The color of topaz varies from clear, yellow, orange, red, blue and green. Imperial topaz, the orange to golden gem, is generally recognized as the traditional birthstone for November babies.

This month brings fiery opals to the lucky ladies with October birthdays, and those of us who just love opals. And Susan Foster Design Studio has two beautiful opal rings for you to choose from.

Burning Man, the strange ritual that happens once a year in the middle of the Nevada desert is taking place this week. In a week where people go out in the sand and ultimately set things aflame – Southern California is burning, and so did some homes in my neighborhood.

Most people associate the word “sapphire” with the color blue. Indeed, sapphire is considered to be the most precious of all blue gemstones. But sapphires exist in many colors.

July brings hot heat and a fiery red gemstone – the precious ruby. Named the gemstone of the Sun, these sweltering red stones are a reminder of the warm, carefree months of summer.

What’s more romantic than the moon? Wearing one on your finger. A gemstone said to be surrounded by mystique and magic, the moonstone is made from the feldspar mineral that covers much of the earth.

As April draws to a close, we couldn’t resist one more mention of this lovely gemstone and birthstone of the month.

This week - whether it be troops, bail-out money, restructuring plans or bonuses - the press is focusing on ‘how much is too much’. In our recessionary times, should we flaunt what we’ve got or take a more modest approach? Between the G20, General Motors, and the banks, what seems to be the issue of the week is: Are Michelle’s arms too buff?

Thirty-three carats of London blue topaz are showcased in Enamorata’s 18-karat gold and diamond earrings, which boast the richest topaz blue I’ve ever seen. Considering the hefty carat weight, the $1800 price is decidedly reasonable. If, however, a four-digit tag still induces a case of sticker shock, the company offers an equally beautiful pair of 7.5-carat London blue topaz hoop earrings for a third of the price.

This newsletter celebrates the March birthstone, Aquamarine, and makes the point that jewelry is a safe commitment. Pearls are potentially more long-term than a relationship.

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.

Garnet’s powers include healing, strength, regulating heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression. In ancient times, sailors took garnets with them to stay safe at sea. Garnets were also used as protection against evil … now that’s a good reason for every girl to have one!

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!

And if you need more reasons to love this gem of the sea, aquamarine increases intelligence and helps make one youthful! The aquamarine is an excellent stone for meditation. There is lightness about this stone that causes one to see the equality of life: a sense of serenity or peace with it, much as the sea brings peace to many who have troubled souls. How Zen!

The symbol of true love, diamonds are considered to be very powerful. They first became popular about 3,000 years ago in India. They were noticed for their sparkle and were used both for decoration as well as for protection from evil. In the dark ages, diamonds were thought to have healing properties. They were attributed with even more mystical powers during the middle ages, protecting against witchcraft and insanity.

Traditionally, the finest emeralds have come from Colombia, where both the Incas and the Aztecs mined rich emerald deposits in the Andes Mountains. In Roman times, emeralds were believed to have a soothing effect on the soul and on the eyes. Legend tells us that Nero, who had bad vision, used a slice of emerald to improve his sight while watching the gladiators in the arena. Rose colored glasses had nothing on these emerald specs.

San Francisco socialite, Dorothy Parker, once said, “There are always those who cannot distinguish between glitter and glamour, just as there are always those who cannot understand why you should desire real pearls…”. Now there’s a woman who understands how amazing these gifts from the sea are!

One of the most prized gemstones throughout history is ruby. Ruby is from the mineral family of corundum. Most people do not know that ruby is the sister of sapphire, which is also corundum. However, only red corundum is considered ruby. Prior to the nineteenth century, garnets and spinels were often confused with rubies. In fact, some of the famous ‘rubies’ in the British Crown Jewels are actually spinels!

The mystical opal has inspired some of the world’s great writers as well. They are referred to in both the plays of William Shakespeare and the novels of Sir Walter Scott. There is even lore that provides an important beauty tip … according to the ancient Scandinavian women, an opal worn in your hair could help prevent it from going gray! Early Arab civilizations thought opals could grant them invisibility… Who needs Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak!?

The Egyptian Pharaohs adorned not only their bodies, but all varieties of decorative items, including their grave furnishing, with this magnificent, prized blue gemstone. Esteemed as a holy stone, turquoise talismans of good fortune adorned daggers, sabers and bridles of horses throughout history. Levantine traders commonly known as Turks brought turquoise to Europe from the Eastern Mediterranean. Hence the name turquoise, a term used to describe any color that resembles this stunning gemstone.