Birthstone Rings - What They Really Mean

No one is 100% sure, but most seem to believe that the idea that each month has it's own gemstone dates all the way back to the first century.

Some think that wearing birthstone rings means good luck will come your way. Others say wearing your birthstone will get rid of evil spirits. Perhaps the association with these stones dated back to the Jewish High Priests. They were known to wear 12 jewels in their breastplates. Where ever it started and what ever you believe, birthstone rings continue strong today.

The meanings associated with the stones vary. Some have practical applications, others are romantic, and still others are simply a bit bizarre. And while we don't seem too concerned about the meanings anymore, we always seem to like a reason to wear a beautiful gem.

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Let's take a look at each month.

The January birthstone is the red Garnet. Again the beliefs associated with this stone will vary. Christians will say it symbolizes Christ's crucifixion. However in medieval times the power of the Garnet was believed to stop bleeding and help with inflammation.

Amethyst is February's gem. It's purple color is a protector of hunters, warriors and soldiers. More practically today, the Amethyst will, according to some, make you smarter.

If you were born in March, your birthstone is the Aquamarine. Earliest meanings associated with this stone include happiness and understanding. Traditionally, the Aquamarine is given to new brides, supposedly to help them be faithful to their new husbands. On the other hand, this gem is also believed to be good if you have the hiccups.

If you weren't born in April, you may want to tell people you were. That's because the April birthstone is the Diamond. Purity, eternal love and faith are associated with this gem. Oh, and we should also mention that it's a pretty valuable stone as well.

Fidelity and goodness are associated with the green Emerald, which is your birthstone if you were born in may. Wear it, and some believe you memory will increase and you'll be able to see into the future.

June's birthstone is the Pearl which symbolizes beauty and chastity. And if you were alive in the 13th century, chances are you also believed this stone could mend a broken heart or cure a mental illness.

The Ruby, which is July's birthstone, is used to symbolize devotion, passion, and good health.

Do you have big dreams? If so then put on the Peridot. August's birthstone is believed to help dreams become real. If however your dreams are nightmares, you may want to consider a different gem. The Peridot also stands for dignity and success.

The Blue Sapphire of September symbolizes sincerity and prosperity. It's also a good stone to wear if you have a cold or an ulcer.

The Opal of October is believed to have magical powers and is symbolic of beauty and happiness.

November's birthstone is the Citrine. This lemon colored beauty stands for hope, youth and cheerfulness.

And finally December is the month of the Blue Topaz. Wear it and you'll have wisdom and courage. The Romans thought it was also pretty good at sniffing out poisons.

That's the complete list of birthstones. You know what they mean, and the powers others thought they might have. Of course you don't have to believe any of that. In fact, you probably didn't know most of it. That's OK. Like most people you probably wear birthstone rings simply because they look so good.