August Birthstone: Peridot

Does a special someone have a birthday this month? Why not give the gift of customized sterling silver birthstone jewelry? Especially since August’s birthstone, Peridot, is the color of the season!

One of the few gemstones found in only one color, peridot’s bright, almost electric, green color is universally flattering. While peridot used to be thought of as a summer gemstone only, it goes with virtually everything and has become a year round wardrobe staple for many. In fact, some ancient notables got the memo on peridot’s beauty and versatility long ago – it is known to be Cleopatra’s favorite gemstone, and many of the royal’s finest “emeralds” have turned out to be peridots!

Peridot has been known to the world for many centuries with the earliest confirmed mines dating back over 3500 years ago. Ancient societies believed that peridot was a gift from Mother Nature, which symbolized the creation of the world. Modern folklore suggests that wearing peridot brings good luck, peace, and success.

Check out the Something About Silver jewelry collection if you are in the market for timeless, whimsical peridot jewelry. Any item can be customized with a gem quality peridot charm (or any other birthstone for that matter!). Happy birthday August babies!

Peridot Fast Facts

Gemstone Family: olivine
Color: intense, deep green
Hardness: 6.5 – 7 on the Mohs Scale
Location: Arizona, China, Vietnam and Pakistan

May Birthstone: Emerald

Looking for the perfect gift for the May babies in your life? Personalized birthstone jewelry is always a great choice, especially since May’s birthstone is the highly prized Emerald!

The rich green color of the emerald makes it the perfect birthstone for spring. It conjures up memories of freshly cut grass, blooming flowers, and warm spring days. Considered one of the few precious gemstones, emeralds have been worn by royalty since ancient times.

Throughout history, many societies have ascribed esteemed virtues to the emerald. Ancient Romans dedicated this gem to their goddess Venus, believing it enhanced fertility and rebirth. Ancient Egyptians buried their dead with emeralds because they associated the gemstone with eternal youth. Modern folklore suggests wearing emeralds brings patience, growth, and wisdom.

Regardless of whether you want to wear or gift emerald jewelry to promote certain traits or just because you love the color green, you will find the perfect piece of jewelry at the Something About Silver website. For example, the sterling silver Single Disc Heart Birthstone Pendant can be customized with emerald gemstones!

Emerald Fast Facts

Gemstone Family: Beryl
Color: Deep Green
Hardness: 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs Scale, meaning it is quite durable.
Location: Columbia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Russia.

Do you have any birthstone jewelry?

April Birthstone: Diamond

Hey you lucky April babies, the official birthstone for April is the Diamond! Arguably the most famous gem of them all, clear, bright diamonds are known for the fiery rainbow of colors and flashes of light they give off.

Diamonds have been hailed as “a girl’s best friend” in modern times. And so, it should be no surprise that the ancient Hindus called diamonds Vajra (lightening) because these little beauties are as strong as they are sparkly and fiery. In fact, the word diamond comes from the Greek word adamastos (invincible). Ancient Greeks believed diamonds had magical powers, attributing their formation to the tears of gods, crystallized lightening, and splinters of stars fallen to earth.

The hardest substance known to man, diamonds have been used for cutting, engraving, and adornment for centuries. Gifting them is a symbol of everlasting love. Folklore suggests diamonds bring their owners wealth, happiness, and protection.

Now, diamonds are also known for being extremely expensive. And if you do find a really inexpensive diamond, chances are very good that it is not high-quality. But not to worry all you potential birthstone jewelry gift-givers! There are beautiful diamond substitutes that will sparkle like crazy while leaving cash in your account!

For example, Something About Silver uses white topaz gems in place of diamonds in its birthstone jewelry. White topaz is a natural gemstone, it is clear like a diamond, and has great sparkle and shine. So check out the SAS April birthstone jewelry – it is personalized, customizable, and affordable!

Diamond Fast Facts

Gemstone Family: Diamond Color: White/clear is the most well-known and abundant, but diamonds also come in blue, yellow, black, brown, purple, pink, orange, and red. Hardness: 10 on the Mohs scale: diamonds are the most durable substance on earth Location: Diamonds are found across the globe, but most are commercially mined in Africa, Australia, and Russia.

Do you have any diamond jewelry? How about diamond-substitute jewelry?

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

For all of you March babies out there (and those of you purchasing jewelry gifts for March babies), the official birthstone for March is Aquamarine. This dreamy blue stone evokes thoughts of serene ocean waters and clear blue skies.

Derived from the Roman words Aqua (water) and mare (sea), this stone has a rich history of being prized by cultures across the globe. Ancient Romans believed that Aquamarine was sacred to their god of the sea, Neptune. The gems were said to have fallen from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed onto shore. Several ancient civilizations believed in the healing power of the gemstone and used it to treat a myriad of illnesses.

Worn as a talisman by early sailors, Aquamarine is still considered a lucky stone for people seeking protection while at sea. Aquamarine is said to promote feelings of sympathy, trust, harmony, and friendship. Folklore also suggests its wearer will have a happy marriage.

Aquamarine Fast Facts

Gemstone family: Beryl

Color: blue-green to pale blue

Hardness: 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs scale: it is durable & suitable for daily wear

Location: Brazil, China, India, Australia, Africa, and the United States

Do you have any Aquamarine in your jewelry wardrobe?