Topaz is considered the traditional November birthstones … but why keep up with tradition?
And, I’m sure the November babies out there wouldn’t complain about some extra sunshine in their life, which makes the lovely citrine gem a popular and beautiful November alternative birthstone.

The coming days of spring are calling you to do something special for yourself. It’s time to spring forward with this beautiful 18k yellow gold and sterling silver ring with sparkling floral-tinted stones. This silver ring is adorned with solid 18k gold filigree, which makes it even more enticing.

Some believe the idea of metaphysical properties in gems was first cultivated in the ancient cultures of Babylonia and India where astrologers believed gems were filled with magic and spiritual powers. In early societies a stones’ healing and mystical properties had more meaning for its wearer than its aesthetic qualities. Celestial planets were linked to specific stones and this ultimately led to the foundation of our Western birth month, zodiac sign and gemstone traditions.

Amethyst, which is a brilliant purple to violet variety of quartz, was used to prevent intoxication by the ancient Greeks and Romans. They wore amethyst rings, drank from amethyst encrusted goblets, even dropped an amethyst crystal in their wine to protect them from getting inebriated… ah if only it was that easy!

A loupe, pronounced loop, is any small magnifying glass mounted for hand use, that allows the user to take a closer look at a gemstone.