Birthstone: April DIAMOND

"Diamonds are a girls best friend", "Diamonds are forever", "Lucy in the sky with Diamonds", "Shine on you crazy diamond", ...

Throughout history, these gems have been celebrated though music, admired for their timeless beauty, and sought after by blushing bachelorettes. For the lucky population of people who where born in the month of April, their birthstone is none other than the mother of all precious stones, the Diamond. Learn more about every 'girls best friend' after the jump.

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Birthstones: March AQUAMARINE

As we close out this February (after enjoying an extra day this year for leap year), we come into the month of March which is represented by the birthstone,  Aquamarine. This lovely blueish-green hued stone is thought to have properties that promote friendship, courage and faithfulness in the wearer. The name "aqua marina" or sea water reflects the color of the stone. Learn more about this mermaid friendly crystal inside.
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Birthstone: February AMETHYST

Known to be associated with royalty and wealth for its purple hue, and oddly enough once thought to ward off drunkenness (derived from Greek word "amethystos" meaning "not drunken") the beautiful Amethyst is the official birthstone for those born in February. 

The stone is also linked to love charms, as they make great gifts for Valentine's Day which falls in the month of February. Check out more about the amethyst and all is purple majesty inside.
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Birthstone: January GARNET

We're going to start of the year with a bit of re-educating on Birthstones. We all have one, and according to some traditions, our birthstones represent specific traits that we each posses according to where our birthday falls in the calendar year.

Now I know we all wish that we were born under the month that corresponds with diamonds (hey there April babies) but for now, we'll start with Garnets.

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Birthstone: November

TOPAZ vs CITRINE

Believed by the Egyptians to posses a glow casted by Ra the Sun God, is the November birthstone Topaz.
Meaning "fire" in Sanskrit, Topaz are most popular for their rich yellowish orange color, as not many gemstones come in yellow hues in Nature. These gems have been found in very large sizes weighing several hundred of pounds although they are still pretty rare.
One of the most famous colorless topaz, was said to be so spectacular that is was set in the Portuguese crown jewels because it was mistaken for a 1680 carat diamond. Years later, it was found that the joke was one them.

Another mistake that is often made among gemstones is Novembers alternate yellow birthstone, the Citrine. Years ago, there was a rapid growth in popularity of the lemon colored gemstones by the European bourgeoisie. They wanted flashy, elaborate baubles containing what is called Golden or Smoky Topaz, when in fact, these were merely treated citrine. Around the middle of the 18th century, it was discovered that amethyst could be heated to very high temperatures to create the look of yellow citrine, thus starting the trend.
With most jewelry, only a trained eye can spot the difference between a topaz and a natural yellow citrine (burnt citrine contains a suble striped look and can be considerably less expensive than topaz).

Here's a shot of the beautiful actress/model Milla Jovovich at the premiere of her movie The Perfect Getaway wearing a stunning citrine necklace.
I'm not particularly in love with it paired with her outfit. I would have liked to see her in maybe a pale blue topaz piece to set off those amazing eyes of hers. Still a decent look though. ~vK

Birthstone: October

Opal vs Tourmaline

October is another one of those fun months with more than one traditionally recognized birthstone.
The first is the Opal, or "Opalus" the name for "precious jewel" in Latin. They date back to prehistoric times; to put it in perspective, dinosaurs were stomping around as these precious gems were being formed. Most that are mined today are around 50-65 million years old. They are created when non crystallized silica combines with ground water and hardens in cracks and cavities underground.
The majority of quality opal are found in southern Australia. Other sources are Brazil, Mexico and Czechoslovakia. Although they are known for their milky white and iridescent colors, black opal can be found in South Wales. These are very rare and often cost more per carat than some diamonds. Their intensity and color are a factor in determining their value.


As of 1912, the American National Association of Jewelry adopted the pink tourmaline as the official birthstone for October. In addition to the range of pink hues, tourmaline can be found in just about any color from black (most common) to colorless. The very popular "watermelon" variety have a stunning color fade from pink to green. Many of these stones have a dichroic effect meaning that they appear to change color when viewed from different angles.
What's more fascinating, is the pyroelectric properties of the tourmaline. When heated, they take on a static electric charge and have the ability to move small objects.

Although tourmaline aren't as popular as say the ruby or sapphire, you will occasionally see them paired with other precious stones to create some very impressive pieces. Lara Spencer, co-host of The Insider and Entertainment Tonight, rocked an amazing pink tourmaline ring and bracelet set at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards this year. I wouldn't have thought to pair tourmaline and turquoise, but it works!
~vK

Birthstone: September

Sapphire

Known as the "Stone of Saturn", the alluring Sapphire is said to represent wisdom and nobility. In earlier times, it is said that lovers would exchange these gems as gifts in order to assure the faithfulness for their partners. In other words, if you were living foul, your deep blue nuggets would be as dull cobblestones. (Pre-historic polygraph tests?)

The earliest recordings of sapphire mining goes back to around the 7th century. Most quality stones can be found in Sri Lanka, Australia, Thailand, Tanzania and Kashmir.

They come in a wide range of colors such as yellow, black, white, orange, pink, brown and of course blue. Red sapphires are considered rubies and should not be confused although chemically and structurally the two are one and the same.

When heat treated, their color is greatly improved by the reduction of cloudiness caused by inclusions. It's rare to find large specimens of sapphire, however, the largest known stone is the grayish blue "Star of India" which boast 563.35 carats and is housed at the American Museum of Natural History. It was cut specifically to reflect light from its inclusions producing an odd six legged star pattern.

Another very popular sapphire was one worn by Princess Diana. Although she kept an impressive collection of family jewels, she chose an engagement ring with a huge sapphire surrounded by 14 flawless diamonds. A perfect choice for a princess, as these gems were worn through out history by kings and queens.

True diva.
~vk

Birthstone: August

PERIDOT

Don't be mistaken; this isn't a repeat of May's birthstone, the emerald. These green beauties are Peridots which represent the month of August.

Although the two can be very similar in color, as some peridots carry a darker hue, most tend to give off a more olive tone, or a bright yellowish green. It has been said that articles of Cleopatra's most treasured pieces thought to be made of emerald were actually peridots. Go fig.

These gems have a tendency to sparkle even in dim settings which lead sailors thousands of years ago to discover them one moonlit night on the Island of Serpents. As they landed, they were drawn to what appeared to be "glowing" crystals in the sand. Natives of Hawaii, where they are also found, believed that they were the tears of the Goddess Pele when they would find them shimmering in the black sands of volcanoes.

Peridot Mesa, Arizona is said to be the most productive locality for peridot in the world accounting for around 80 percent of lesser quality stones. Another continental US source is in New Mexico. However, some of the rarest and finest quality are found in deposits in Burma because of their color and superior clarity. Over in Russia, peridots were produced out of a meteorite that fell in 1749 in east Siberia. They are also found in Pakistan, Myanmar, Australia, Brazil and Mexico.

Peridots are great for small trinkets and everyday wear although you don't see much of them on the red carpet . Actress Zhang Ziyi (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) did rock a pair at a press conference in Tokyo that were nice, but understated.

Cute look, but in this case less is less. ~vK

Birthstone: July

RUBY

I couldn't possibly forget one of the most highly praised gemstones throughout history: this months birthstone, the Ruby.

Rubies can be found globally, but the best come from Thailand, India, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and in the United States, North Carolina.

They come in a variety of colors from a bright reddish-orange to purple, but only those possessing a rich red hue are considered rubies. Otherwise, they are referred to as Sapphire. They are great for everyday wear because of their durability and are second in hardness only to diamonds. Surprisingly, rubies are more rare than diamonds as well.

I had the cutest little ruby ring when I was a kid that I would wear religiously; it had such an adorable charm to it. I'm a bit partial because they are my birthstone, but rubies are absolutely fabulous. There's something very chic about their fiery color; they give a regal flare to anything, from gowns to gauchos.

Super Model Diva, Heidi Klum rocked a pair of jaw dropping earrings at last years Oscars made with red rubies and pink diamonds.

Did I mention fabulous? ~vk

Birthstones- June

Alexandrites vs Pearls

Those born in the month of June have the privilege of choosing from one of two birthstones commonly associated with this month: the Alexandrite or the Pearl.

Alexandrite stones were discovered around 1830 in the Ural mountains of Russia and named after the czar of that period, Alexander II. What makes these gems so special, is there ability to change colors in different lighting situations. They range from an almost emerald green in natural sunlight, to a smouldering reddish-purple hue when hit by incandescent light. They are some of the rarest, most expensive gemstones and are quite fab in my opinion.

But more widely known as the birthstone for June babies are milky white Pearls.

Born of a less than attractive source, pearls are naturally grown inside of oysters. A protective substance inside their shells called "nacre" is produced when an irritant, like a grain of sand or pieces of tiny sea creatures gets lodged inside of them. Over time, the nacre covers the foreign object with many layers that eventually harden, and Voila'; You have a shiny new pearl.

The natural process can be assisted with the help of man to make what are called cultured pearls. About 90% of the worlds pearls are grown by someone actually placing a small piece of shell inside a mollusk. A large part of the cultured pearl industry is found in Japan and Australia where they are harvested in their coastal waters. They vary in color such as pinks, soft yellows, grey, black and pure white.

While pearls have their In and Out moments in fashion, it seems as though the second they appear to become dated and out of style, they are brought back to life. Sarah Jessica Parker revived the look in her role as Carrie in last summer's hit "Sex and the City- The Movie". She had everyone, running to Mikimoto for the $11,900 opera length string of pearls to add a touch of class to their outfits.

I swear she never took them off-- I'll never forget the scene where she wore them to bed in her underwear.

I mean really; who doesn't wear their baubles to bed? ~vK

Birthstones- May

Emerald (raw emerald)

The exquisite emerald is the birthstone that represents the month of May. Once thought to posses great healing properties, the emerald has been a hit throughout the centuries. Cleopatra was known to regularly don these earthy green gems-- I say, any jewel fit for an African queen deserves recognition.

Although they are generally quite durable stones, emeralds are known to have small fractures and inclusions which are thought, by most jewelry enthusiasts to give them "character". Often times they are treated with cedar oils, epoxy resins or polymers in order to reduce the visibility of their flaws which is common practice in fine jewelry making. Be sure to consult your jeweler.

Emeralds can be found predominantly in Pakistan, Russia, South Africa and India. However, Columbia produces some of the finest quality emeralds in the world. High quality stones are recognized by their deep green color with a hint of blue tint.

They are quite beautiful, but are a tad mature for my taste. Still, emeralds will dazzle on any upscale red carpet event. Angelina Jolie wore a stunning pair of 115 carat (!) emerald tear drop earrings at this years Oscars that were the LIFE.

Mean green indeed. ~ vK