Steffi Graf has long been a woman that I admire. She is a study in balance - feminine strength, quiet confidence, maintaining her privacy as a public figure, dedicated mother and successful career woman, focused and passionate, controlled and caring.

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.

November brings the lovely topaz as this month’s birthstone. Topaz is a gem that is said to bring mental clarity, confidence, personal power and stamina. Sounds like a powerful stone. And, Delamina has plenty of fabulous choices for you.

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.

In all seriousness, maybe shoehorning your adorable pet into a two-piece designer jogging suit and carrying him around while you run errands, isn’t exactly what little Sparky had in mind?

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.

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!

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.