The Peridot has long been called “an Evening Emerald,” since under artificial light the stone glows a brilliant green. Throughout history there have been many legends stating the peridot possesses a strong magical power. It has long been considered an aid to friendship in that it was reputed to free the mind of envious thoughts. In addition, it has been suggested the beautfiul stone brings its wearer good luck, peace and success. The Romans wore it for protection against enchantments, melancholy and illusion. During the Middle Ages, knights wore it as a means of gaining foresight and divine intervention.

Peridot is the accepted birthstone for August and the anniversary stone for the 16th year of marriage.

The name Topaz itself, according to Pliny, was derived from Topazios, an island in the Red Sea that was probably the early source of peridot. The island was named for a Greek word meaning “to guess” because it was often obscured by fog and difficult to find. Some present day authorities believe the name is a derivative of the Sanskrit word “topas” meaning “fire.”

Perhaps no other gem has had more varied or preposterous powers ascribed to it. When worn, it was said to drive away sadness, strengthen intellect and bestow courage. It has been considered the stone of fruitfulness and faithfulness and believed capable of bestowing cheerfulness, calming passions and preventing bad dreams. The powers of the Topaz were also thought to increase and decrease with changes of the moon. Topaz has long been used as the birthstone for the month of November and one of the anniversary stones for the 4th, 19th and 50th years of marriage.

The Opal is known as "The Gem of the Gods" and has enjoyed a mystical mythology. It was believed to aid in psychic vision and to have had the power to open the spiritual centers. It was also believed that to look upon an opal was good for the eyes and would strengthen memory. It is the birthstone for October and one of the anniversary stones for the12th, 14th and 18th years of marriage.

It is a well known fact sapphire is the accepted birthstone for the month of September as well as the anniversary stone for the 5th and 45th years of marriage. What most people don't know is the sapphire's own mythology. It has been regarded through the centuries as a stone that could protect its wearer from harm, detect purity and faith and even attract divine favor. It was said the sapphire would not shine if it were worn by the wicked and evil. Ancient priests honored the sapphire above all gems because they believed it enabled them to foretell the future. It was even believed to have been an antidote against poison.

Sapphire is a variety of corundum and comes in all colors except red (red corundum is known as ruby.) Heat treatment is part of the fashioning process used on nearly all blue, yellow and golden sapphires to permanently produce or intensify their color.

The Ruby, “The Lord of the Gems”, has been hailed throughout the centuries as a stone with many talismanic virtues. It was said the owner of a fine ruby would be protected from all danger, would live in harmony with his fellow man and would be secure in his possession of both land and rank. The glowing hue of the Ruby suggested to many that an eternal flame burned within the stone. Its powers were also believed intensified if set in jewelry and worn on the left side of the body. It is the accepted birthstone for July and the anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th years of marriage.

Ruby, like sapphire, is a variety of corundum and only exists as a true red in color.

The Pearl is a symbol of love and good fortune and is possibly the most feminine gem in existence. To the Romans, pearl meant “sweetness and pleasure”. To the Greeks, “perfect purity.” Whether they are mounted alone in jewelry or strung together in strands, pearls are simply the most elegant and desirable gift of nature. In an ancient tale, it is said Cleopatra ground a pearl, dissolved it in vinegar and drank it in an attempt to capture its beauty. It is the birthstone of June and the annviersary stone for the 30th year of marriage.

The Emerald, "The Gem of Spring", is the accepted birthstone for May and the anniversary stone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage. According to legend, the emerald has amazing healing properties and allows its wearer to predict the future. It has been noted for its beneficial effects upon the eyes. The emerald was traditionally the stone of immortality and incorruptability and was said to be the favored stone of Venus, who used it to detect the fidelity of lovers.

Care should be taken to protect your emerald from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals and extreme temperature changes. Do not clean with home ultrasonic machines.

The Diamond, known as "The King of Gems", has a history steeped in power and romance. Its name is from the Greek word ''adamus', which means unconquerable. Throughout the centuries the diamond's natural brilliance and hardness has ascribed many virtues to this stone. It was believed to endow its wearer with strength, fortitude and courage. It was also believed the wearer's true nature would be revealed through its reflectiveness, good or bad. As the ultimate symbol of romance, (reputed to strengthen the bonds of love) it is the preferred stone for engagement and wedding rings. The diamond is the birthstone for April and the anniversary stone for the 75th year of marriage.

Garnet comes in a variety of colors. Its reds range from raspberry to blood-red, but it's also available in green, yellow, orange and brown. Garnet also has a colorful mythology. Legend holds that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for illumination. It reportedly gave its wearer guidance in the night, protection from nightmares, and according to the Egyptians, was an antidote for snake bite and food poisoning.

It is the accepted birthstone for January and anniversary stone for the second year of marriage. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows and extreme temperatures.