Colored Stones and Birth Stones

The twelve different months of the year each are associated with a gemstone known as a birthstone. There are many different lists of birthstones throughout history. In 1912 the Jewelers of America adopted a list that attempted to standardize birthstones, giving us what we know today as the birthstones.

Month Stone
January Garnet
February Amethyst
March Aquamarine
April Diamond
May Emerald
June Moostone, Pearl
July Ruby
August Peridot
September Sapphire
October Opal, Tourmaline
November Topaz, Citrine
December Turquoise, Blue Topaz
  Colored Stones

For every gem there is one all important factor to look at. . . Color. Not only is color important, but the colors tone and saturation are to be considered as well. The brighter more vivid colors are the most desirable gemstones. Those gemstones that are lightly colored or are very dark are not as valuable as those that are bright and clear.

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