Garnet is the birthstone for January as well as the gem for the zodiac sign aquarius.

One glance at the deep red seeds nestled inside of a pomegranate fruit explains why the word “garnet” comes from the Latin word “granatus,” meaning “grain” or “seed.”  This name was given to the garnet because of its close resemblance to the succulent pomegranate seed. 

The good news is that garnets do not only come in the colour red as not everybody is a fan of that colour. The garnet comes in a variety of other hues, including muted yellows, vibrant oranges, rosy pinks, lime greens, and violets—a virtual bouquet of colors.  This diversity is due to unique combinations of elements within each particular gem, such as iron, calcium, and manganese.  

The garnet continues to be the protective gem of journeyers. A gift of garnet is thought to be symbolic of love and the desire for a loved one’s safe travel and speedy homecoming. 

Yet again it seems daunting to identify the correct stone for December. There is quite a variety to choose from:

Tanzanite became an official December birthstone on October 30, 2002, in the first revision to the birthstone list since 1912.

More commonly accepted seems to be Turquoise as a December birthstone and also is the gem for the fifth and eleventh wedding anniversaries.  Representing happiness, usually seen as a holy stone associated with happiness and luck.

Historically there are Lapis Lazuli and Zircon (not to mix with the synthetic Zirconia – Zircon is a beautiful brown tone gem, mainly sourced in Sri Lanka)

Mystical Birthstone - Onyx (Black) - The Mystical Birthstone list was obtained from a Tibetan book said to be over a thousand years old. Legend has it that these birthstones really help one overcome the obstacles of their birth month.

Ayurvedic Birthstone - Ruby (Red) - The Ayurvedic Birthstone list is from Ayurvedic Indian Medicine - an ancient type of medicine used for thousands of years. If you want a healing gemstone, you may wish to consider  these.

For those who were born in the month of November the Topaz is the traditional birthstone. Topaz is associated with - constancy, loyalty, faithfulness and friendship. The Traditional Metaphysical Properties for the November Birthstone Topaz are strength, releasing tension and balancing emotions. The healing properties of the November birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to asthma, gout, blood disorders, tuberculosis and insomnia. The Topaz is also used to enhance spiritual rejuvenation and feelings of happiness.

I really envy people who are born in September – what a wonderful birthstone!
Generally books refer to the blue variety of sapphire when it comes to the September birthstone but I am sure one can safely include all other colours. Who would want to leave out the deep pink shades of Malawi or Tanzanian sapphires, or the striking deep yellow of Sri Lankan  specimens. Only the deep red colour of the corundum family was classified as ruby, otherwise the full colour range is named sapphire.

Sapphire has always been associated with divine energy, knowledge and clarity. In ancient times they used to ground sapphires to a powder, used for curing colic, rheumatism and mental illness, and to strengthen eyesight.

A rather expensive cure these days and I think it is a much better idea to use sapphires in jewellery.

And this is exactly what we do, please have a look @ our online shop for sapphire rings and loose sapphires.

The word ruby does not only sound great for me,  it instantly evokes images of elaborate ball gowns, lavish parties, sumptuous red roses and seriously bling beautiful jewellery.

But not enough like a perfect red rose, the Ruby’s rich color speaks of love and passion and is among the most highly prized of gems throughout history.  It is thought to grow darker when peril is imminent, and to return to its original color once danger was past—provided it is in the hands of its rightful owner! 
Looking at the recently published crime stats for South Africa it seems that a ruby is a must have at this stage. The good news is that there are beautiful rubies available that won’t be a killer to your budget. These stones offer great colour but are not transparent which reduces the price tag dramatically. (Call ANPA to see what selection of rubies we have in stock).

Talking of symbolism, let’s come back to the bright side of the road! Ruby is also associated with eternal love and with its hardness and durability it is a perfect engagement gem. 
If worn on the left hand, ancient lore has it that the Ruby will bring good fortune to its wearer, too! 
I wonder how we can be actually without one…?!!?