In ancient times, Gemstone Meanings were ascribed to the influence the planets had on certain gems which were believed to transmit the powers attributed to those planets and influence the person holding or wearing that stone.
According to India Astronomy, certain of these astrological gemstones are healing, and were and still are today, prescribed as "cures".
By selecting a gemstone with the appropriate gemstone meanings and consulting gemstone properties courtesy of the Mohs Scale, couples in love can create an engagement ring or alternatively choose an antique gemstone engagement ring with greater personal and astrological significance.
For A Complete LIST of GEMSTONES, their Color and Gemstone Family - Click Here
For some good books on gemstones - Click Here
Ladies born in March, for example, wearing an antique gemstone engagement ring set with her birthday gemstone, which is the Aquamarine, possesses a miniature work of antique art more intimately associated with her personality.
That a special stone was dedicated to each month and that the stone of the month possessed a special meaning or "cure" that could transmit to those born in that month, goes way back to the 1st century when Jewish historian Josephus proclaimed a connection between the twelve stones in Aaron's breastplate, the twelve months of the year and the twelve signs of the zodiac.
For all those gifted with a touch of imagination and romance, birthstones and gemstone meanings can hold great significance. As a choice for an engagement ring stone, or for your traditional wedding anniversary gifts. Birthstones are an older, traditional choice and a personal alternative to white diamond engagement rings.
January - Garnet
February - Amethyst
March - Aquamarine
April - Diamond
May - Emerald
June - Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite
July - Ruby
August - Sardonyx ( Carnelian), Peridot
September - Sapphire
October - Opal, Tourmaline
November - Topaz, Citrine
December - Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Zircon
Aquarian (Jan. 21-Feb. 19) Garnet:
(CONSTANCY)- derived from the Latin word, Granatum. According to legend, Noah used garnet to light his ark. The gem resembles the pomegranate.
Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Amethyst:
(SINCERITY) - from the Greek word "amethystos", meaning without drunkenness. Amethysts have been used to signify Christian humility. Believed to protect a wearer from extremes of passion.
Aries (Mar. 21-April 20) Diamond:
(INNOCENCE) - used in an ancient ritual in India, where wealthy parents would sprinkle tiny diamonds over the heads of infants to keep them pure and virtuous. Australia is the leading producer of these rare and beautiful pink gemstones - known as the Argyle Pink Diamonds.
Information on the Kremlin Diamonds can be found Here
Taurus (Apr. 21-May 20) Sapphire:
(CLEAR THINKING) - praised for both its' beauty and coolness to the touch, some believed the sapphire could put out fires. It was worn by the Greeks speaking wisdom from the Oracle.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) Pearls, Moonstone, Alexandrite:
(HEALTH & LONGEVITY)- Its round shape and luminosity help explain why it was long considered the sacred gem of the moon.
Information on Pearls can be found Here
Cancer (Jun 22-July 22) Emerald:
(LOVE & SUCCESS) - the rich green of the emerald gemstones makes them an appropriate symbol for a new life. Said to be helpful to women, bringing love and safety in childbirth.
Leo (July 23-Aug.22) The Zodiac sign of Leo includes five stones, Onyx, Carnelian, Sardonyx, Tourmaline & Golden Topaz:
(FIDELITY) - named for the island of Topazios, the ancient Greeks believed the yellow topaz guarded against calamity.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Carnelian
(SUCCESS, STRENGTH)- believed to guarantee success in anything tried. Carnelian (sometimes referred to as cornelian) is found primarily in India, and in South America. The most favorable pieces are a deep red to red-orange hue. Carnelian was once considered strictly the property of the nobility. People holding a high social status were often buried with this fleshy, pinkish-red gemstone.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Chrysolite or Peridot:
(MARITAL HAPPINESS) - called the "gem of the sun," its black and white alternate sardonyx symbolizes both the sun and moon
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) Topaz
(FIDELITY) - named for the island of Topazios, in Ancient Greek Mythology and gemstone meanings, it was believed that yellow topaz guarded against calamity. It should be worn by every Scorpio to guarantee protection from "tears of sad repentance."
Sagittarius (Nov.23-Dec. 21) Lapis Lazuli
(TRUTH AND FRIENDSHIP) - Sagittarius also responds to the energies of topaz, chlorite, turquoise and red tourmaline.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) Ruby:
(CONTENTMENT) - named from the Latin for red, it is said a ruby's luster will be revealed even if the stone is hidden beneath thick clothing.
Brought to you by the Italian Trade Commission; birthstone and gemstone meanings.
Image Courtesy:http://www.rubylane.com/item/518197-RGC11450G/Vintage-Filigree-Platinum-Art-Deco
Return to Gemstone Meanings
Return to Antique Jewelry Investor Home Page
Victorian Garnet Broach
Aquarian (Jan. 21-Feb. 19) Garnet:
(CONSTANCY)- derived from the Latin word, Granatum. The color of the gem resembles the pomegranate.
Selena Gomez Wearing Moonstone Earrings
Gemini (May 21-June 21) Pearls, Moonstone, Alexandrite:
(HEALTH & LONGEVITY)- Its round shape and luminosity are considered the sacred gem of the moon.