January
The birthstone for this month is the garnet, which was once thought to be connected with the blood. This stone is said to protect the wearer from nightmares and offer guidance through the dark.
February
Folklore attached to amethyst associates it with sobriety, tranquillity, protection and peace. The word amethyst comes from the Greek meaning "without drunkenness" and was believed to protect one from poison.
March
This month's birthstone is aquamarine, which has been linked to the making of new friends as well as affection and love, hope and health. This stone was once also thought to protect those at sea.
April
Ancient people believed quartz crystals were a form of ice crystals that would never melt. It is said to have cooling powers and is seen as a romantic stone. Symbolizes transformation and energy.
May
This month's birthstone is the beautiful emerald, once linked to health and the curing of ailments, as well as being associated with the ability to see in to the future, giving them an almost bewitching, magical reputation.
June
Named after Alexander II of Russia as it was discovered on his coming of age day, Alexandrite is said to stimulate pleasure and love. It is also used as a lucky stone and considered to be a stone of health and longevity.
July
The birthstone for this month is the ravishing ruby, a stone traditionally linked with protection and harmony. This birthstone has been mined since ancient times, and boasts a spectacular beauty.
August
The birthstone for the month of August is peridot, which was commonly linked with protection against evil and night terrors, as well as a gem that enhanced the properties of healing drugs.
September
Sumptuous sapphire is the birthstone associated with September, and this gem has been linked with faith and purity, as well as foresight. It was thought that the stronger the sparkle of the gem, the more faithful and honest the wearer.
October
Representing a deep comforting love energy, pink tourmaline is said to transform negative behavior into positive. It also represents love, spirituality, joy, peace, and understanding.
November
The birthstone for this month is topaz, once linked with sanity, healing, and life, as well as being connected to strength by the ancient Greeks. This stone has even been linked to an ability to make the wearer invisible in dangerous situations.
December
Blue topaz represents intuition, inspiration, sincerity, peace, joy, tranquility, faith in oneself and trust in others. Is is also said to relate to creativity and communication with others.
