Abeille » birthstone

September Birthstone: Sapphire

Lisa — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 20:35:36 +0000

September’s birthstone is the sapphire. While blue sapphires are the best-known variety, sapphires can also come in shades of yellow, green, pink, purple, and orange. Pinkish-orange stones are known as padparadscha sapphires, while dark pink or red stones are considered to be a different gemstone entirely: the ruby. Colorless sapphires can also be used in jewelry as a substitute for diamonds. The value of blue sapphires is determined in part by secondary hues in the color of the stone; shades of violet are considered ideal, while greenish-blue stones are generally considered less desirable.

Check out the gorgeous pink sapphire briolettes in our gemstone case, or for an alternative to the violet blue hues of traditional sapphires, take a look at some of our other semiprecious strands, such as aquamarine, blue lace agate, or lapis lazuli.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapphire

http://www.about-birthstones.com/septemberbirthstone.html

August Birthstone: Peridot

Lisa — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 20:35:27 +0000

Peridot, August’s birthstone, is a rare form of the mineral olivine and is prized for its clear, yellow-green color. The stone usually occurs as a result of volcanic activity; small peridot stones were known by Hawaiian natives as “Pele’s tears” due to their association with the goddess of fire. Very rarely, peridot has been found in meteorites and is the only gemstone known to occur this way. Currently, however, most of the stones are mined in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The peridot’s clear, bright color makes it a perfect addition to summer wardrobes. Wear a long strand of peridot gemstone chips for a casual, contemporary look. Faceted stones can also be paired with either gold or silver findings for a colorfully elegant alternative to neutral-toned semiprecious jewelry.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peridot

http://www.about-birthstones.com/augustbirthstone.html

July Birthstone: Ruby

Lisa — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:32:40 +0000

July’s birthstone is the ruby, considered one of the four precious stones, along with the sapphire, emerald, and diamond. Its range of deep red shades – the most valuable of which is known as “pigeon’s blood” – has long been associated with royalty: the Sanskrit word for ruby, ratnaraj, loosely translates to “king of the gemstones.”

While genuine ruby beads can be costly and hard to come by, you don’t have to be royalty to enjoy the glamour, fire, and passion of ruby reds. For an earthier look, try red coral. Or, if you prefer a little more sparkle, pair our ruby red celebrity crystals with gunmetal chain for a dramatic look.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby

http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/ruby.html

June Birthstone (Pearl)

tamar — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:00:45 +0000

Were you lucky enough to be born in June? Congratulations, your birthstone is the soignee pearl. Pearls are a wonderful accessory to pair with jeans or a little black dress. They add an understated elegance that always looks great, no matter what your stylish preference!

Pearls originate from oysters and other mollusks; when a tiny grain of sand or other object gets stuck inside the oyster, it covers it with layers of nacre. Most pearls nowadays are man-made. But natural pearls can still be found, mostly in the Persian Gulf, the South Pacific Islands, and on the coasts of Venezuela, Panama, and California.

From Audrey Hepburn to Jackie O., pearls symbolize an understated glamour. Abeille has several gorgeous jewelry items using pearls, such as the Blushing Bride Pearl Earrings, The World is Yours Earrings, and the Green Tea, Not Latte Necklace. 25% off Pearls until June 30th 2011

This article was sourced from:
http://www.about-birthstones.com/junebirthstone.html
http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/pearl.html

May Birthstone (Emerald)

tamar — Tue, 03 May 2011 12:00:58 +0000

Happy Birthday to everyone born in May! Your birthstone is the emerald, a gorgeous and bright green gem. Emerald was a powerful stone to many different cultures. The ancient Egyptians believed it symbolized eternal youth, while the ancient Romans associated it with fertility and rebirth. During the sixteenth century, Spanish Conquistadors found the indigenous people of Latin America wearing sumptuous emeralds and starting mining the beautiful gem. Emeralds are durable but still suspect to breaking due to inclusions found within the gem. Hence, fine emeralds are extremely rare, valuable, and expensive!

Love emeralds but can’t afford them? Abeille has tons of 4mm Swarovski® crystals reminiscent of the lustrous green gem, aptly titled “Emerald.” So stop by and make yourself a gorgeous pair of earrings or necklace to honor the month you were born in!

This article borrowed from:
http://www.about-birthstones.com/maybirthstone.html
http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/emerald.htm

April Birthstone (Diamond)

tamar — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:12:23 +0000

Congratulations to those born in April! Your birthstone is the sparkling diamond. The diamond is the hardest substance on earth. They are found mostly in South Africa, Russia, and in Arkansas. Throughout the world, diamonds come in a variety of colors; yellow and colorless diamonds are most commonly used.

Diamonds have a unique history behind them.The word diamond comes from the Greek word “adamastos”, meaning invincible. In 1477, the Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond ring to his fiancee, Mary of Burgundy. His gift started the tradition of buying diamonds as engagement rings to honor the prospect of marriage.

Ever since Marilyn Monroe uttered the immortal phrase “diamonds are a girls best friend,” diamonds have always been in style. Whether it’s a pair of tiny diamond studs for a girl celebrating her sixteenth birthday, or a longer strand of diamonds for an older woman, you can’t go wrong with this beautiful gem! Abeille has a pair of beautiful crystal ball earrings resembling diamonds for just $35.

This article was sourced from:
http://www.galleries.com/minerals/ELEMENTS/DIAMOND/birthAPR.htm
http://www.thediamondbuyingguide.com/april-birthstone.html

March Birthstone (Aquamarine)

tamar — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:00:31 +0000

Were you born in March? Lucky you, your birthstone is Aquamarine! The word comes from the Latin “Aqua” and “mare” meaning sea water. The ancient Romans believed the stone was symbolic of Neptune, the god of the sea, and could provide protective powers against the dangers of the ocean. The ancients also believed that the stone had magical healing properties, especially when submerged in water, to cure illnesses of the heart, liver, stomach, and throat. The gem symbolizes safety and security, especially with long-term relationships. Aquamarine can be found in many places, most notably in Brazil, as well as China, India, Australia, Africa, and the United States.

Aquamarine encapsulates all the beautiful colors of the sea. The light, crystalline blue-green color is sure to dazzle and delight. The color emphasizes the soft blue of one’s eyes, or brings out the green in a teal sweater. Pair this gem with jeans and a t-shirt for a casual yet cool look. Abeille has many different beads in Aquamarine, ranging from elegant Swarovski® crystals to strands of Aquamarine rice pearls. Why not stop by the store and see what works for you!

This post was sourced from:
http://www.about-birthstones.com/marchbirthstone.html

Happy Birthday, February Babies!

Lisa — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 03:59:55 +0000

Born in February? Happy Birthday! Your birthstone is the beautiful amethyst, a semi-precious stone that we here at Abeille love working with. Amethyst is actually a type of quartz, ranging from a light violet color to a deep purple. Amethyst can contain streaks of red, blue, and when exposed to extreme heat, it turns yellow and is then referred to as Citrine.

Amethyst has a rich history, dating back to the Greeks and Romans. There are several stories in Greek mythology as to how Amethyst got its purple color. In one version, the God of wine sheds tears of wine that stained a crystalline quartz statue of his unrequited love purple. Amethysts are said to possess many powers and in medieval times, soldiers wore it for protection and to provide good fortune in war. It was believed that the Amethyst could also protect crops from tempests and locusts, as well as drive out evil spirits, in general. Amethysts were once prized gemstones, in the same class as diamonds and rubies, and were often found in the jewelry of the royals. In fact, the Empress Catherine the Great of Russia once sent thousands of miners into the Ural range solely to search for Amethysts.

In modern times, amethyst is more widely available, and many gem therapists believe that the Amethyst has a cleansing and healing affect. It is said that people in need of a calming effect or who have suffered a great loss gravitate towards this powerful gem.

In celebration of February birthdays, Abeille is offering an in-store special of 20% off all amethyst strands for the entire month of February! Strands start at just $8.95!

Not crafty? We have several premade pieces using amethyst. Check out our amethyst gem drop earrings, gem drop necklaces in our new online store! Don’t forget- we also offer classes and custom jewelry design and consulting for a unique one-of-a-kind piece.

Please note- The following link served as sources for this post:

http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/amethyst.html

January Birthstone

jenny — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 04:00:14 +0000

The January birthstone is the lovely garnet, a deep red gem whose name comes from the latin term “granatus,” meaning grain or seed. It is believed that its resemblance to the beautiful and bright red pomegranate seed earned the garnet its name.

Interestingly, while garnet is most closely associated with its red incarnation, it also comes in other colors, including yellows, oranges, pinks, lime greens and violets. The reason for such a variety of offerings is chemical- each gem has a unique configuration of its elements, including iron, calcium, and manganese.

Garnet was first mined in Sri Lanka over 2500 years ago, and it is also found in Africa, Australia, India, Russia, South America and in Idaho and Arizona. According to Biblical legend, Noah hung a garnet on the ark to provide light to navigate the ark during the great storm caused by God’s wrath. In medieval times, Garnet was believed to stop bleeding and cure blood disorders.

Garnet makes a lovely gift for those born in January as it is said to have protective qualities, particularly for those going on a journey to heed a safe and quick return home. It is also a symbol of love. Abeille has garnet and a multitude of other supplies for you to make a gift that will make a terrific impression.

Sources: http://www.about-birthstones.com/januarybirthstone.html, http://www.bernardine.com/birthstone/garnet.htm and expansion

The Opal of my Eye – October’s Birthstone

Lisa — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:01:59 +0000

If your birthday is in October, your birthstone is the pearly, iridescent Opal. Almost 97% of this shimmering stone is mined from Australia, where the Opal is also the national gemstone. Opals can also be found in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Turkey, Indonesia, Brazil, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Ethiopia. Opals are also mined closer to home, in Idaho and Nevada, where the state gemstone is the Black Fire Opal. Each stone reflects many colors over the surface, but each has a base color that determines the type of Opal it is. The most common Opals are white and green and the rarest are black, but they also come in gray, orange, yellow, blue, pink, and brown.

Like all birthstones, Opals have mystical qualities to them, too. Legend holds that opals were created when the lightning god grew jealous of the rainbow god and petrified rainbows with lightning. The broken and hardened pieces of rainbow fell to Earth as Opals. The opal’s resemblance to an eye also gave it a bad name; some civilizations in the Middle Ages thought it to be a dragon’s or evil god’s eye and the eye of an evil being was unlucky. Others, though, held a high respect for it. In the same time period, some found it to be very lucky, because the powers of all other gemstones were collected and reflected in the Opal’s ability to reflect all colors. Monarchs took its similarity to an eye to mean an Opal was the eye of a deity, a good god. They set Opals in their crowns and necklaces to ward off evil and protect their human eyesight. Some believe that if you wrap an Opal in a bay leaf and hold it in your hand, you are granted invisibility.

An alternative birthstone to Opal is Pink Tourmaline, and Tourmaline in general is widely accepted. Abeille has strands of many colors of Tourmaline starting as low as $20. For those economizing, we also have pink Swarovski crystals and beads to make your own October Birthstone jewelry!