September Birthstone: Sapphire

by Allison of Fraske Designs

Happy birthday to those of you born in September!

September's birthstone is sapphire. This gemstone, which is the second most popular gemstone choice for engagement rings (second to the diamond) is most commonly a deep blue, but naturally occurs in many colors.

Here is some beautiful sapphire jewelry available on Etsy:

Tree of Life Pendant by Celestyna's Garden

Sapphire & 18K Gold Necklace by Bellallure

Multicolor Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet by Rainbow Sapphire

Rose Cut Sapphire & 14K Gold Ring by Natasha Kahn Designs

August Birthstone: a jewelry shopping guide

by Allison of Fraske Designs

Happy birthday to those of you born in August!

August's birthstone is peridot. This gemstone comes in several color variations ranging from yellowish green to brown, but most consumers are attracted to the bright lime greens and olive greens. Peridot is said to host magical powers and healing properties to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power, influence, and a wonderful year.

Here is some fantastic peridot jewelry available on Etsy:

Vintage Peridot and Rhinestone Brooch by kiamichi7

Peridot Drop Earrings by delezhen

Pear Shaped Peridot Ring by delezhen

July Birthstone: The Ruby

By Allison of Fraske Designs

July’s birthstone is the Ruby. Ruby is a variety of the gems species corundum. It is harder than any natural gemstone except diamond, which means a ruby is durable enough for everyday wear. Rubies arouse the senses, stir the imagination, and are said to guarantee health, wisdom, wealth and success in love.

Here are some of our favorite Ruby jewelry pieces from Etsy:

Angel Wing Heart Necklace by Beadish Delight

Gold Lotus Swirl and Ruby Earrings by Dana Castle 

Madagascar Ruby Ring by Create Your Ring

There are so many wonderful Ruby jewelry pieces on Etsy, we wish we could collect them all. What's your favorite piece?

June Birthstone: Pearl

by Allison of Fraske Designs

Happy birthday to those of you born in June! June's birthstone is Pearl. Pearls are unique as they are the only gems from living sea creatures and require no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty. There is a wide spectrum of colors that can be found in pearls, including cream, gray, green, blue and pink.

 Here is some handmade pearl jewelry available on Etsy:

Gold & Pearl Earrings by Made By Sam

Bib Necklace by Zafirenia

Black Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Ring by Metal and Stone Elite

May Birthstone: Emerald

by Allison of Fraske Designs

Happy birthday to those of you born in May!

May's birthstone is the Emerald. A rich green colored gemstone, emeralds have for centuries represented the color of beauty and of constant love. The green color occurs when pure, clear beryl contains either chromium or vanadium.

The emerald is a symbol of rebirth, and is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth.

Here is some handmade emerald jewelry available on Etsy:

Emerald and Golden Beryl Wire Wrap by Writerman2255

Emerald and Diamond Jaguar Ring by Steve Jewelry

Steampunk Necklace by Victorian Curiosities

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

by Allison of Fraske Designs

Happy birthday to those of you born in March!

March's birthstone is Aquamarine. A beautiful blue gemstone, the name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. Aquamarine comes in many shades of blue, and this is based on the presence of iron. The deeper the blue, the higher the value. Aquamarine is a popular choice for fashion jewelry because its blue shades compliment nearly all skin tones.

Legend has it that aquamarine protects sailors and guarantees a safe voyage.

Here is some handmade aquamarine jewelry available on Etsy:

Rain Cloud Brooch by Nesrin Duggan

Aquamarine Earrings by RareEarth

Aquamarine Ring by MonBedo

Monday Mosaic - Diamonds

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April's birthstone is the diamond. Although diamonds come in a variety of colors, white diamonds are what Marilyn Monroe considered to be "a girl's best friend". This week, Boston Handmade wishes April a happy birthday with this selection of bling and ice.