Despite the clouds this month, it’s blue skies for December babies. Or, to be more exact, blue stones… beautiful blue stones. Modern birthstones for those born in the month of December include blue topaz, tanzanite and turquoise. There is a shade of blue for every taste!

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.

With a breezy chill filling the air as leaves dance in the wind, October means the beginning of fall, and, for October babies, it means brilliant shimmering opals.

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.

The gem of desire, courage, passion and emotion – the ruby, considered a “precious” gemstone, has been coveted for centuries as Max Bauer wrote in 1894, “A clear, transparent, and faultless ruby of a uniform red color is at the present time the most valuable precious stone known.”

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.

“I love Delamina. It’s a beautiful site with a great group of designers,” said Foster. “I love the site’s attitude. Women should always take care of themselves and not wait for anyone to do it for them. They shouldn’t need a reason to splurge and what better way to do that than with beautiful jewelry.”

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.

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.

Very fashion forward! Peridot has been called the “evening emerald” because it’s lighter shades of green come alive in the evening fire light. More than 3,500 years ago, peridot was mined by the ancient Egyptians on the island of Zebargad in the Red Sea. Peridots have been found in the ancient Egyptian ruins. Cleopatra, Egypt’s fashionista, was a fan of fine peridots. Many of her famed “emeralds” were actually magnificent peridots.

Sapphire has a very spiritual history. It is said that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on tablets of sapphire. The divinity of this stone has led to it symbolizing faith, commitment and remembrance. Royalty and high priests throughout history have adorned themselves with sapphires. In Europe, sapphire was a traditional engagement stone. Remember Princess Diana’s gorgeous ring? If you have a sapphire you certainly will not feel blue!

Topaz is the gemstone thought to hold the widest range of curative powers. Among those is the ability to dispel enchantment, improve eyesight, increase strength, heal mental disorders, cure insomnia and asthma and even prevent death. Topaz’s qualities that would certainly boost your social life are promoting friendship, ensuring fidelity, increasing patience and developing a pleasant disposition. Topaz is said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink … maybe it could tell you if that guy is good for you or not!

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.

A popular look for the bold “Right Hand Ring”, this style setting surrounds a larger center stone with several smaller stones. It is designed to create a beautiful larger ring from many smaller stones.

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.

The metal tip or bead that actually holds a stone in place. Traditionally stones are held by four or six prongs. A safety tip … always check your prongs regularly so you do not loose your precious gem! If you take your jewelry to a shop every now and then for a professional cleaning, they can check your prongs at the same time. And don’t forget to keep your insurance riders up to date.