January Garnet
February Amethyst
March Aquamarine Or Bloodstone
Derived from the Latin, no gem has a more descriptive name than the aquamarine. The name aquamarine literally means "seawater", a tribute to its beautiful blue color. Long associated with tranquility and happiness,aquamarine was also thought to instill courage, cure laziness and sharpen the intellect. Like emerald, aquamarine is a member of the beryl family. It is frequently free of flaws and may occur in very large crystals. The aquamarine is not a brilliant stone, but depends on its size and purity of color for effect. Brazil is the most prolific supplier of aquamarine, which is often found in shades of blue-green.April Diamond
The diamond has been a symbol of eternal love since the 15th century, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria sealed his engagement to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring. Of all jewels, the diamond is supreme andworthy of the name precious stone. It qualifies for all the virtues implied in that term: brilliance, hardness, rarity, antiquity, purity and permanence. Although the most desirable diamond is colorless distinct body colors such as blue, green, red, pink, and yellow are known. These natural fancy colors are rare and highly prized.While India was the world's main source of diamonds for over 2,000 years, most diamonds now come fromAfrica, Russia and Australia. Of all diamonds mined, only a quarter are of gem quality.May Emerald
One of the most valuable gems, emerald has been coveted through history. It was attributed such great power that it was often used in powdered form to prevent epilepsy, stop bleeding, cure dysentery and fever, and avert panic. In addition, emerald was thought to make its owner eloquent and persuasive, bring joy, give
the ability to foretell the future and improve memory. The choicest member of the beryl family, the ideal shade for emerald is an intense green, distinct from any other green gemstone. Larger size stones tend to contain slight faults or flaws. Accordingly, good sized perfect stones are extremely rare, which accounts for their costliness. Colombia and Africa are the major sources for emerald.June Pearl,Moonstone Or Alexandrite
Since the Hindu god Vishnu searched the seas for a pearl to adorn his daughter on her wedding day, pearls have been the symbols of love, happiness, wealth, honor and longevity. Both natural and cultured pearls form when a piece of sand, shell or other irritant causes the oyster to coat the foreign body with the pearly ubstance known as nacre. The value of a pearl is determined by several factors: the perfection of its shape, size, color and freedom from blemishes. Today, Japan is a major source for cultured pearls.July Ruby
Many times rarer than diamonds, rubies have been passionately admired throughout the world, throughout history. The powers that have been ascribed to ruby over the centuries are innumerable. Even the Bible compares the price of wisdom to the price or rubies. Rubies were also said to protect their owners from
misfortune and to reconcile disputes. A member of the corundum family, as is sapphire, the hardness of a ruby is only surpassed by that of a diamond. While the color can range from a pink-red to a purple-red, the most dramatic stones are a bright, intense red.The world's finest deep red (pigeon blood) rubies come from Burma. Today, the world's major sources of rubies are in Thailand. Thai rubies are mostly dark and brownish-red.August Peridot Or Sardonyx
Although its name is simply a French word derived from the Arabic for green, peridot has always been surrounded by complex superstitions. It was believed to inhibit enchantments, to protect its wearer from evil spirits and to glow in the dark. Its color ranges from a springtime yellow-green to a warm olive green. Peridot is also distinguished by its soft, velvety appearance. Color is the most important quality for peridots. Hence, the greener the peridot, the higher its value.Mined on the island of Zebirget in the Red Sea since ancient times, peridot also comes from Burma, although most is found in Arizona and the southwestern United States.September Sapphire
October Opal Or Tourmaine
November Topaz Or Citrine
Topaz is revered for its color, clarity and hardness. During the Middle Ages topaz was thought drive away sadness, bring wisdom, bestow courage, and even cure insomnia. A common misconception is that all topaz is yellow. Once the name given to all yellow gems, true golden topaz is labeled "Imperial". "Precious" topaz may be yellow, golden-brown, blue, green, pink or sherry colored. Brazil is the most important source of this stone.December Turquoise Zircon Or Tanzanite
From Egypt and Persia (Iran) to Tibet and the Americas, turquoise has been treasured for its beauty since prehistoric times. Hindus and Persians believed that one who observed the reflection of the moon on a turquoise was assured good luck, protection from evil and great wealth. Color is the superlative gem property of turquoise. Turquoise can be green yellow-green, blue-green, pale blue or dark blue. It may or may not include a "matrix" of rock which can form intricate lace-like patterns throughout the stone, adding character, but detracting from value. Found in the southwestern United States and Mexico, the richest blue specimens are from Iran.