Birthstones

  • The Origin of Birthstones

    The Origin of Birthstones

    It’s uncertain how the specific months became connected with the various stones. However, some speculate that their origins date back to biblical times when the breastplate belonging to a priest was decorated with 12 assorted colored gems. As time wore on, the 12 gems became associated with the zodiac and the months connected to it.

    This started the tradition of wearing a colored stone each month as a sort of good luck charm. Initially people wore all twelve stones, rotating according to the month of the year to derive the greatest benefit of each stone. Believing that the various gems held magical powers for the individual born within a given month, people started to wear the stone associated with their birth month for the entire year. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers designed a list dedicating different gems to various months. What was once thought to be controversial based on its commercialism is now widely accepted as the official birthstone list.


    Learn more about the individual birthday gemstones below:

     

    JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH

    APRIL MAY JUNE

    JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER

    OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

    Consider getting a custom design with these beautiful birthstones! Request your design idea here or contact Ursula for a free consultation for a chance to create a one-of-a-kind jewelry. Or give a gift of limitless choices with an Ursula Ungerleider Designs Gift Card!

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  • November Birthstones

    Individuals born in November can choose between two joyous gemstones to brighten up the chill of the month. Both of November’s birthstones, Topaz and Citrine, are known for their calming energies, bringing warmth and fortune to those who wear them.

    Often times mistaken for one another throughout history, the two stones are actually unrelated minerals. Topaz occurs in a wide spectrum of colours far beyond the yellow of citrine.

    Both birthstones are fairly abundant and affordably priced, even in large sizes, which means everyone can find a way to fit Topaz and Citrine into their budget.

    Citrine is known as the "healing quartz". This golden gemstone is said to support vitality and health while encouraging and guiding hope, energy and warmth within the wearer. Citrine can be found in a variety of shades ranging from pastel yellow to dark brownish orange. It is one of the most affordable of gemstones and plentiful in nature. Citrine is found most frequently in Brazil, Bolivia, and Spain.

    Topaz is a gemstone available in a rich rainbow of colours. Prized for several thousand years in antiquity, all yellow gems in antiquity were called topaz. Often confused with citrine quartz (yellow) and smoky quartz (brown), quartz and topaz are separate and unrelated mineral species. The most prized colour of topaz is called Imperial topaz after the Russian Czars of the 1800s and features a magnificent orange body colour with pinkish undertones. Topaz also comes in yellow, pink, purple, orange, and the many popular blue tones.


    Take a look at our jewelry with Topaz and Citrine stones. Or let her pick with a Gift Card sent directly with a handwritten and thoughtful note. 
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