Since the dawn of time, Gemstones have dazzled mankind with their vibrant colors, intricate facets and brilliance. One of nature’s most precious gifts, they are treasured as symbols of wealth and status and, in cultures throughout the world, the mysterious play of light within them has inspired beliefs in their supernatural origins and magical powers. Emerald Know to bring good fortune, the emerald is said to empower its owner with foresight. Its rich green hues reflect nature and symbolize fertility, rebirth and springtime. Legends claim wearing an emerald will strengthen memory, guard against evil and reveal the truth of a lover’s love. Once a favorite of Cleopatra, emeralds are the birthstone for May. Color: Variations of green from medium to medium-dark Ruby The fiery color of the ruby symbolizes devotion and desire. It was once believed that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in affairs of the heart. Ruby is the birthstone for July and the anniversary for the fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries. Color: Range of red hues Sapphire Although “sapphire” means blue in Latin, sapphires can be found in a rainbow of colors. Kings once believed these stones offered protection from harm and envy. Sapphire is traditional gift for the fifth and forty-fifth wedding anniversaries and the birthstone for September. Color: Rich blues, fancy sapphires available in a rainbow of colors Aquamarine From the Latin word for “sea water,” aquamarine was said to be gift to the mermaids from Neptune, the King of the Sea. Some believe aquamarine to help the wearer conquer wickedness, and to have magical power to convey insight and foresight. It is the birthstone for March and symbolizes happiness and everlasting youth. Color: Greenish to deep blue Topaz The enduring symbol of love and affection, the topaz is believed to bring the wearer friendship and ensure fidelity. Available in a wide array of colors, topaz is the birthstone for November and the suggested gift for the twenty-third anniversary. Color: Blue, red, orange, peach, pink, gold and yellow Peridot Are peridots the divine tears wept by Pele, Hawaiian goddess of the volcano? Or the powerful talismans against evil of ancient Egyptian lore? Today, people prize the fresh green color of this gemstone, the birthstone for August and the suggested gift for the sixteenth wedding anniversary. Color: Variations of light greens Amethyst Romans believed that amethyst would ward off the intoxicating powers of Basshus – the god of wine. Amethyst was also thought to protect soldiers and bring them victory. And, in the Middle Ages, only persons of noble birth were allowed to wear them. Amethyst is the birthstone of February. Color: Purple Citrine Revered by the ancients as a gift of the sun and powerful antidote to the viper’s venom, citrine is derived from the French word for lemon. Citrines come in glorious golden and vibrant yellow colors. Color: Golden and vibrant yellows Garnet The garnet is a symbol of friendship, love an devotion. Legend holds that Noah used the brilliant stone as a boat lamp. It is also the birthstone for January and the suggested gift for the second anniversary. Color: Popular in deep red, also green, orange, pink and purple Tanzanite Named for Tanzania, the country where it was first mined in 1967, tanzanite is a relative newcomer to the gemstone kingdom. This exotic, vivid stone has been found nowhere else on earth. Colors: Blue with purple hues Jade The English “jade” comes from the Spanish “piera de ijada” or “loin stone,” so called because it was believed to cure kidney ailments. Jade is actually two chemically different gemstones. Nephrite is the dark green stone prized by the ancient Chinese. Jadeite, used for fine jewelry, comes in a range of naturally occurring colors and is considered to have more value. Color: Intense green and lavender are the two of the most popular Pearl Old Arabian legend suggests the pearl was formed when dewdrops filled with moonlight fell into the ocean and were swallowed by oysters. Cultured pearls are a traditional gift for brides, June birthdays and third and thirtieth wedding anniversaries, and are believed to have life-giving powers to restore youth. Color: Pale cream, white to rose, lilac, green, gold, gray and black Opal Arabs believed opals fell from heaven in flashes of lightning and thus the unique glow of internal fire. Some believe opals give their owners the gift of prophecy. Others consider the stone a fitting symbol of hope, innocence and purity. The opal is the birthstone for October and the suggested gift for the fourteenth wedding anniversary. Color: Varieties include black, white,