Milton Gems Jewellery News

December’s birthstone is Turquoise, and is also known as the 5th and 11th wedding anniversary stone. Its hue can range from the common green blue to a light sky blue. It is believed by some that turquoise got its name from “pierre turquoise” which means “Turkish stone” in French.

Click here to see our range of turquoise birthstone jewellery - December.

Some people believe that the name comes from the Persian word “fiouze” which means turquoise. The Egyptians mined turquoise as far back as 6,000 BC. Some may be surprised when they hear that the finest turquoise comes from Iran, not the American Southwest. You can find special pieces in areas such as Arizona and New Mexico, and areas such as Australia and Afghanistan.

For centuries turquoise has been treated as a holy stone and as a good luck charm. Ancient Egyptian tombs from about 3,000 B.C. hold the oldest proof of human kind’s interest in turquoise. There were beautiful artifacts decorated with this popular gemstone that were buried with the royal dead.

The tomb of Queen Zer was unburied in 1900. There was a turquoise and gold bracelet found on her wrist, making it one of the oldest pieces of jewelry ever found.

Turquoise has had a sacred place in the religious rites of North American Indians and by the Tibetans who include it in their rituals and ceremonies. People all over the world believe that turquoise has the power to promote mental and spiritual clarity to enhance wisdom, trust, understanding, and kindness.

Click here to see more from our range of december birthstone jewellery

Ancient Persians thought that the sky blue gemstones could be used as protection to ward off unnatural death if worn around the neck. This stone is known worldwide as being a good luck charm to help avoid accidents.

Turquoise is not only beautiful its bright colour offers self confidence to different personalities, and is commonly given as a token of friendship. Turquoise is linked to faithful and long lasting relationships.

Come and take a look at our turquoise jewellery

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The birthstone attached to November is citrine, which is said to increase creativity and feelings of joy. Citrine is also given as the anniversary gemstone for the 13th year wedding anniversary. The name comes from a French word for lemon, “citrin”, and comes in a variety of quartz.

Click here to see our range of november birthstone jewellery - citrine

Citrine is mined abundantly in Brazil but has been found in areas of Bolivia. The colours range from a vivid yellow to deep oranges as well as a favorite the “Madeira red”. You can mine natural citrine in the Ural Mountains of Russia, France, Madagascar, and Dauphine.

Citrine has been used for improving the function of the body’s organs such as the liver, heart, kidneys, and the digestive system. Many healing practitioners all over the world use Citrine to remove harmful toxins from the body and treat muscular disorders.

Like all other forms of quartz, citrine has been believed to have magical powers. For centuries people have carried citrine with them as protection against the plague, and evil people. It has also been used as a type of charm that protects against snake and spider bites.

Giving citrine as a gift to someone special symbolizes your wishes for hope and strength. Citrine is glowing with sunshine yellow brightness which makes it perfect to brighten someone’s life.

See more of our citrine jewellery - the birthstone of november

Mental health citrine has been known as being highly powerful for simulating someone’s mental capacities and enhancing creativity. Some believe that wearing citrine will improve your memory, give you more energy, and make you feel more optimistic. The magnetic powers of citrine are said to relieve depression and fear.

There is a large amount of citrine that is offered in the huge market today, and most of it is heat-treated amethyst. In fact natural citrine is lighter than the heat treated gems which tend to be a darker orange-brown or a reddish-brown colour.

Click for more citrine jewellery

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Opal is said to enhance insight and dispels fear, and is known as being the birthstone of October. Opal is also given to as a 14th wedding anniversary present. Opal gets it name from the Greek work “opallus” which means to see a change in colour. This is obvious because opal has the ability to reflect wavelengths of light for a beautiful vision. There are more than a dozen different colours of opals.

Click here to see our opal birthstone jewellery - the stone for october

Opals are mined from deposits located mainly in Southern Australia, but there are still areas where you can find small amounts such as Mexico, Nevada, Brazil, and Czechoslovakia.

Opal is actually a non crystallized silica which is a mineral found near the earth’s surface in the areas where ancient hot springs once were. Roman’s referred to this gemstone as “Cupid Paederos,” which means a child as beautiful as love. The Romans also believed that opals fell to earth from the heavens in a flash of lightening.

On crowns opals symbolize hope and purity for ages. Ever since the 14th century there have been several cultures that have thought that this stone was an Eye Stone which watches over royal families. They thought that the opal was the king of all gems because it has the variety of all the colours in the rainbow.

Click here to see more pieces of opal jewellery - the birthstone of october

You can purchase a black opal which has a dark body hue compared to most other opals, a white opal also referred to as a milky opal, a boulder opal which is very dark and magnificent in colour, the crystal opal which has a transparent or semi transparent body tone and include forms of black and white crystal, and finally the fire opal which is an American name meaning an opal that has a specific red hue.

It doesn’t matter which colour of opal you purchase just make sure you know what the hue symbolizes.

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September’s birthstone is sapphire and is known to bring physical and emotional balance. Sapphire is also commonly given as the 5th and 45th wedding anniversary. The Greek word for blue “sapphirus” gives sapphires their name.

Click here to see our sapphire september birthstone jewellery

Sapphires have long been a tradition for priests who think they symbolize purity, as well as king s who thought they symbolized wisdom.

Compared to other gemstones, sapphires, like rubies, are a variety of corundum. Sapphires come in magnificent colours that range from pink and lavender hues to a rare orange colour and the most popular deep blue sapphire that helped earn its name.

Sapphires have been mined since the 7th century BC in an area of India now known as Sri Lanka. They are also found in other areas around the world such as Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, America, Thailand, Myanmar, Tanzania, China, and Myanmar.

The way that corundum crystals are formed it causes large sapphires very rarely making the largest ones very valuable. The 563 carat Star of India which is on display at the Museum of Natural History in New York City. This sapphire is known as the most famous of star sapphires, which are cut to reflect light from inclusions within the stone and reveal a bright six pointed star pattern.

Click here and see more of our beautiful gold september birthstone jewellery

It was said that a venomous snake put in a vessel made of sapphire would immediately die. Sapphires have earned a reputation as begin a great all purpose medicine and have been ingested as an antidote to poison. Sapphires have also been ground into powders as a remedy for things ranging from colic to mental illness.

Egyptians once associated the clear sapphire with the eye of Horas, the “eye in the sky”. Sapphires were used by Greeks to tap into their subconscious mind by opening of the “third eye”.

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August’s birthstone is Peridot and comes from the Arabic word “faridat” which means gem. Peridot is often referred to as the evening emerald because when put under artificial light it has a green glow. Peridot is also used as the 16th anniversary gemstone.

Click here to see our range of peridot August birthstone jewellery

Ancient Greek and Roman jewellery was heavy in peridot and has been popular all the way back to 1500 BC when the Egyptians began mining it. Egyptians referred to the stone as the “gem of the sun” and even believed it had the ability to lower anxiety, enhance verbal communication, and help in the success of marriages.

The transparent colours in peridot come in a variety of greens ranging from a light yellowish green to a dark olive colour. The truer the green hue is of the peridot the most expensive it is going to be. If there is any slight colour of brown in your peridot it greatly lowers the value as well as any visible flaws.

You are able to find peridot crystals in the black sands of Hawaii where this specific gemstone is quite abundant. You are able to find peridot here in large sizes. The Hawaiians believe that peridot is the tears of Pele, their volcano goddess.

While peridot is most abundant in Hawaii you can also find it as far away as Burma, Norway, Brazil, Australia, the Congo, and even Arizona. Where ever it is found it is an amazing gemstone.

Click here to view more of our August birthstone range of peridot jewellery

Peridot is said to have helped dreams become a reality and has been given the symbol of fame, strength, and vitality. Peridot is found in Europe in medieval churches, heavily decorating treasures including the Cologne Cathedral.

It is known that Egyptian priests drank from cups made of peridot with the belief that it would draw them nearer to Isis, the goddess of nature.

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Ruby is July’s birthstone and is known to have fire and emotion properties. Ruby is also known as being the anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th marriage anniversary. Ruby mining began over 2,500 years ago and is still found in areas such as Burma, Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Cambodia, America, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Click here to see our range of ruby jewellery

Ancient Hindus referred to rubies as the “Lord of Gems”. They are well known as one of the most prized of all gems throughout all periods of history. The intense fiery glow of rubies is known to come from its internal eternal flame.

The ruby is a symbol for many as everlasting love and is a combination of mineral Corundum which is called sapphire when it is any other colour except red. Only the colour red is referred to as ruby.

However there are many beautiful shades of red rubies ranging from an orangey red to a more purplish red. The highest valued rubies are true red in colour.

See more of our ruby july birthstone jewellery here

Rubies are known for being a durable gemstone and are only surpassed by the magnificent diamond in regards to hardness. Ancient legends say that you should name make faces at a ruby in a museum or ignore it as it will grow dull if not appreciated.

Royalty selected rubies believing they could help protect them against evil by anticipating its arrival. Monarchs believed that rubies had the power to darken when it sensed danger, and then return to its original colour once the threat was gone.

The Balas Ruby is a special type of “spinel” which is a hard glassy mineral. Bohemian rubies are derived from rose quartz, while Siberian “rubies” are in fact red or pink tourmaline. Rubies are a truly magnificent gemstone and are great as a gift for anyone.

Take a closer look at our ruby / july birthstone collection - click here.

Martin.

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You may know what your birthstone is but do you know the significance that comes along with it? If you were born in the month of June then your birthstone is Pearl. The ancients believed that Pearl has truth and beauty properties.

Click here to see more of our pearl - june birthstone jewellery

It is now known that Greeks actually believed that pearls were the hardened tears of joy that the Love Goddess shook from her eyes as she was born from the sea. Arab legend states that pearls were made when oysters were lured from the depths of the ocean by the moon and then swallowed moonlit dew drops.

Pearl is also widely known as the anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage. For centuries pearls have been found on crowns, jewellery, clothing, and temples. They were even known to be a favorite of Cleopatra. They are simple enough to be given to young girls and are a common gift for a first communion.

See more pearl / june birthstone jewellery here

Magnificent pearls come in a variety of colours that range from delicate rose white to black. When it comes to pearls the higher the luster or orients the more valuable it is. It may be hard to imagine that these coveted treasures come naturally from the mollusk.

Deep sea divers seek out natural pearls in The Persian Gulf as well as the waters off Japan, the South Pacific Islands off northern Australia, and the coasts of Panama, Venezuela, and California.

Other than the popular round shaped pearls commonly seen there are also large hemispherical cultured pearls known as mabe. These fresh water pearls are elongated in different interesting shapes and colours. The South Sea cultured pearls can grow upwards of 10mm.

There was a time when only those with royal status could wear something as precious as pearl jewellery, but these days they are seen on people from all over the world. Pearls are the perfect gift for anyone of any age.

See page one of our pearl jewellery or page two of our pearl jewellery category.

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By far the most precious and coveted of the birthstones, diamonds are formed deep within the earth where there is enough intense heat and pressure for carbon to crystallize. Diamonds are the main choice for engagement rings. The diamond also symbolizes the 10^th and 60^th years of marriage.

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR APRIL BIRTHSTONE JEWELLERY RANGE!

Diamonds are so beautiful that ancient Greeks believed they were splinters of stars that had fallen to earth. Some even believed that there were tears of the Gods. The exact origin of diamonds is a mystery to scientists and geologists.

India is thought of as having the first large source of diamond mining. Ancient Hindus called the diamond Vajra, meaning lightening because of the sparks of light that it emits as well as its incredible strength. By far the most beautiful stone on the planet, it is also known as the hardest substance in the world.

Diamonds are found today in Australia, Botswana, Russia, and South Africa.

For quite some time diamonds have been known for having certain medicinal properties. In the middle ages gemstones were thought to heal illness if the person took the diamond in their bed with them.

It is believed that Cupid’s arrows were tipped in diamonds so it makes sense that over the years this beautiful stone has gotten a reputation as being the gift of love.

Diamonds used to be reserved for only royalty and others who were entitled to their symbolism of strength and courage. In 1477 Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy and set a tradition of diamond engagement rings.

Interestingly enough early Egyptians believed that the vena amoris also known as the vein of love ran directly from the heart to the third finger on the left hand.

Giving a diamond for any reason is sure to be appreciated.  Have a look at our April birthstone jewellery here.

Have a closer look at the Milton Gems diamond category pages - diamond jewellery page 1 and diamond birthstone jewellery page 2.  Our birthstone jewellery page is here.

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More commonly women are aware of their birthstone then man, simply because women tend to wear more jewellery with their birthstone it in. Even if you do know what your birthstone is it is still unlikely that you will know that the significance of your stone is.

Aquamarine is also known for being the anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage. You can find the majority of this stone in Brazil, Nigeria, and Zambia.

The name aquamarine is made by combining the Latin words water (aqua) and sea (mare). Aquamarine is obviously named for resembling the blue dark seawater. Aquamarine is made up of a variety of minerals that crystallize within the earth’s crust.

Aquamarine can vary is colour from a blue-green to a light blue. For a while the stones that contained green were often heat-treated to get rid of the unsightly colour. Generally aquamarine gemstones are flawless.

It is said that if you dream of aquamarine that this signifies the making of new friends. Wearing aquamarine brings you love and affection. Giving this gemstone offers the gift of knowledge, foresight, and individual inspiration. It also symbolizes youth, fidelity, hope, and health.

When purchasing this precious stone be sure to buy it from a reputable source. This gem can fade upon prolonged exposure to light.

There are many people who believe that aquamarine can help on the dependence of drugs, as an aid in digestion, and can be used as a remedy for swollen glands. Aquamarine is also believed to release anger and negativity and replacing it with mental peace and clarity. It is widely used as an aid in meditation and to help assist in self-expression.

It is believed that the connection with water led to the thought that aquamarine was particularly powerful if immersed in water.

We have more aquamarine birthstone jewellery pieces here.

Martin

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The signature February birthstone is amethyst which is characterized by its many variations of purple. When amethyst is subjected to extreme heat it changes colour to a yellow coloured amethyst referred to as burnt amethyst.

Amethyst is made up of several different varieties of quartz mineral. Amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos which means sober. It is common belief that the name was made after the colour of wine.

You are able to mine amethyst is South American countries that include Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Argentina. You are also able to mine it in African countries such as Zambia, Argentina, and Namibia.

There are a few key locations you can find certain amethyst. In Guerrero, Mexico you can find dark deep purple amethysts, known to be one of the most precious in the world. Also in Vera Cruz, Mexico you can find pale crystallized amethysts that have grown in light coloured rocks.

In Maraba, Brazil the crystal is generally medium or pale colours. These amethysts are commonly cut. In Rio Grande de Sul, Brazil you can find amethyst stones from large volcanic rocks and is generally big.

North Carolina, USA offers some beautiful blue-violet coloured amethysts. Maine, USA used to hold amethysts but they aren’t for distribution any more.

Amethyst is thought to have powerful calming effects on the owner. It is believed to enhance a person’s ability to learn new ideas quicker. It is can help you stabilize you mind and balance of emotional, mental, and physical states.

Amethyst is commonly known for being the gemstone for those who are the zodiac signs Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius, and Capricorn. It also symbolizes the gemstone for the 17th wedding anniversary.

These stones are beautiful and colourful, and for that reason usually pretty expensive. Amethyst has been cherished for quite some time, dating back as far as 25,000 years ago.

Take a look at our amethyst birthstone jewellery pieces here.

Martin.

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Emerald is the birthstone for May and is known for being the 20th and 35th wedding anniversary stone. Many believe wearing emerald brings you wisdom and growth. This is commonly given as a gift for an anniversary or as a symbol of love and fidelity.

At one point in time emeralds were prescribed for eye diseases because the beautiful colour of green was thought to be quite soothing to the eyes. In fact early stone cutters kept emeralds at their working tables to look at as a way of giving their eyes a break.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR RANGE OF EMERALD BIRTHSTONE JEWELLERY

The ancient Egyptians mined emeralds in the eastern region. In more recent times North Carolina is where the new source of quality emeralds can be found. You can find more emeralds in other areas of America, Colombia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Russia.

Egyptians engraved emeralds with the symbols of spring foliage to represent eternal youth and buried the stones with the dead. The ancient Romans thought emeralds were associated with fertility and rebirth.

The Incas worshiped these beautiful emeralds. In the 1500’s they were invaded by the Spanish Conquistadors who savagely stole their precious gemstones and even raided the mines. Now many of the world’s greatest emeralds are lost at the bottom of the ocean inside Spanish ships.

• Examples of emerald jewellery: emerald earrings, emerald pendant, emerald heart pendant.  All from the May birthstone jewellery range.

Emerald is made up of the Greek word smaragdos which means green stone. Emeralds can vary from a deep blue-green to green hues and some have are a yellowish green. If the colour is too yellow or blue then it loses its emerald title and becomes a different type of beryl.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR EMERALD JEWELLERY

The most beautiful emeralds are most commonly found in Colombia. They are known to have a deep grass green colouring with a highlighting of blue. Emeralds are sure to please anyone as a gift.

Have a look at the full category of our emerald - birthstone of may jewellery here.

Martin.

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By far the most precious and coveted of the birthstones, diamonds are formed deep within the earth where there is enough intense heat and pressure for carbon to crystallize. Diamonds are the main choice for engagement rings. The diamond also symbolizes the 10th and 60th years of marriage.

Diamonds are so beautiful that ancient Greeks believed they were splinters of stars that had fallen to earth. Some even believed that there were tears of the Gods. The exact origin of diamonds is a mystery to scientists and geologists.

See our April birthstone jewellery here

India is thought of as having the first large source of diamond mining. Ancient Hindus called the diamond Vajra, meaning lightening because of the sparks of light that it emits as well as its incredible strength. By far the most beautiful stone on the planet, it is also known as the hardest substance in the world.

Diamonds are found today in Australia, Botswana, Russia, and South Africa.

For quite some time diamonds have been known for having certain medicinal properties. In the middle ages gemstones were thought to heal illness if the person took the diamond in their bed with them.

It is believed that Cupid’s arrows were tipped in diamonds so it makes sense that over the years this beautiful stone has gotten a reputation as being the gift of love.

Diamonds used to be reserved for only royalty and others who were entitled to their symbolism of strength and courage. In 1477 Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy and set a tradition of diamond engagement rings.

Interestingly enough early Egyptians believed that the vena amoris also known as the vein of love ran directly from the heart to the third finger on the left hand.

Giving a diamond for any reason is sure to be appreciated.

Have a look at more of our diamond jewellery.

 Martin.

Technorati Tags: diamond jewellery, april birthstone, april birthstone jewellery, birthstone jewellery

Citrine jewellery is rapidly becoming more popular as a jewellery gemstone mainly due to its affordability, durability and attractivenes - three features that are sure to please anyone who likes beautiful jewellery!  The pendant to the left also includes smaller gemstones of peridot, blue topaz and pink tourmaline.

Named from the French word for lemon, citrine jewellery doesn’t have to be yellow - we have a pair of golden citrine stud earrings which are popular but the classical piece of citrine jewellery is, certainly, yellow.

Also being the birthstone for november, citrine gives light and beauty to the end of the year.

See more citrine jewellery here.

Martin

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Well, it’s the end of December (where did Christmas go?) and coming upto January and the month of Garnet is here - the january birthstone.

Found in a wide range of shades of red, Garnet is most loved for its deep red and is was used widely in vintage Victorian jewellery and with that style of jewellery being fashionable now, we have seen an upturn in people purchasing garnet jewellery.

Garnet is supposed to represent faith and generates a calming influence as well as give the wearer restful sleep.  All are very healthy benefits for wearing this birthstone of january!

Some more examples of garnet jewellery (garnet earrings and garnet pendants)…

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The birthstone for january is garnet - a deep red gemstone and represents faith both for the wearer and the giver and is supposed to give the wearer good fortune and health.  If deep sleep and protection from nightmares is also what is needed then give a piece of garnet jewellery because that is what they are thought to give!

So, if you know someone with a birthday in january, give them a piece of jewellery with their birthstone - it’s sure to go down well.

M.

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As you no doubt know, each month of the year has a gemstone associated with it called birthstones.  For example, the birthstone for december is turquoise (which is why the image to the left is there).

So often, people like to give gifts to loved ones that have that gemstone in it - it’s a nice way to tell someone that you’ve gone that little bit further to make them feel special and it’s appreciated.

At the moment - november - the birthstone is citrine - a nice yellow coloured gemstone which is different from the run-of-the-mill gems.  Aquamarine is the birth stone for march and amethyst is the february birthstone.

If you want to find out what the birthstone is for a particular month then our birthstone jewellery page has a list of them.  Or, if you want to check out a particular gemstone, you can see them categorised.  Enjoy the birthstone jewellery!

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