Most people know the twelve modern birthstones, or at least their own birthstone. You cannot help but notice and appreciate the beauty of a gemstone. When it is someones birthday and you are unsure on what to give them, a lovely piece of jewelry with their birthstone makes a beautiful gift. At least, I know it makes me happy. My birthday is in July and I love receiving jewelry that has a gorgeous ruby in it.

       The modern birthstone for January is the Garnet. Many people do not realize but garnets come in every color except for blue. Any of these garnet colors you may wear as the January birthstone.

      It was believed at one time, that garnets helped blood disorders and infections. It was also believed that these beautiful red stones could stop bleeding.

      The modern birthstone for February is the Amethyst. It comes in shades of very pretty purples. The amethyst is a member of the quartz family. It means sober in Greek.

       There are many beliefs that go with the amethyst. It is believed that the amethyst’s can help hunters find and also capture animals. The amethyst can also help control many terrible evil thoughts.

        The modern birthstone for March is the Aquamarine. It is a beautiful blue-green color. The aquamarine belongs to the beryl family. It’s name means water and sea in Latin.

       It is believed to make one very youthful. Many people wear aquamarine to help with anxiety. Aquamarine was also used in fortune telling.

        The modern birthstone for April is the Diamond. It is a sign of purity, peace and protection. The diamond symbolizes the moon.

       By wearing the diamond, you are to have great strength. Many people also believe it is also very good for your kidneys.

       The modern birthstone for May is the Emerald. It is a lovely shade of green. It means green gemstone in Greek.

       Emeralds are believed by many to improve their memory and intelligence. Many people wear emeralds to enhance their love life.

        The modern birthstone for June is the Pearl. There are different types of pearls. Some are cultured and natural to just name a couple. Pearls can be creamy white or even black.

        Many people believe that by wearing pearls you will protect your reproductive system. In ancient Chinese, they believe, that by wearing the pearls, they will give you eternal youth.

      The modern birthstone for July is the Ruby. It is a wonderful blood red color. It is a highly prized gem.

        Many people believe by wearing the ruby you will strengthen your hearing and also improve your digestion. It s said that the ruby holds magical powers and to those who wear the ruby, it will ward off evil.

        The modern birthstone for August is the Peridot. The peridot is often confused with the emerald, but the peridot is an olive color, not green like the emerald.

       Many people believe by wearing this olive color gemstone, it will bring you very good luck and success in everything.

        The modern birthstone for September is Sapphire. The sapphire also comes in a variety of colors except for red. But, the sapphire is best known for its beautiful blue shade.

        Many people wear sapphires because they believe it will help them with their mental illness. They also believe it can help them with astral projection.

      The modern birthstone for October is the Opal. The opal is found in Australia. They say because the water content is so low, an opal almost never cracks.

       Many believe it is suppose to help greatly with your eyesight. Others claim it can help you recall past lives. Still, others say you should not wear an opal unless it is your birthstone, otherwise it will bring you bad luck.

        The modern birthstone for November is the Topaz. Topaz means fire, which comes from the Sanskrit. It comes in a variety of colors, such as red, pink, gold and even clear. Some people get confused and think the clear ones are diamonds.

       At one time the Egyptians wore the topaz as protection from injury. Topaz was also thought to calm tempers and by wearing them it could also give you great strength.

      The modern birthstone for December is Turquoise. The turquoise varies from a greenish blue to a very beautiful sky blue.

       Many believe turquoise help brings money, success and even love. To the Native American Indians, the turquoise is held sacred. It is carved in the shape of animals and used at burials sites.