This month, we are focusing on the birthstone of September, Blue Sapphire.
Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each month.
September Birthstone: Sapphire
Birthstone Color: Deep Blue
Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and the gem designated for the 5th, 23rd and 45th wedding anniversary; a star sapphire is typically given on the 65th wedding anniversary. A gift of Sapphire represents sincerity and faithfulness.
Mystical Powers of the birthstone: Sapphires were once believed to be protection against snakes. It was said that if poisonous reptiles and spiders were placed in a jar containing the stone, the creatures would immediately die. The French of the 13th century believed that sapphire transformed stupidity to wisdom, and irritability to good temper.
Main sources of Aquamarine: Sapphire is mined in Australia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Other producers are Burma, Kampuchea, Kenya and Tanzania.
Interesting Facts: The Sapphire is second only to the Diamond in hardness, making it a durable gemstone for setting into jewelry. As nourishing to the soul as gazing up at the sky on a summer day, this brilliant blue gemstone is truly a heavenly choice!
This month, we are focusing on the birthstone of August, Peridot.
Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each month.
August Birthstone: Peridot
Birthstone Color: Yellow Green
Alternative Birthstone: Sardonyx
Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August and the gem designated for the 16th wedding anniversary. Peridot is a mineral named Olivine, which is found in a variety of greens, ranging from light yellowish green to a dark olive.
Mystical Powers of the birthstone: The green crystal was considered protective against evil and when set in gold, especially help against night terrors. It was ground to powder and used as a remedy for asthma and as a cure for thirst brought on by fever.
Main sources of Peridots: Peridot comes from the ancient source of Zebirget Island in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt. Today, peridot is mined in Burma, Norway, Brazil, Australia, Hawaii, the Congo, and in Arizona.
Interesting Facts: It is not certain where the word ,peridot, derived from originally. It is either from the French word peritot which means unclear or from the Arabic word faridat which means gem. In either case, peridot has been mined as a gemstone for an estimated four thousand years.
This month, we are focusing on the birthstone of July, Ruby.
Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each month.
July Birthstone: Ruby
Birthstone Color: Red
Alternative Birthstone: Ruby
Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July and it is believed to symbolize everlasting love.
Main sources of Rubies: Rubies come from all over the world but good gemstones are found in Thailand, India, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, North Carolina in the U.S.
Interesting Facts: Ruby comes from the Latin word "Ruber" which means Red. Ruby has been the gem of the brave and the royal throughout the ages. It was worn by kings to give them power and to protect them from evil. Rubies also have the property to turn deeper in color, and this was believed by some to indicate danger or misfortune.
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This month, we are focusing on the birthstone of June, Pearl.
Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each month.
June Birthstone: Pearl
Birthstone Color: White
Alternative Birthstone: Alexandrite
Pearl is the birthstone for the month of June and the traditional anniversary gemstone for the first year of marriage. Pearl is believed to symbolize purity.
Main sources of Pearls: Divers find natural pearls in The Persian Gulf as well as in the waters off Japan, the South Pacific Islands off northern Australia, and the coasts of Panama, Venezuela, and California. Most of the cultured pearl industry is in Japanese and Australian coastal waters. These gems come in a variety of colors, from pure white to pink, yellow, gray and black. They also come in different shapes and sizes.
Interesting Facts: Pearls have been a passion and even an obsession of people throughout the ages. They have been ground up and used in cosmetics and as a medicine to treat heart and stomach conditions. Some cultures swear by pearls as an aphrodisiac. These gems have adorned crowns, clothing, and temples, and were said to be a favorite of Cleopatra.
Colombian cuisine varies greatly, depending on the uniqueness of the many regions of this large, disperse country. Generally, Colombian cuisine includes some type of meat dish and even though they do not use a lot of vegetables, they do use lots of fruits. In fact, more than any other ingredient. Breakfast is more important to them than lunch and dinner. I love to see strong colors with geometric designs. This month I have focused on finding our color of the month in geometry, and what could be more perfect then architectural stairs?
This month, we are focusing on the birthstone of May, Emerald.
Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each month.
May Birthstone: Emerald
Birthstone Color: Deep Green
Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May. This gem is suggested as an anniversary gift for the 20th and 35th anniversaries and as an alternate stone for the 55th wedding anniversary.
Mystical Powers of the birthstone: Some people believe that wearing an Emerald brings wisdom, growth, and patience. And as any couple in a long-term relationship would agree, all of these qualities are essential for a successful and lasting love. This may explain why a gift of Emerald for an anniversary -- or anytime -- is considered symbolic of love and fidelity.
Main sources of Emerald: Emeralds are found in many countries, but Columbia and Brazil are the major producers and Columbia is recognized as the source for the finest stones. They are also found in Pakistan, Russia, Australia, South Africa, India, Norway, and the United States.
Interesting Facts: Spring is a time of new growth and rebirth. And the intense brilliant green of the Emerald, May’s birthstone, is as refreshing to the eyes as a spring garden after a rain. Within it’s depths are often tiny fractures or inclusions, which the French call "jardin," or garden, because of their resemblance to foliage. The Egyptians were known to engrave Emeralds with the symbol for foliage to represent eternal youth, and to bury these jewels with their dead. The ancient Romans associated this gemstone with fertility and rebirth, and dedicated it to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.
