addition; found only 40 years ago this gemstone gets its name from the country it was found in, Tanzania. This gemstone has become very popular today with its deep blue hues perfect for every kind of jewellery. Tanzanite is an exotic blue-purple stone that combines the regal purple color of a fine amethyst and the alluring blue of a sapphire. Legend says that it was Masai Mara cattle herders that first noticed this stone some 30 years ago after a fire caused by lightening burned areas in Tanzania. The herders noticed that brown zoiscite crystals had turned a deep blue-purple due to the heat from the fire.