Baby Birthstones

Hope. Excitement. Wonder. When babies are born or adopted, we marvel at what will become of this new person. Some people seek astrology, genetics, birth months, and so forth to better understand their child. While others might look to the gems of the month of which the child is born.

For the curious, below are the gems associated with each month of the year. These gems are according to the modern birthstone calendar adopted by major jewelry associations in 1952. In ancient times, it was believed that gems came from the heavens and carried with them good fortune. Some wear the birthstones in hopes that some of the positive qualities of the gem as well as their luck will pass onto them.

January
Garnet
Baby name suggestions: Gabrielle or Gary

The birthstone for the month of January is the garnet. Many people think that garnets are red resembling the little seeds found in a pomegranates. Indeed, the name garnet stems from the Latin word "granatum malum" which means pomegranate. Actually, garnets come in many colors ranging from emerald green (uvarotite), pink (pink grossular), gold (grossular) or orange (spessartine). A person born in this month will have great ability to warm people's hearts and fill them with pleasant surprises. A wearer of this birthstone is said to be protected from melancholy, negative energies and blood related illnesses.

February
Amethyst
Baby name suggestions: Amy, Violet or Tristan

The birthstone for the month of February is the amethyst. The quartz gems come in many colors. However, crystalline quartz that are in shades of purple, lilac, or mauve are called Amethyst. It is a Greek word for "sober". It is said that a person born in this month will be guarded from drunkenness, have a serious mind and be royal in character. Perhaps, this is why in the earlier days in Europe, only the royals were allowed to be robed in deep shades of purple. Your little prince or princess will delight in knowing that the Amethyst is their birthstone.

March
Aquamarine
Baby name suggestions: Marie, Ariel or Mark

The birthstone for the month of March is Aquamarine which is light blue to blue-green in color. The gem's name means "seawater" which evokes a sense of calm when you set your eyes on it. It has been said that sailors wore the gem as a talisman as a means of protecting them from the harsh elements of the sea. A person born in this month is said to be intelligent, young at heart, courageous and calm.

April
Diamond
Baby name suggestions: Claire, Priscilla, David or Jared

The birthstone for the month of April is the diamond. The diamond is rated as the hardest gem on the Mohs scale of hardness. Depending on the impurities present, diamonds can range in color from yellow and brown to green, blue, pink, red, grey and black. The most highly prized of all diamonds is the pure and colorless diamond. A diamond represents preserverance, strength, clarity and sense of destiny. A person born in this month is committed, focused, strong, cherished and well loved.

May
Emerald
Baby name suggestions: Emeril, Merrill or Esmeralda

The birthstone for the month of May is the emerald. The emerald varies from dark to light green. It was told that Cleopatra loved emeralds and enjoyed being surrounded by the gems even until her death. The gem was said to enhance clairvoyance and cure diseases of the eye. Those born in this month are thought to be lovely, successful, observant and full of contentment.

June
Pearl
Baby name suggestions: Pearl or Paul

The birthstone for the month of June is the pearl. Although once thought to be tears of the gods, pearls are actually formed in a shellfish as a natural defense against irritants. Depending on the type of shellfish and the water, the color of pearls can vary from white or white with a hint of color, to brown or black. It is thought that pearls promote successful and happy marriages. A person born in this month is said to possess a sense of modesty, is chaste, angelic, happy and successful.

July
Ruby
Baby name suggestions: Ruby or Rudy

The birthstone for the month of July is the ruby. The ruby is red in color ranging bright red to deep brownish red. It is a stone of love and peace. A person born in this month is said to be a peacemaker, courageous, loved and a good negotiator. Wearing this birthstone is thought to enhance love, attraction, and happiness.

August
Peridot
Baby name suggestions: Perry or Dorothy or Olive

The birthstone for the month of August is the peridot. Peridot is the byproduct of volcanic action. The ancient Egyptians called it "the gem of the sun" because of its stunning beauty and bright color. It is also called "Olivine" and is of olive or bottle green in color. The wearer can benefit from an emotional release and be protected from evil if this stone is worn close to the body. A person born in this month is said to have inner beauty and strength, a shining personality, and a positive outlook on life.

September
Sapphire
Baby name suggestions: Desire or Rene

The birthstone for the month of September is the sapphire. Sapphires have many colors but to be called a sapphire, the gem must be light blue to dark blue in color. Other sapphires are called Padparadscha (pinkish orange sapphire), Green Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Colorless Sapphire, or Yellow Sapphire. The birthstone is said to promote a calming effect. Those who wear it can experience peace, joy and clear thinking. A person born in this month is said to be fair in judgment, calm, deep thinking and happy.

October
Opal
Baby name suggestions: Opal or Al

The birthstone for the month of October is the opal. Like many of the birthstones, opals can vary in color. There is the Black Precious opal which is black with flashes of iridescent color or the Fire Opal Brilliant which is orange and transparent. The most popular of opals is the white with swirls of iridescent colors running through. A person born in this month is said to be courageous, independent, free spirited, friendly and well aware.

November
Topaz
Baby name suggestions: Paz or Topher

The birthstone for the month of November is the topaz. The topaz can range in color from deep golden yellow and pink to blue and green. The name Topaz is thought to be derived from the Sanskrit word Tapas meaning "fire". A wearer of this birthstone is said to be protected from dangerous situations. A person born in this month can possess the ability to help heal, cool tempers, and remain sane in situations of utmost importance.

December
Turquoise
Baby name suggestions: Forest, Susie or Eloise

The birthstone for the month of December is the turquoise. It is prized for its intense color from sky blue to green. The Navajo believe that turquoise is a part of the sky that fell to Earth. It is thought to warn the wearer of danger or illness by changing colors. A person born in the month of this birthstone is said to be jolly, fortunate, cherished and giving.

So, having a little bit of information about your child's birthstone, might we suggest announcing your exciting news through the use of cards? Birth announcements or perhaps adoption announcements in celebration of your new addition can be a great way to include friends and family in your joyous news. A picture of your little one, with perhaps the color of his or her birthstone in the background, can be done through the use of photo birth announcements. Pregnancy announcements might be another option to let others know of your upcoming event or perhaps, your child has arrived, then birthday invitations are in order. Why not have a baby shower in between pregnancy and the birth of your child? Baby shower invitations, like birthstones, build excitement and anticipation for the future.

Like babies, every birthstone is unique and precious. No matter what the birthstone, your child's value, your value is beyond measure.

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