Birthstone Jewelry Tradition Since 1912
Posted by Laura Nelson on August 1, 2010
Historically, cultures developed traditions of honoring different stones for the months of the year, signs of the zodiac, or healing and protection. Today, birthstone jewelry is often given to honor a friend’s birth month.
The list of birthstones commonly used today was adopted in 1912 by the organization that evolved into Jewelers of America. Peridot (pictured) is the birthstone for August. The color should be a lively lime green, without a brownish or olive cast. The most important peridot source in the world is the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation near Globe, Arizona, where it is mined by native Americans.
To see more birthstone jewelry, visit Matthew Erickson Jewelers, 4421 Fox Valley Center Drive (outer ring of Fox Valley Mall), Aurora. (630) 820-0300 www.matthewericksonjewelers.com
Birthstones, by month: January–Garnet; February– Amethyst; March–Aquamarine; April–Diamond; May–Emerald; June–Pearl or Moonstone; July–Ruby; August–Peridot; September–Sapphire; October–Opal or Tourmaline; November–Topaz or Citrine; December–Tanzanite, Turquoise, or Blue Zircon.
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