#gemlore

If, like me, you are interested in gemstones, not just for the pretty shininess of them but for their properties and nature then this book by Hettie Judah is a must for your gemmology library. Following a 3,000 year old tradition, which can be traced back to the Babylonians, Lapidarium is a catalogue of 60 gemstones, their history and their secrets. This book covers some little known facts about…

Happy Birthday June Pearls!

June is a unique month when it comes to birthstones because it has three.  (Lucky ducks!) 

The pearl is June’s traditional birthstone and is one of the world’s most popular gemstones.  Literally gifts from the sea, (natural) pearls have symbolized status and wealth throughout history - favored during the reign of the Roman Empire and in 1500s Tudor England, also known as the Pearl Age - and continue to be treasured today.  Representing purity, charity, truth and loyalty, pearls are given on the 3rd and 30th wedding anniversary.

June’s second birthstone is alexandrite.  Named after Russian Czar Alexander II, alexandrite is a rare gemstone known as “emerald by day, ruby by night,” because of it’s color change in light.

Discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s, alexandrite is somewhat the new kid on the block when it comes to gemstones.  Unfortunately today’s alexandrites don’t display the vivid color change from the early Russian deposits, making the Ural alexandrites the standard and most coveted of alexandrite gemstones.

Moonstone is June’s third and final birthstone.  Considered sacred in India, moonstones were once thought to be made of solid moonbeams and are said to bring good luck.

The diamond is not only April’s birthstone, it also marks the 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries.  Once believed to be derived from lightning bolts or the tears of god, diamonds are formed solely from carbon and is earth’s hardest material.

The word diamond originates from the Greek adamas, which means invincible.  It is thought to bring its wearer balance, clarity and abundance and symbolizes eternal love.  The most coveted of all gems, it’s no wonder the diamond is known as the “King of all Birthstones.”

Aquamarine, March’s birthstone is derived from Latin (aqua = water, marina = of the sea) and was believed to protect sailors from the dangers of the ocean.  Sailors would carry aquamarine talismans in the form of Neptune (the Sea God) to provide them safe voyage. 

Aquamarine was also thought to cure heart, liver and stomach diseases by soaking the gem in water and drinking it.  Others say this variety of beryl can improve the happiness in marriages and bring protection against foes.