14K Gold
|
The “K” stands for karat and, along with the number preceding it, indicates the amount of gold in a piece of jewelry. 24K is 100% gold. Since it’s relatively soft, gold is alloyed with other metals, often copper or silver, to give it strength and durability. 14K gold has a gold content of 58.3% or 14 parts gold and 10 parts another metal or metals. Considered a symbol of wealth and power, gold was first discovered about 8,000 years ago and has been treasured in every society, lining ancient Egyptian tombs and adorning walls of Roman cathedrals. During the frontier days of the United States in the mid-1800s, gold discoveries occurred in many Western states with the largest rush occurring in California. Around the world at this time, gold was also discovered in Australia, South Africa, and Canada. Today, gold is crafted into fine jewelry and still valued for its lustrous beauty and timelessness. Gold jewelry pieces can be found in the Western Spirit and Loving Family collections. |
|
Amazonite
|
Named after
the Amazon River, stunning blue-green amazonite was worn by South American
natives to protect them from poisonous bites. This gemstone was also valued
by ancient Egyptians and has been used in jewelry for centuries. Found
in Colorado, Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, and Russia, amazonite
helps to generate self-confidence and positive relationships. Combining
intellect and intuition, amazonite fires the creative process, inspiring
faith, hope, and self-respect, and reduces self-damaging behavior. It
is believed to be a useful remedy for muscle spasms, and can help correct
calcium deficiencies, while increasing the body’s resistance to tooth
decay and osteoporosis. |
|
Amethyst
|
The
warm purple hues of February’s birthstone, amethyst, exude tranquility
and spirituality much like the characteristics of the astrological sign,
Aquarius. Its name means “not drunken” in Greek as amethyst was
worn as an amulet against drunkenness. The most important deposits are found
in Brazil but it can also be found in the United States where it has been
named the state stone of Georgia and South Carolina. Amethyst is believed
to be a powerful emotional and physical healer, alleviating anger and fear
and calming the nervous system and mind. |
|
Aragonite
|
Found
in Namibia, Britain, and Spain, aragonite centers and grounds while aiding
concentration, discipline, and patience. It is believed to be useful in
overcoming illusions, helping one face the truth and accept reality. Aragonite
also aids in navigating business and personal challenges with a clear head
and steady hand. Like its creamy, yellow color suggests, aragonite warms
the extremities, overcoming chills and twitches. It also strengthens the
immune system, healing bones, aiding calcium absorption, and restoring elasticity
to disks. |
| Bamboo
Coral
|
Bamboo
coral, also known as sea bamboo, grows under the sea in segmented branches
that resemble bamboo stalks, appearing in shades of beige or brown. This
type of coral is dyed in brilliant colors like salmon, pink, orange, and
red. Found in the South Pacific, bamboo coral is a practical alternative
to using coral, since coral reefs are protected ecosystems, home to millions
of fish and sea creatures. |
| Black
Agate
|
In
ancient times, agate was prized as a talisman or amulet and used by Persian
magicians to divert storms. Agate was also sought and collected prior to,
and during, the Byzantine Empire because of these powers. Believed to bring
courage and prosperity, black agate raises consciousness and builds self-confidence.
Its grounding effect improves perception and harmonizes the physical, mental,
and emotional states. Agate is also believed to overcome bitterness of heart
and inner anger. It is found in the United States, India, Morocco, Czech
Republic, Brazil, and Africa. |
| Blue
Chalcedony
|
Found
in the U.S., Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Iceland, Mexico, and
New Zealand, blue chalcedony balances the mind, body, and soul, promoting
social harmony and alleviating tension and hostility. It encourages communication
and the acceptance of new situations. The stone also provides mental flexibility
and the ability to learn new languages while improving the memory and ameliorating
disease caused by weather sensitivity. |
| Blue
Lace Agate
|
Found
in the United States, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, India, Iceland, Morocco,
and Brazil, blue lace agate features soft, icy blue bands in a lacy or wavy
pattern. A cooling stone because of its color, blue lace agate has calming
properties, bringing peace to inner thoughts and alleviating mental conflict.
It is said to heighten spiritual inspiration, lighten tense situations,
and nurture maternal impulses. Blue lace agate is also believed to help
treat arthritis and bone deformity, while strengthening bones and helping
to heal fractures. It aids blockages of the nervous system, capillaries,
and pancreas. |
| Citrine
|
The
name citrine comes from the French citron, or “lemon”, and named
so for its yellow color. Citrine can appear in various shades of yellow
from a light hue to a deep, rich citrus color. Found in Britain, the United
States, Brazil, France, Madagascar, and Russia, citrine is known as the
modern birthstone for November. Before its popularity as a gemstone for
jewelry in the mid-1800s, citrine was carried as a protection against poisonous
snake bites and evil thoughts in ancient times. Today, citrine is believed
to alleviate depression, enhance creativity, and motivate writers. It symbolizes
happiness, wisdom, and peace. As the Modern and Traditional birthstone for
November, citrine is also said to stimulate memory, aid digestion, remove
toxins from the body, and help fight diabetes. |
| Copper
|
Copper
has played an important role in history since 9000 B.C. It was the first
metal mined and crafted by man, originating first in present-day Iran. Its
malleability proved useful in making tools, weapons, and ornaments. Today,
copper is used in almost every piece of jewelry as an alloy with other precious
metals to add strength and durability. Copper is featured in the following
collections: Pueblo Patterns, Colors of the Canyon, Painted Desert, and
Sedona. Although copper is known for its rich, reddish-gold color, it often
appears in nature in shades of blue, green, red, and turquoise. Minerals
like malachite, azurite, cuprite, and turquoise contain valuable deposits
of copper and can be melted down to obtain them. |
| Coral
|
Coral
is a calcium carbonate, created by the skeletal material of small animals
that live in underwater sea colonies. Deposits are found along the coasts
of the Western Mediterranean countries, Red Sea, Bay of Biscay, Canary Islands,
Malaysian Archipelago, the Midway Islands, Japan, and Hawaii. Used in ancient
times as a talisman to ward off evil spirits, coral is believed to provide
protection, calm emotions, and restore harmony. Coral exists in a wide range
of shades, including white, blue, brown, black, and red which is the most
coveted. Sponge coral, when polished smooth, has visible pores like a sponge.
In ancient China, red sponge coral symbolized wealth and high social status. |
| Denim
Lapis
|
A
paler blue variety of lapis lazuli, denim lapis is found in the same places
as lazuli: Afghanistan, Argentina, Russia, Chile, and the United States.
As its name suggests, denim lapis resembles the color of denim due to a
greater calcite content than that of lazuli. It enhances spiritual development
and generates mental clarity and emotional healing. |
| Garnet
|
The
modern birthstone for January and Connecticut’s state stone, garnet
represents love, revitalizes feelings, and controls anger, especially toward
oneself. While preventing fears of insecurity, garnet builds self-esteem
and generates balance and awareness. Often used by travelers as protection
from misfortune and accidents, garnet was first used by the Crusaders to
ensure a safe return home. Garnet is also believed to ward off nightmares
and protect from theft. Garnet is found worldwide and occurs in its well-known,
red color and also in its lesser-known blue and green varieties. |
| Gold
Vermeil
|
Gold
vermeil, pronounced "ver-MAY", was developed in France in the
mid-1700s and entails overplating karat gold onto sterling silver using
an electrolytic process. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that
the minimum thickness of the plating be equivalent to 100 millionths of
an inch (2.5 microns) of fine gold. Gold-plated sterling jewelry offers
the look of solid high karat gold at an affordable price and can be found
in the Western Spirit and Loving Family collections. Gold vermeil jewelry
pieces are made entirely of precious metals, as the base is sterling silver
electroplated with a surface layer of karat gold. |
| Green
Malachite
|
Lush
malachite with its concentric light and dark bands of green stimulates psychic
vision and concentration while healing emotional and physical blocks. Malachite
hails from Romania, Zambia, Zaire, and Russia and is known to bring about
transformation, breaking free of tired routines and rejuvenating with the
promise of new horizons. The stone is believed to enhance the immune system
and help in treating asthma, arthritis, fractures, swollen joints, and growths. |
| Jasper
|
Known
as the “supreme nurturer”, jasper is believed to bring tranquility
and protection while reducing fears and insecurities. It also aids quick
thinking, organizational abilities, and the completion of projects. The
mystical birthstone for October, jasper is mined in North Africa, Sicily,
France, India, Venezuela, Germany, and the United States. The Greek origin
of the word jasper, iaspis, means "spotted stone” and is often
named according to its unique pattern, for example picture jasper and snakeskin
jasper. Picture jasper, found in Idaho and Oregon, exudes warmth with its
rich chocolate tones and variegated lines forming “pictures” within
the stone and is believed to aid in business pursuits. Snakeskin jasper,
with its mossy green, matrix of color, resembles the skin of an exotic serpent
and is said to be useful for protection and invisibility. Jasper is also
found in a variety of colors like red, yellow, blue, purple, and brown,
including maple (for its color similarity to maple syrup) – all possessing
the characteristic veined patterns running through the stone. |
| Kyanite
|
Kyanite,
the stone of meditation, calms the mind and helps to bring perspective and
clarity. Derived from the Greek word, kyanos, meaning blue, kyanite promotes
self-expression, communication, and psychic abilities. It aids in the treating
of muscular disorders, fevers, thyroid and parathyroid, adrenal glands,
the throat, and brain. Kyanite can only be found in Brazil. |
| Lapis
Lazuli
|
One
of the first stones to ever be used and worn for jewelry, lazuli lapis was
celebrated as a magical and holy gemstone by ancient peoples who believed
that the stone was laced with flecks of gold. The deep blue gemstone’s
sparkles of gold are actually inclusions of Pyrite, a brassy, gold mineral
often called “Fool’s Gold”. Lazuli lapis releases stress,
bringing clarity and physical and emotional harmony. It promotes creativity
and stimulates a higher level of thinking. Known as the alternative birthstone
for September and the traditional birthstone for December, lapis is believed
to help overcome depression, insomnia, and vertigo. |
| Milky
Aquamarine
|
The
soothing sea-blue color of aquamarine reflects its stress-reducing, calming
characteristics. Hailed as the state gemstone of Colorado, aquamarine is
also believed to reduce fear, increase sensitivity and creativity, and enhance
intuition and spiritual awareness. It helps to alleviate swollen glands
and sore throats and strengthens the liver, spleen, kidneys, and stomach.
Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March and the alternative birthstone
for October. |
| Moonstone
|
Because
of its milky white luster and translucent nature, moonstone reflects the
colors of the rainbow, making it a versatile gemstone in fashion. Found
in Brazil, Europe, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania,
Australia, and the United States (Pennsylvania and Virginia), moonstone
also occurs in shades of peach and gray.It is celebrated as the modern birthstone
for June along with pearl. The Romans thought moonstone was formed out of
moonlight and began wearing it in jewelry in 100 A.D. Symbolizing new beginnings,
the gemstone is believed to affect the female reproductive cycle, helping
to ease PMS symptoms, aiding in conception, pregnancy, and childbirth, and
soothing and balancing emotions. It is also said to align vertebrae, aid
digestion, and alleviate degenerative conditions of the skin, hair, and
eyes. |
| Opal
|
Referred
to as “nature’s fireworks”, opal is an iridescent gemstone
that diffracts light, creating fiery sparks of bright color. Found in Australia,
Mexico, and Peru, opal dates back more than 60 million years when dinosaurs
roamed the earth. The Romans valued opal as a stone of good fortune while
the Russians considered it bad luck. In the Middle Ages, opal was called
“eye stone” and was thought to improve eyesight. Today, the gemstone
is celebrated as October’s birthstone and is believed to help heal
eye diseases, soothe the eyes as well as the nerves, strengthen memory,
and purify blood and kidneys. Opal is also said to enhance originality and
creativity while promoting loyalty and spontaneity. |
| Orange
Carnelian
|
Found
in Britain, India, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Peru, Iceland, and Romania,
carnelian dispels delusions, grounding the wearer into his/her present surroundings
and circumstances while attracting abundance and prosperity. Also known
as the alternative birthstone for July, carnelian alleviates the fear of
death, improves analytical abilities, and motivates success in business.
It is believed to influence female reproductive organs and increase fertility.
Carnelian also helps to heal lower back problems, rheumatism, arthritis,
and depression. |
| Pearl
|
Pearl
is an organic gemstone grown within oysters and a few other mollusks. Freshwater
pearls are formed in freshwater mussels that live in lakes, rivers, ponds,
and other bodies of fresh water. They are known for their wide range of
colors and shapes including the potato pearl, which is featured in the Sunset
Inspirations CP Signature collection. Known as the modern birthstone for
June, along with moonstone, the pearl is said to improve self-worth and
symbolizes modesty, purity, love, success, and happiness. Pearls help bring
healing energies during meditation and eliminate emotional imbalances. Physically,
the pearl is believed to aid stomach, spleen, intestinal tract, and ulcer
problems. It is also said to help treat eye ailments, heart trouble, fever,
bleeding, poisoning, and indigestion. Pearls are found in Japan, China,
Tahiti, Ceylon, Scotland, Norway, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines,
the United States, Mexico, and Burma. |
| Peridot
|
Best
known as the modern birthstone for August, peridot, which comes from the
U.S., Brazil, Egypt, Ireland, and Russia, symbolizes prosperity, growth,
and openness, alleviating depression, anger, fear, jealousy, and anxiety.
Peridot is believed to strengthen the heart, lungs, spleen, intestinal tract,
ulcers, and eyes. It is also believed to help pregnant women with their
birth contractions. |
| Pietersite
|
Sid
Pieters first discovered pietersite, a beautiful variety of tiger’s
eye, in 1962 while prospecting farmland in Namibia, South Africa, where
it is most commonly found. In 1993, pietersite was also found near Nanyang,
Henan, China. The colors of this gemstone include various shades of blue,
gold, brown, and red appearing together or alone. The Taos CP Signature
collection features a unique chocolate color with subtle traces of red and
blue running through it. Pietersite, also referred to as “the key to
the kingdom of heaven”, is said to generate a clear flow of energy
for spiritual leaders and psychics. It is also believed to aid growth, sex,
metabolism, blood pressure, and body temperature. |
| Rhodochrosite
|
Rhodochrosite,
the state mineral of Colorado, radiates and attracts love as its pinkish,
raspberry red color implies. While aiding in the expression of emotions,
it also stimulates selfless love and as a result, improves self-worth. Found
in the U.S. and Russia, rhodochrosite is believed to alleviate phobias and
fears. It helps with asthma and other respiratory problems, purifies the
circulatory system and kidneys, and aids in restoring eyesight. |
| Rhodonite
|
Mined
in Spain, Russia, Sweden, and Germany, rhodonite with its dusty rose pink
color, promotes a sense of inner calm, self-worth, peace, happiness, joy,
and laughter. Used in smoothing over relationship difficulties, rhodonite
clears the mind of confusion and doubt, while helping to achieve one’s
greatest potential. It is also believed to strengthen the inner ear, allowing
one to become more open to “hearing” the truth and aiding speech
and hearing problems, making rhodonite an excellent stone for children with
learning disabilities. Massachusetts celebrates rhodonite as its state gemstone. |
| Ruby
|
Called
the "king of precious stones" or the "queen of gemstones”,
the ruby has been a symbol of devotion and love for centuries as its dark
crimson color suggests. Although the gemstone appears in various shades
of red, the Santa Rosa CP collection features a deep, purplish red stone.
Its color has also given the ruby a reputation as a healing stone. It is
believed to help treat physical wounds, and blood disorders as well as emotional
and spiritual wounds. The ruby is often used in meditation and is said to
bring health, wealth, and wisdom. Known as July’s birthstone and the
state stone of Wisconsin, the ruby is found in Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia,
Pakistan, India, Thailand, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, the United States (North
Carolina), Afghanistan, Kenya, Tanzania, and Kampuchea. |
| Serpentine
|
Found
in Cornwall, England, Norway, Russia, and Zimbabwe, serpentine gets its
name from the word “serpent” because it resembles the skin of
a snake with its mottled colors and patterns. It was also thought to protect
the wearer from snake bites. Because serpentine appears in some shade of
green, it is often called “new jade” and has historically been
confused with jade. Today, serpentine is used to help restore self-confidence,
dispel fear, and enhance meditation. It is believed to aid kidney and stomach
problems, balance female hormones, and increase milk production in nursing
mothers. |
| Smoky
Quartz
|
Smoky
quartz lifts depression, dispelling negative moods and promoting positive
thinking. A clear, chocolate brown crystal, smoky quartz is usually found
at high altitudes such as in Brazil, the Swiss Alps, and Colorado. Smoky
quartz is believed to be useful in the treatment of radiation-related illness
or chemotherapy, aiding acceptance of body and strengthening virility. Known
as the state stone of New Hampshire, it is also thought to alleviate nightmares
and manifest dreams. |
| Sodalite
|
Sodalite
resembles a dreamy sky with its deep blue color and white, milky streaks.
Found in Brazil, France, Burma, Greenland, Russia, Romania, and North America,
sodalite was first discovered during ancient times in tombs and ruins in
various ornamental forms. Sodalite is believed to have been used by Egyptian
priests to dispel fears and to promote a clear, insightful mind. Today,
the gemstone is thought to possess subtle, soothing energies, helping the
wearer adopt a simpler way of life. It also enhances communication and writing
skills. Sodalite is said to help boost the immune system, balance the metabolism,
cleanse the organs, and combat radiation. |
| Spiny
Oyster Shell
|
Found
in the Sea of Cortez off Baja California, Mexico, spiny oyster shell became
popular in 1976 when Native Americans in the Southwest began exporting it
for jewelry making. The shell is often referred to as “princess”
because when the explorer, Cortez, presented his marine discoveries to the
king of Spain, the king’s daughter fell in love with the beautiful
shell. It occurs in various colors including orange, red, and purple, which
is the rarest variety. |
| Tiger's
Eye
|
With
its rich amber color and luminous golden and chocolate bands, tiger’s
eye is named for its resemblance to the eye of a tiger. However, the gemstone
also occurs in unique colors like pink, blue, and red. Tiger’s eye
is found mainly in South Africa, but can also be uncovered in Australia,
Burma, Namibia, and the United States (California). Due to its ocular appearance,
ancient Roman soldiers thought the stone could see all danger and wore it
for protection in battle. Today, the stone is believed to generate a positive
attitude, flexibility, courage, and confidence. Tiger’s eye has long
been said to ease sexual tension and help partners connect on psychic levels.
It is also thought to help relieve high blood pressure, bronchial asthma,
heart disease, and psoriasis. |
| Turquoise
|
Native
Americans prized turquoise, the heart of Southwestern tradition, as currency,
as a talisman of good health, and most importantly as beautiful jewelry.
They believed that turquoise stole its color from the sky, and when the
wind blows, it is searching for the "sky stone". Known as the
modern birthstone for December, turquoise heals and promotes spiritual attunement.
It attracts abundance and prosperity while dispelling negative energy. Today,
turquoise is still a popular, cherished stone. Several Southwestern states
celebrate it as their state stone: Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. |
| Variscite
|
Variscite,
with its soft green color and chocolate brown veins, is said to bring calm
and stillness to hectic lifestyles and busy minds. Valued as a meditation
stone, variscite is believed to balance the nervous system while easing
depression, fear, and anxiety. Variscite enhances brain functions, stimulates
mental alertness, thought processes, higher intellectual capacity, and intuitive/psychic
perception. Its wearers also feel that the gemstone helps in remembering
past lives. Known for its healing properties, variscite is said to help
with abdominal distention, constricted blood flow, as well as impotence.
Variscite is found in the United States (Utah and Nevada), Australia, Germany,
and Brazil. |
| White,
Pink, and Gold mother of pearl
|
Celebrated
as the modern birthstone for June, mother of pearl is the iridescent substance
that forms the lining of the shells of some fresh-water and salt-water mollusks.
The chief sources are the pearl oyster, which can be found in warm and tropical
seas, primarily in Asia; freshwater pearl mussels, which live in many rivers
of the United States, Europe, and Asia; and the abalone of California, Japan,
and other Pacific regions. In China, mother of pearl is believed to attract
good fortune, prosperity, and happiness. |
Modern Birthstones
The official birthstone list from the American National Association of Jewelers, Jewelers of America.
Traditional Birthstones
These stones reflect societal birthstone traditions, heralding back to the 15th century
Mystical Birthstones
This list is of Tibetan origin from over a thousand years ago. Ancient lore says that these stones are to help one overcome the obstacles.
Other Birthstones
These stones are other commonly accepted birthstones. While not official, they are excellent alternatives to the customary gemstones.
| |
MODERN BIRTHSTONES |
TRADITIONAL BIRTHSTONES |
MYSTICAL BIRTHSTONE |
OTHER BIRTHSTONES |
January |
Garnet |
Garnet |
Emerald |
Rose Quartz |
February |
Amethyst |
Amethyst |
Bloodstone |
Onyx, Moonstone |
March |
Aquamarine |
Bloodstone |
Jade |
Quartz Crystal |
April |
Diamond |
Diamond |
Opal |
Quartz Crystal |
May |
Emerald |
Emerald |
Sapphire |
Chrysophrase |
June |
Pearl |
Alexandrite |
Moonstone |
Opal |
July |
Ruby |
Ruby |
Ruby |
Carnelian |
August |
Peridot |
Sardonyx |
Diamond |
Jade |
September |
Sapphire |
Sapphire |
Agate |
Lapis |
October |
Opal |
Tourmaline |
Jasper |
Tourmaline |
November |
Citrine and Yellow Jasper |
Citrine |
Pearl |
Diamond |
December |
Turquoise and Blue Topaz |
Zircon and Lapis |
Onyx |
Pink Tourmaline |
|
