Birthstones - Delving into Modern and Traditional Methods: A Comparative Overview ✨ 2023

Examining the Differences: Modern versus Traditional

The well-known list of traditional or ancient birthstones in the United States actually originated in Poland during the 16th and 18th centuries. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers introduced a list of "modern birthstones." This modern list differed slightly from the traditional one, particularly by including only transparent gems. This change was likely made to facilitate the creation of "mother's rings," which showcase the birthstones of a woman's children in a style more suited to contemporary preferences. (Imagine the challenge of crafting a ring with a pearl, a turquoise cabochon, and both faceted diamond and emerald stones.).

Even today, jewelers continue to expand the options available on the modern birthstone chart. Recent additions include spinel, citrine, and tanzanite.

In the United States, people now freely choose stones from both lists based on personal preference. Some traditional gems are also more affordable (such as turquoise) or easier to find (like cultivated pearls) compared to their modern counterparts. As a result, certain traditional stones remain popular.

 

January is the month associated with the birthstone Garnet

Garnet, often linked with the color red, is actually available in a wide range of colors, making it a popular choice for various types of jewelry. This is particularly great if you're looking for the January birthstone. The garnet family is known for its complexity, as it comprises multiple species and varieties, making it a fascinating gem in the world of gemstones.

 

February, the month of 💜 Amethyst, is a time of tranquility and inner strength

Amethyst, a type of crystalline quartz, comes in a variety of colors, ranging from delicate lilac to rich reddish purple. With a remarkable hardness of 7, it possesses exceptional scratch resistance. This makes it an excellent choice for crafting exquisite jewelry pieces, especially for those born in February, as it is their birthstone. 

 

March is associated with the mesmerizing 🩵 aquamarine gemstone 

Aquamarine, derived from the hue of seawater, is a member of the beryl family that exhibits shades of blue to blue-green. With its widespread availability and reasonable price, this gemstone, associated with the month of March, is highly sought after for its suitability in creating exquisite jewelry pieces.

 

The diamond 💎 is the designated birthstone for the month of April

Diamonds are widely regarded as the preferred choice for ringstones across the globe. Renowned for their timeless elegance and exceptional transparency, these precious gems have evolved into a symbol of prestige and luxury.

 

Emerald 💚 in May

Emerald has been associated with the color green since ancient times. A magnificent emerald is an awe-inspiring spectacle, and this gem, belonging to the beryl family, rightfully holds its position among the esteemed "Big Four" gemstones, which include diamond, ruby, and sapphire.

 

June 🤍 Pearl

Pearls, the exclusive gemstones discovered in living organisms, are primarily sourced from saltwater and freshwater mollusks. Nevertheless, the majority of pearls available on the market are now cultivated or cultured due to their scarcity in nature. Despite their need for delicate handling, pearls possess an everlasting charm in the realm of jewelry, especially as the timeless birthstone for the month of June.

 

July ❤️ Ruby 

July is the seventh month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It is known for its warm weather and long days, making it a popular time for vacations and outdoor activities. Additionally, July is associated with the birthstone ruby, which symbolizes passion, love, and courage. The vibrant red color of the ruby is often associated with the energy and warmth of the summer season.

Ruby, a highly sought-after gemstone, is renowned for its durability. Its vibrant red hues exude a remarkable level of saturation. Renowned for their exceptional quality, rubies command exorbitant prices, often exceeding $1,000,000 per carat.

 

August birthstone is peridot ❇️

Peridot, the contemporary birthstone for August, has been highly valued as a gemstone throughout history. With its distinct green hue, although it may vary, the shade of a peridot is influenced by its origin.

September is the month of sapphire 💙

Sapphire has captivated us for centuries with its stunning beauty. Renowned for its pure blue hues and remarkable resilience, this gemstone stands out as truly exceptional. Nevertheless, it's important to note that sapphires are not limited to just blue. In fact, the September birthstone showcases a diverse range of colors.

 

Opal, the month of October

Opals stand out from the rest, belonging to a category of their own. As a gemstone, opal possesses such unparalleled uniqueness that it possesses its own set of descriptive terms to define its patterns. Unlike any other precious stone, each opal possesses its own distinct characteristics. Moreover, opals are known to be the most fragile gemstones typically worn, demanding extra attention and specialized care.

 

November, the month of Citrine 💛

Citrine, a type of crystalline quartz, exhibits a vibrant yellow-to-red-orange hue. The combination of strategic marketing and the growing trend of "earth tone" fashion has significantly boosted the popularity of this resilient and easily accessible gemstone, making it a favored choice as a contemporary birthstone in recent times.

 

December is the month associated with the mesmerizing Blue Topaz 

Initially, blue topazes are found in their natural form as either colorless or pale blue stones. To enhance their aesthetic appeal, a specialized laboratory treatment involving heat and radiation is employed, resulting in their vivid greenish-blue coloration. Blue topazes possess both beauty and affordability, making them an excellent choice.