Gemstones

January – Garnet

About: The perfect way to start the year! The garnet stone is most commonly deep red but can be found in a range of other colors. Garnet was once believed to have healing properties, specifically diseases related to blood. The stone also symbolizes peace, prosperity and has been said to even give the wearer eternal happiness, health and wealth. It can be found all over the world, including Wyoming, Czech Republic, Greece, Russia, Tanzania, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and India.

Wear & Care: The garnet is very durable, approximately, 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it great for everyday wear, with the proper care. Garnets can be cleaned with warm soapy water or in an ultrasonic cleaner unless the stones have a fracture; steam cleaning is not recommended.

February – Amethyst

About: Purple passion! The amethyst stone is know for its rich purple hue. The stone can range in color from a light lilac to a deep plum. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed amethyst would ward off intoxicating powers. The stone would keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. It can be found all over the world, including the United States, Canada, Brazil and Zambia. The amethyst is not only the February birthstone; it is also used to celebrate the 6th and 17th year of marriage.

Wear & Care: Its hardness, a 7 on the Mohs scale, makes it durable and long lasting option for jewelry. Amethyst can be cleaned with warm soapy water or in an ultrasonic cleaner unless the stones have a fracture; steam cleaning is not recommended.

March – Aquamarine

About: Sparkling crystal blue! The tranquil colored aquamarine is most often light in tone and ranges from a greenish blue to a blue-green. The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea.

This gemstone is mined mainly in Brazil, but can also be found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique. The aquamarine is not only the March birthstone, but it’s also used to celebrate 19th wedding anniversary.

Wear & Care: The stone is rated 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, and is good for everyday wear. Aquamarine can be cleaned with warm soapy water or in an ultrasonic cleaner unless the stones have a fracture; steam cleaning is not recommended.

April – Diamond

About: Not that we are biased, but April may be our favorite birthstone here at The Diamond Room. The diamond is the hardest gemstone due to its make up of a single element, carbon. Diamonds can come in several different colors, including: yellow, red, pink, blue and green. Diamonds are graded by the 4 C’s: color, cut, clarity and carat.

While it's become the number one favorite stone for wedding engagement rings, it’s also the perfect stone for anyone who wants something appropriate for everyday wear as well as special occasions. The diamond is not only the April birthstone, but it’s also used to celebrate the 60th and 75th wedding anniversary, (or any gift for that matter)!

Wear & Care: The stone is rated 10 on the Mohs scale, making it the hardest stone. Diamonds are great for everyday wear and withstand a lot of love! Diamonds can be cleaned with warm soapy water or in an ultrasonic cleaner; steam cleaning is used to make the stone really sparkle!

May – Emerald

About: Spring has sprung with shades of green! The emerald can range from a light green to a deep, rich green. The deeper or more green the emerald, the higher its value. The emerald, one of the three precious stones, is a symbol of rebirth and is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune and youth. Emeralds can be found all over the world, including Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan and Zambia.

Wear & Care: Although emeralds are rated 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale it is not recommended to clean them using ultrasonic cleanser or steamer due to their sensitivity to heat. Clean with damp cloth or soft brush.

June – Pearl / Alexandrite

If you are a June birthday, you are lucky enough to have more then one birthstone!

About:Pearl Pearls are the only gemstones made by a living creature. They come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. The rarest, and most expensive, pearls are found in nature. The majority of pearls sold today are cultured and farmed. Pearls use to be found in many parts of the world, but natural pearling is now confined to Persian Gulf waters near Bahrain. Most freshwater cultured pears come from China.

The pearl is not only one of the birthstones for June, but it’s also used to celebrate the 1st, 3rd , 12th, and 30th wedding anniversaries.

Wear & Care: Pearls are very soft, ranging between 2.5-4.5 on the Mohs scale. They are extremely sensitive to heat and acidity. Pearls should never be placed into ultrasonic cleaner or steamed. Avoid contact with cosmetics, hairspray, perfume and household chemicals. Pearls should be cleaned with a soft cloth.

About: Alexandrite Alexandrite is unique due to its color changing abilities. Often described as “emerald by day and ruby by night,” the stone changes color from blueish green in the daylight to a purplish red under incandescent light. Today, most alexandrite comes from Sri Lanka, Brazil and East Africa.

Wear & Care: Alexandrite has a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it great for everyday wear. Alexandrite can be cleaned with warm soapy water or in an ultrasonic cleaner unless the stones have a fracture; steam cleaning is not recommended.

July – Ruby

About: Brilliant Fire! The name ruby, literally meaning red in Latin, comes in brilliant red hues. Symbolic of the passion and energy associated with the color red, the vibrant ruby is said to bring love and success.

Wear & Care: The stone is tough and durable, measuring 9 on the Mohls scale and is one of the 3 precious stones. The ruby is great for everyday wear. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. Avoid strong detergents, heat, pressure and ultrasonic. The color of the stone may fade in light or heat.

August – Peridot

About: Green with envy! Peridot is named August’s primary birthstone. The stone is a rich lime green color, like no other stone. Peridot is said to possess healing properties that protect against nightmares and evil, ensuring peace and happiness. Most peridot comes from the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona.

Wear & Care: It measures 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Do not use ultrasonic cleanser or steamer for cleaning. Avoid sudden temperature changes and contact with harsh chemicals. Clean with a damp cloth.

September – Sapphire

About: Undeniably deep blue! Sapphire is another precious stone known for its beautiful deep blue color. The stone can come in all colors of the rainbow, except red, which would classify it as a ruby. Sapphire is said to focus the mind, encourage self-discipline and channel higher powers. Sapphires are found in India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Australia, Brazil, Africa and North America.

Not only is Sapphire the birthstone for September, it is also used to celebrate the 5th or 45th wedding anniversary.

Wear & Care: The stone is extremely hard, 9 on the Mohs scale, which make it excellent for everyday wear. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid strong detergents, heat, pressure and ultrasonic. The color of the stone may fade in light or heat.

October – Opal / Tourmaline

October is another month lucky enough to have two birthstones!

About: Opal Opals can be described as the kaleidoscope of gemstones. Some have color changing effects that diffract light to display various colors of the spectrum. These flashy gems are called “precious opals”; those without play-of-color are “common opals”. For many years this stone has been associated with good luck! They were discovered in Australia, where the country has produced 95% of the world’s supply. Opals can also be mined in Mexico, Brazil, Honduras, Ethiopia, Czech Republic and even some parts of the United States.

Wear & Care: Opals can range from 3 to 21% water and only ranges from 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale.

They are extremely delicate and crack under extreme temperature, dehydration, or direct light. Do not use ultrasonic cleaner or steamer. Avoid heat contact with cosmetics, hair spray and household chemicals; clean with a damp cloth or soft brush.

About: Tourmaline Tourmaline comes in a broad spectrum of colors. Many people believe the stone can shield against toxins and negative thoughts. Tourmaline is mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Madagascar, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States.

Wear & Care: A complex stone, made up of many different properties makes a 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale. Do not use ultrasonic cleaner or steamer. Avoid heat contact with cosmetics, hair spray and household chemicals. Clean with a damp cloth or soft brush.

November – Citrine / Topaz

November can choose between two different gemstones that are often mistaken for each other due to the wide range of color in which they come.

About: Topaz Pure topaz is completely colorless, but it can become tinted by impurities to take on any color of the rainbow! Because of the variety in color, it can often be mistaken for other stones. The most popular color is the vibrant orange but blue topaz has been increasing over the last several years. Topaz is a soothing stone that has been said to calm tempers, cure madness and eliminate nightmares. Mostly produced in Brazil, it can also be found in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, Australia, Nigeria, Germany, Mexico and the United States.

Wear & Care: Measuring 8 on the Mohs scale, it is a rather hard and durable gem, but can be prone to chipping or cracking if not correctly cut. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth.

About: Citrine Citrine is a variety of quartz that range from pale yellow to brownish orange in color. It takes its name from the citron fruit because of these lemon-inspired shades. Citrine is sometimes known as the “healing quartz” for its ability to comfort, soothe and calm. Citrine is mostly mined in Brazil, but can also be found in Spain, Bolivia, France, Russia, Madagascar and the Untied States.

Wear & Care: With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, citrine is good for everyday wear. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. Do not expose to intense heat.

December – Tanzanite / Zircon / Turquoise

All three of December’s birthstones have a beautiful shade of blue!

About: Tanzanite Named after its geographic origin in Tanzania, tanzanite has quickly risen in popularity since its recent discovery. Tanzanite comes in shades of blue ranging from pale to an intense deep blue with violet undertones. The majority of tanzanite on the market today are heat treated to minimize the brown colors found naturally in the stone, and to enhance the blue shades.

Wear & Care: The stone measures 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Given its vulnerability to scratch from daily wear, tanzanite is better suited for earrings and pendants than rings. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth.

About: Zircon Zircon comes in a wide range of colors spanning from red, orange, yellow, green blue and brown. However, most stones are heat treated until colorless, gold or blue, which are the most popular. Zircon is the oldest mineral on earth! Since the Middle Ages, people have believed that zircon can induce sleep, ward off evil and promote prosperity. The mining of Zircon dates back 4.4 billion years in Australia, which is where it is readily found today. It can be found in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Cambodia, Canada and the United States.

Wear & Care: Though it measures 7.5 of the Mohs scale of hardness, the faceted edges can chip. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth.

About: Turquoise Turquoise is known for its distinct color, which ranges from powdery blue to greenish robin’s egg blue. The United States is now the world’s largest turquoise supplier. The stone’s popularity here makes it a staple in Native American jewelry.

Wear & Care: The stone is sensitive to direct sunlight and solvents like makeup, perfume and natural oils. The hardness only measures 6 on the Mohs scale. Do not use ultrasonic cleaner or steamer and avoid heat contact with cosmetics, hair spray and household chemicals. Clean with a damp cloth or soft brush.

Information sourced from American Gem Society; www.americangemsociety.org