Most of the stones that are used in my work are simulated stones which are laboratory-grow3 corundum created by the flame fusion method. However, I thought that it would be fun to let you know a little bit more about the natural gemstones. So below I have given you a little bit of information that I have rounded up from various sources. (Click on the 'key' word and go to associated gallery)

AGATE - on the modern birthstone chart the agate is not actually associated with any month. However, on the zodiac birthstone chart the agate is associated with the sign of Gemini, the month of June. Agate is the anniversary gemstone for the 12th year of marriage. Moss Agate is the anniversary gemstone for the14th year of marriage.

Agate comes from Latin "achates", and from Greek "achatEs". It is a fine-grained variegated chalcedony (a translucent quartz) having its colors arranged in stripes, blended in clouds, or showing moss-like forms. There are several types of agate. Common ones are: blue lace agate, moss agate, tree agate and petrified wood.

Legend has it that agate guarded the wearer from all dangers and endowed the wearer with a bold heart. Wearing Agate was believed to cure insomnia and thought to insure pleasant dreams. Moss Agate is said to help one get in touch with nature. Tree Agate is said to help with introspection. It helps one view themselves with more clarity and see the world through a broader viewpoint.

ALEXANDRITE - on the modern birthstone chart it is associated with the month of June. Alexandrite is the anniversary gemstone for the 45th and 55th year of marriage.

The etymology is: German Alexandrit, from Alexander I Russian emperor. Alexandrite was discovered in 1830 on the birthday of Alexander II in the rural mountains of Russia, and named after him.

Alexandrite can assist one in centering the self, reinforcing self-esteem, and augmenting ones ability to experience joy.

It is a beautiful, rare stone and it is very difficult to find natural alexandrite. Most Alexandrites on the market are synthetic.

AMETHYST - on the modern birthstone chart amethyst is associated with the month of February. On the zodiac birthstone chart its associated with the sign of March and it’s the lucky charm birthstone for the sign of Pisces. Amethyst is the anniversary gemstone for the 4th and 6th year of marriage.

Amethyst is derived from the Greek word "amethustos," meaning "not drunk". The ancient belief was that someone wearing amethyst could not become drunk or intoxicated. This is why the Grecians used it as a preventive of intoxication.

It comes in a variety of quartz and varies in color from pale lavender to a deep, rich purple. The quartz family of crystals is the most common mineral group on earth.

Some people believe amethyst can be used to remove undesirable attributes in the soul and
bring about a more intense spirituality. It is said to deflect and redirect energies instead of
absorbing them. Users of this powerful crystal believe that amethyst operates on levels that
are out of our normal range of senses.

Amethyst lends a feeling of security and contentment and has been often given away as a symbol of sincerity.

AQUAMARINE - the birthstone associated with the month of March, it’s an astrological birthstone for the sign of Pisces. Aquamarine is the anniversary gemstone for the 16th and 19th year of marriage.

Aquamarine get its name from Latin "aqua marine" meaning water and sea. It comes in a transparent beryl that is blue, blue-green, or green in color.

The aquamarine was the stone of the sea-goddesses and sirens of the past times. Beads of aquamarine are found in ancient Egyptian mummy tombs. They were used as a tribute gemstone to the Gods of the Nether world for safe passage. King Solomon is said to have worn one in his breast plate of the 12 holy gemstones.

Ancient Greeks believed aquamarine held the essence and spirit of the sea. Wearing it was said to protect one from adversity at see and to prevent seasickness.

CAMEOS - not a birthstone, nor an anniversary stone.

A stone or shell cut in relief using the object itself to produce shadings of the carving from the Hebrew word kamea----a charm or amulet or Latin cammaeus "engraved gem". These are said to be the root origin of the word CAMEO, but even among experts even this is disputed.

There are two different methods of carvings of a cameo:
1. Relief---carved from the front with only the front profile showing or one side as opposed to a sculpture that can be seen from all sides.
2. Intaglio----carved from the rear of the profile or picture.

Just when the first cameo was carved is unknown and shrouded in mystery, but we do believe it was in Greece or Rome. Cameos were quite popular in both areas and were carved from stone such as AGATE. Shell was not used until a much later date. Because of their availability and the ease in which they could be carved, shells became extremely popular and eventually the art of cameo carving settled in a small town, Torre Del Greco, at the base of Mt. Vesuvius, located on the Bay of Naples. The tiny town of Torre Del Greco, Italy, today, is still the center of Cameo carving. Over 25 different sea shells are used plus a large array of coral. Most shells originate in the Bahamas, the West Indies, and Madagascar.

(There is lots of information around about cameos this is only a shorten version to give you a bit for more.)

CLOISONNE - not a birthstone, nor an anniversary stone.

Cloisonné is French and comes from a past participle of cloisonner to partition. It is a style of enamel decoration in which the enamel is applied and fired in raised cells (as of soldered wires) on a usually metal background.

CUBIC ZIRCON - the birthstone associated with the month of April, it’s an astrological birthstone for the sign of Aries. It’s the anniversary gemstone for the 75th wedding anniversary.

The Greek word "adamas," meaning unconquerable and indestructible, is the root word of the word diamond. Diamonds were worn because they were thought to give a person strength, invincibility, courage, and magical powers over the dark side of life. Rainbows of color gave the stones
magical powers over the evil eye of the sorceress and magicians of the day.

Legend has it that Europeans first discovered African diamonds in a Shaman's leather pouch. The African Shaman used his diamonds as Shamans of the world use quartz crystals. Anciently, diamonds were worn as unpolished stones. They were treasured for their beauty and powers.

EMERALD - traditionally the emerald is the birthstone associated with the month of March. It is the anniversary gemstone for the 20th, 35th and 55th year of marriage, the perfect emblem of an enduring love.

Etymology is Middle English emerallde, from Middle French esmeralde, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin smaralda, from Latin smaragdus, from Greek smaragdos. The emerald is a rich green variety of beryl which derives its color from chromium and vanadium.

Though not meant to replace traditional medical treatment, Emerald is used for physical and emotional healing. The Moguls of India, including Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, loved emeralds so much they inscribed them with sacred text and wore them as talismans. Some of these sacred stones, called Mogul emeralds, can still be seen in museums and collections today.

According to legend, Emeralds strengthen the owner's memory, quicken the intelligence and assist in predicting the future.

GARNET - the birthstone associated with the month of January, it’s an astrological birthstone for the sign of Capricorn. It’s the anniversary gemstone for the 2nd and 19th wedding anniversaries.

Garnet is derived from the Latin word "granatum" which means "pomegranate" which stone color resembles that of the fruit's seed.

It is said that King Solomon wore a large red garnet along with eleven other magical gems (representing the 12 steps of Jacob's Ladder) in his breast plate to help him win battles and to keep him in touch with the deity. In the 13th century, they were worn to repel insects and evil spirits and the
evil eye of others. In Egyptian times they were taken into the tombs with the dead as payment
to the gods of the nether worlds and for their passage through the nether world safely.

LAPIS LAZULI - along with the blue zircon and turquoise, lapis is traditionally associated with December as being its birthstone. associated with royalty because if its royal blue color. Lapis Lazuli is dark blue possibly with white spots of calcite. It often has specks of pyrite which look like gold. Lapis Lazuli is often dyed to improve its color.

The etymology is Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin lapis +
Medieval Latin lazuli, genitive of lazulum lapis lazuli, from Arabi "Azaward".

The mystical properties of Lapis say that it helps one understand the mind. It helps to expand your viewpoint. It is good for connecting the heart and the mind when worn over the heart. Lapis was prized in both Babylonia and Egypt and often worn by royalty. Legend has it that Lapis Lazuli would protect the wearer from evil. Lapis was a cure for melancholy and for certain types of fever.

MALACHITE - this is not associated with any of the traditional birthstones. However, it is sometimes associated with the anniversary gemstone for the 13th year of marriage.

Malachite is an alteration of Middle English melochites, from Latin molochites, from Greek molochitEs, from molochE, malachE mallow and is a mineral that is a green basic carbonate of copper used as an ore and for making ornamental objects. Malachite is a beautiful green earth stone with black bands.

Lore says that malachite gives knowledge and patience. It was used as a children's talisman to ward off danger and illness. It is attached to infant's cradles. Malachite is said to bring harmony into one's life.

ONYX - this is not associated with any of the traditional birthstones. However, it is associated with the anniversary gemstone for the 7h year of marriage. Black Onyx is associated with the 10th anniversary.

Onyx comes from Middle English onix, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin onych-, onyx, from Greek, literally, claw, nail. Onyx, sard, and sardonyx are all varieties of chalcedony (microcrystaline quartz). Onyx comes in brown, white, grey, and black. Sard is a reddish-brown variety. Sardonyx is a blend of sard and onyx with the red bands of sard and the white bands of onyx

The mystical properties of Black Onyx is used to help one change habits. Mexican Onyx (white and brown chalcedony) is said to help one sleep.

OPAL - is most notable associated as a birthstone with the month of October. As an anniversary gemstone it applies to the 14th and 18th years of marriage.

Opal comes from Latin opalus, from Greek opallios, from Sanskrit upala stone, jewel. It is a mineral that is a hydrated amorphous silica softer and less dense than quartz and typically with definite and often marked iridescent play of colors. The color various dramatically depending on where the opal is mined.

Most opal is more than 60 million years old and generally dates back to the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed the earth. It is found near the earth's surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once flowed. The minerals bubbled up from beneath the surface of the earth and slowly, over the centuries, lined the walls of cracks, vents and underground cavities in the bedrock. Most opal is found where geothermal hot springs dried up during seasonal periods of rainfall and extended dry periods.

The most striking quality of opal is its ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light. In fact, the term "opalescence" was coined to describe this phenomenon. The size and spacing of the amorphous spheres of silica within the stone refracts specific wavelengths of light; each sphere refracting a single, pure spectral color much like the individual microscopic droplets of water in a rainbow. The interplay of these pure wavelengths of light gives opal its unique visual appeal, and makes it one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.

PAUA SHELL - not a birthstone or anniversary gemstone.

The Paua shell comes from a marine animal that is prized for the beautiful, highly iridescent mother-of-pearl nacre it produces.

PEARL - in modern birthstone charting the pearl is associated with the month of June. On some other charts it is associated with April. Fresh Water Pearl is the anniversary gemstone for the 1st year of marriage and the pearl is the anniversary gemstone for the 12th and 30th year of marriage.

Etymology: Middle English perle, from Middle French, probably from (assumed) Vulgar Latin pernula, diminutive of Latin perna upper leg, kind of sea mussel; akin to Old English fiersn heel, Greek pternE. There are many different styles of pearls.

Pearl is formed in shellfish as a reactant to an irritant such as a piece of sand. Cultured pearls are created by adding a piece of mussel or shell inside of an oyster of mussel. This then creates a pearl as layers of the inside of the shell grow over the added substance. Pearls are generally white, brown, silver, cream, black or pink depending on the type of shellfish and water.

Pearl is said to help one see themselves and help improve self-worth. Pearls were once thought to be the tears of God. Pearl is often referred to as the "Queen Gem"; Diamond is referred to as the King Gem. As an emblem of modesty, chastity and purity, the Pearl symbolizes love, success, and happiness. They often symbolize a happy marriage and in many countries are used as a wedding gift.

PERIDOT - the birthstone associated with the month of August and as an anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage.

Peridot name derives from Greek, but the meaning is uncertain. The dictionary says that it's etymology is from French. The name chrysolite (Greek for gold stone) was formerly applied not only to period but also to many similarly colored stones. Peridot is a transparent lime or olive green stone. Italian peridot is olive in color. American peridot is a light yellow-green.

Peridot is given as a symbol of fame, dignity, and protection. Legend has it that pirates favored it to protect them against evil. When the peridot was set in gold it also protected the wearer from terrors in the night. It has been mined from St John's Island in the Red Sea for over 3500 years.

Peridot is the created during volcanic action. Occasionally, its crystals are found on the black sands of
Hawaii. Peridot is said to be used to help dreams become a reality. .

RUBY - this birthstone traditionally and modernly is associated with the month of July. It’s the anniversary gemstone for the15th and 40th year of marriage.

Ruby is from Latin - rubens, thus named because of its red color. This red color is due to a trace of chromium which determines the depth of color.

It is said that the Ruby ensure a peaceful, harmonious, healthy life. It is also thought to control one's passions and thoughts. his stone was given as offerings to Buddha in China and Krishna in India. A common belief was that dreaming of rubies meant the coming of success in business, money matters, and love. The ruby is thought to change colors (grow darker) when the owner was in danger or when an illness was coming. It was also thought that it would chase off the spirits of the dead and evil spirits not contained in hell.

SAPPHIRE - traditionally this birthstone is associated with the month of September. It’s the anniversary gemstone for the 5th and 45th year of marriage.

Sapphire is a member of the corundum family and gets its name from the Latin sapphirus and the Greek sappheiros (blue). It gets its color from titanium and iron oxides. The depth of the color comes from the amount of oxides present.

Though not meant to replace traditional medical treatment, Sapphire is used for clear thinking. Kings used to wear sapphire around their necks as a powerful defense against harm. The stone preserved the
wearer from envy and attracted divine favor.

Sapphire represents truth, sincerity and consistency. The stone was used by the Greeks to stimulate the opening of the third eye and to tap into the subconscious and super conscious. Clear sapphires, like diamonds, are the guardians of love. In the old days, it was used to banish envy and jealousy. It also promotes chastity in virgins and insures fidelity in marriage.

TOPAZ - the yellow Topaz birthstone is modernly associated with the month of November. The blue Topaz is associated with the month of December. It’s the anniversary gemstone for the 4th and 19th year of marriage.

The name "topaz" is thought to be derived from the Sankrit word tapas meaning fire. It is most probably derived from a place of discovery on an island in the Red Sea, now Zebirget but formerly Topzaos. The etymology is Middle English topace, from Old French, from Latin topazus, from Greek topazos. A usually yellow to brownish yellow transparent mineral that is essentially a silicate of aluminum.

In ancient times, a figure of a falcon was carved on a Topaz was thought to help acquire the goodwill of kings, princes and magnates. The Greeks felt Topaz gave them strength.

TURQUOISE - though not known specifically as a modern birthstone it is associated with the month of December as a traditional birthstone. It is the anniversary gemstone for the 5th year of marriage.

The name Turquoise means "Turkish Stone" because of the route that it traveled to get to Europe, which was via Turkey. Its etymology would also show its relation to Turkey. Turquoise comes from: Middle English turkeis, turcas, from Middle French turquoyse, from feminine of turquoys Turkish, from Old French, from Turc Turk. Turquoise is a mineral that is a blue, bluish green, or greenish gray hydrous
basic phosphate of copper and aluminum, takes a high polish, and is valued as a gem when sky blue.

Turquoise has been thought to warn the wearer of danger or illness by changing color. In the 13th century, Turquoise was thought to protect the wearer from falling especially from horses. Legend has it that the Indians believed that if turquoise was affixed to a bow, the arrows shot from it would always hit their mark. It was also believed to bring happiness and good fortune to all. Turquoise started being used before 4000 BC. It supposedly helps one to start new projects.

ZIRCON - the birthstones associated with zircon are October (rose zircon) and December (blue zircon). Zircon's are not associated with anniversary gemstone.

The name Zircon is from Zargun which means "gold color". The etymology is German, modification of French jargon jargoon, zircon, from Italian giargone

The zircon supposedly helps one be more at peace with oneself. It was believed to provide the wearer with wisdom, honor and riches. The lost of luster on a Zircon stone is said to warn of danger. The legend of Zircon began when Hyacin, the Greek youth, was killed. A blue hyacinth flower grew from the spilled blood. The blue color of the zircon found in Greece matched the blue of the flower. Pliny, the elder,
started this legend by his written comparison of colors.

Zircon is a natural stone - not to be confused with Cubic Zircon which is manmade. It is known as a colorless stone used to imitate diamonds but also comes in: blue, yellow, orange, red, brown and green .