Early sailors believed that aquamarine talismans, etched with the likeness of the sea god Neptune, protected them against ocean dangers.Īnother March birthstone is the bloodstone, which is dark green with red specks. The March birthstone, aquamarine, was thought to cure heart, liver, and stomach diseases-all one had to do was drink the water in which the gem had been soaking. In fact, “amethyst” comes from amethystos, a Greek word meaning “sober.” Ancient Greeks thought that the amethyst guarded against intoxication. At one time, only royalty could wear the gem. The February birthstone, amethyst, is said to strengthen relationships and give its wearer courage. The January birthstone, garnet, is thought to keep the wearer safe during travel. The word “garnet” is derived from a term that means “seed,” because the gem resembles the color and shape of a pomegranate seed. Astrologers long ago attributed supernatural powers to certain gemstones. The wearing of birthstones is thought to bring good luck, good health, and protection. Diamonds were most likely white sapphire or white topaz.Sapphire was probably what we know today as lapis.The names used in the past may not relate to the stone we think of with that name today, too: The birthstones we associate with certain months now are not necessarily the same ones as those used centuries ago. Originally, they related to the 12 gemstones appearing on the breastplate of the High Priest of the Isrealites described in the Book of Exodus.Ĭolor was once the most important feature of a stone, which meant that there was no significant difference in meaning between a ruby and a garnet, for example.

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Birthstone colors