JANUARY  | Garnet

Although garnet is commonly associated with the color red, these gemstones can be found in almost any color and are popular choices for jewelry of all types. That's excellent news if you're in the market for the January birthstone. The garnet family is one of the most complex in the gem world. It's not a single species but rather consists of several species and varieties.

Garnet is a type of mineral that is commonly found in metamorphic and igneous rocks. It has a hardness of 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale, which means that it is relatively hard and durable. Garnet is also a very lustrous gemstone, which means that it has a bright and shiny appearance when polished.

In terms of symbolism, garnet is often associated with protection, strength, and healing. It is believed to help ward off negative energy and protect the wearer from harm. It is also thought to promote courage and strength, as well as boost energy levels and improve circulation.

Garnet is sometimes confused with ruby, as both gemstones can have a similar red color. In fact, some historical references even use the term "carbuncle" to refer to both garnet and ruby. However, garnet and ruby are actually quite different gemstones with different chemical compositions and properties

FEBRUARY | AMETHYST

Amethyst is crystalline quartz in colors ranging from pale lilac to deep reddish purple. It has a relatively high hardness of 7, which means it's very scratch resistant therefore suitable for daily wear. The February birthstone makes a fine gem for any kind of jewelry

In terms of symbolism, amethyst is associated with peace, tranquility, and clarity of thought. It is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and to help alleviate stress and anxiety. Amethyst is also thought to promote spiritual awareness and to enhance intuition and psychic abilities.

MARCH | AQUAMARINE

Named after the color of seawater, aquamarine is the blue to blue-green member of the beryl family. It is prized for its clear, bright color, which can range from pale blue to deep blue-green. It has a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8, which makes it a durable gemstone suitable for daily wear.

In term of symbolism, aquamarine is associated with courage, tranquillity, and clarity of thought. It is belived to help alleviate stress and anxiety, promote inner peace, and enhance communication and self-expression. It is also thought to be a protective stone, especially for those who travel by sea.

APRIL | DIAMOND

There is, perhaps, no gemstone nearly as famous as a diamond -- and certainly  none as precious! These stones are among the hardest in the world, and prized  all over the planet for their immense beauty, durability, relevance as a status  symbol, and most of all... their power. It is no wonder that they are commonly used in both engagement and wedding ring designs.

Diamonds are also thought to have powerful healing properties, both physically and emotionally.

MAY | EMERALD

"Who first beholds the light of day,  In spring's sweet flowery month of May,  And wears an Emerald all her life,  Shall be a loved, and happy wife." 

Emeralds are one of the most beautiful and popular gemstones, having been  mined and prized since the ancient Egyptians began to mine them. They are  part of the beryl family; while the emerald is most commonly known as a green  stone, the shades of green can vary from yellow-green all the way to a deep  blue-green.

As the traditional birthstone for  May, the emerald is also associated with the green Heart Chakra and thus can  be used in healing the heart, circulatory system, lungs and throat as well. They  are also purported to help with the eyesight, guard against drunkenness,  strengthen the digestive system, and counteract poison.

More importantly are the mental and emotional benefits -- inner healing, introducing mental clarity,  and increasing perception are all claims by emerald enthusiasts.

JUNE | PEARL | ALEXANDRITE

Pearls are the gemstones of the sea. 

Pearls are the only gems found within living creatures, both salt and freshwater mollusks. However, most pearls on the market today are cultivated or cultured, since they now occur extremely rarely in nature.

Because of the pearl's shape and luster, as well as its origin, it is considered to  be a gemstone of the Moon. Pearls are also said to have aphrodisiacal qualities  and boost feminine powers, as well as ability to make the bearer immortal. Legend has it that pearl powders are a key ingredient in elixirs of immortality as  they are a talisman of youth and beauty. Pearls are the gem of choice to  strengthen the heart, kidneys, and lungs. 

All pearls are powerful  in blocking the evil eye, curses, and negative energies; they are all also instru-  mental in enhancing psychic abilities.