I have blogged before about birthstones, both birthstones recognised since ancient times, and the more recent traditional list. I thought it was time to look at birthstones in another way: by Zodiac sign. The twelve signs of the zodiac are represented as follows:
Aries – – 21 March – 20 April – Heliotrope (Bloodstone) (also Diamond)
Taurus – 21 April – 21 May – Sapphire (also Aventurine, Amber, Coral, Emerald, Rose Quartz, Turquoise, Azurite)
Gemini – 22 May–21 June – Agate (also Chrysoprase, Citrine, Moonstone, Pearl, White Sapphire)
Cancer – 22 June–22 July – Moonstone (also Emerald, Pearl, Ruby)
Leo – 23 July–22 August – Onyx (also Carnelian, Sardonyx, Golden Topaz, Tourmaline)
Virgo – 23 August–23 September – Carnelian (also Jade, Jasper, Moss Agate, Blue Sapphire)
Pisces – 20 February–20 March – Amethyst (also Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Jade, Rock Crystal, Sapphire)
So how about a fabulous surprise gift for someone you love, featuring their zodiac birthstone? I’m happy to source the stone of your choice for you. Just let me know!
The very last piece that I made in my training course last year was this sterling silver and garnet crown set ring. It’s a bit of a departure from my normal style, but I like it!
I specifically chose a garnet because my lovely sister who lives on the other side of the world has just turned 50, and she likes garnets.
This pearl ring was a recent commission piece – a nice big Kasumi style pearl in a simple sterling silver setting.
Jade provided the design, and was just lovely to work with!
I learned a lot about pearls while making this ring. The mussel that grows this particular kind of pearl makes pearls with a lot of texture and variations in color. I really like that idea, as I like the “grown by mother nature” feel provided by some bumps and imperfections. A bit like all of us, really!!
These are the traditional gem birthstones, by month, as listed by the Britain’s National Association of Goldsmiths in 1937, mostly shown here in their beautiful raw form. Stay tuned for other birthstone posts!