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	An African Gem
	Stone of the Month
	Interesting Article
	Special Anniversaries

Choosing a Diamond

Diamonds are found in many parts of the world, but South Africa has produced some of the largest, best quality, and most famous diamonds known to man... The Cullinan, Eureka, Star of Africa, Niarchos...

Stone of the Month

Jan | Feb | Mar | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec

A birthstone is the gemstone associated with the date of your birth. It is thought that wearing the stone of your birth can bring good luck and good health to your life.

Astrologers and healers have long attributed supernatural powers to a colourful array of natural glowing gemstones, each one with its own place in history and myth. From folklore tales, Biblical texts, and the annals of history, these gems have a special place in both the hearts and minds of humanity… learn a bit about your birthstone from this chart below…

January - Garnet

A deep red gemstone, garnet has been crafted into beautiful jewellery since ancient times, in fact as far back as the Bronze Age.

The Aztecs used garnets in pre-Columbian times, and they were highly prized by early Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Garnets were a prominent feature of Celtic and Victorian jewellery and are found in many famous collections.

It’s likely that the gem takes its name from the Roman word for pomegranate - ”granatum” – owed to the fruit’s beautiful deep red seeds. In Africa, garnets are found in Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.

Green diamantoid garnets – so named for their diamond like lustre – are the most highly prized of all.

Garnet is the birthstone for January is said to signify constancy. It is also given as a gift to mark 12th wedding anniversaries. It is a Star Sign Stone for Aquarius.

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February - Amethyst

The distinctive purple shade of amethyst has made it a highly sought-after gem with a rich and ancient history.

Amethyst is the most prized of all gems in the quartz group. Amethyst is dichroic, showing a bluish or reddish purple tinge when viewed from different angles, and the name is derived from the Greek word “amethystos” which expresses their believe that the gem could ward off intoxication and have a soothing, relaxing effect.

Amethyst, capable of intoxicating beauty, was fashioned into ornate pieces of jewellery and used it to decorate swords, shields and amulets since early civilisation. It was also chosen to adorn the crowns of kings and queens such as the huge round amethyst set in the British Royal Sceptre, and another in the Sovereign Orb. Within the Christian Church, high officials have long favoured amethyst. Zambia, Namibia and Madagascar produce amethyst that is considered the worlds finest.

Amethyst is the birthstone for February and signifies sincerity. It is also given as a gift to mark the first wedding anniversary. Amethyst aligns with the Star Signs Aquarius and Pisces.

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March - Aquamarine

Aquamarine displays all the variable colours of the sea, from light blue to intense sea green. The first documented use of Aquamarine was by the Ancient Greeks around 3000 BC when its sea colour was thought to placate the Greek sea-God Neptune. In fact, the gem takes its name from the Latin word for sea, “aqua marina”.

Some aquamarines were even engraved with portraits during Roman times, notably one of Julia, daughter of the Roman Emperor Titus. The largest aquamarine ever was found in Brazil in 1910 and yielded over 100 000 carats of cut stones… prodigious proportions indeed!

The African continent produces high quality aquamarine from Nigeria, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Madagascar. Healers believe that aquamarine enhances psychic powers and can help clean & purify the mind.

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and signifies wisdom. It shares the Star Sign Scorpio with Topaz.

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April - Diamond

Diamond is one of the most popular and valuable of all gemstones – partly because of the ongoing belief that it passes on remarkable powers to its wearer.

It is the hardest of all gemstones and the name is of Latin origin, from the word “adamas” meaning invincible. Diamonds have been celebrated and revered since antiquity… in fact, it was thought that they may be splinters of stars fallen to earth, tears of the gods, or perhaps crystallized lightening.

Diamonds were worn into battle by kings as a symbol of strength and courage, and kept as a talisman against poisoning, devils, and phantoms. The history of diamonds is steeped in romance, fame, grandeur and misfortune. Diamonds are found in many places in the world from South Africa, Angola and Botswana, to Australia, Russia, India, Brazil and Venezuela.

The birthstone for April, diamond, is said to encourage self-confidence and symbolise wisdom, enlightenment and purity. It provides protection, preserves peace and gives power, wealth and happiness to the wearer.

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May - Emerald

Said to be the talisman of the goddess Venus, the emerald's name is indirectly derived from the Greek word "smaragdos," a term ambiguously applied to several kinds of green stones.

The history of emeralds can be traced back to antiquity when royalty in Babylon and Egypt wore them. Several famous historical artefacts were made of emeralds, among them was the Crown of Andes, said to be worn by the last Inca king of Peru who was taken prisoner by Conquistador Pizzaro in 1532. The crown was said to be set with 453 emeralds.

Emerald is considered a "medicinal” stone that has the ability to soothe strained and tired eyes, just by gazing at a nice green one. Emerald is thought to restore peace, as well as enhance meditation and psychic abilities. Colombia in South America is the most famous and possibly the most important source for high-quality emeralds. They are also found in Siberia (Russia), Brazil, and the Sandawana area in Zimbabwe.

Emerald is the birthstone for May and represents faith, goodness and kindness.

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June - Pearl

Pearls have been a passion and sometimes even an obsession of people throughout the ages. These unique gems have adorned crowns, clothing, and temples, and were said to be a favourite of Cleopatra.

Some cultures swear by pearls as an aphrodisiac. In Ancient Times it was only those with royal status who wore pearls, but eventually these gems were worn by all people from all walks of life. Pearls are nature's perfect gift, and they continue to be viewed as a mark of taste and refinement. Pearls are often given to celebrate a marriage or the birth of a child.

The birthstone for June, pearls are regarded as a symbol of purity.

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July - Ruby

Ruby is one of the most renowned of all gemstones, with a rich and royal history. Named from the Latin word “rubes” meaning red, the colour of ruby varies from deep crimson or purple to pale rose.

Over the centuries, the powers that have been claimed for ruby are vast & varied. The best rubies in the world come from Burma where they have been mined since the stone age. Early Burmese believed that the stone could bestow invulnerability, and it was Burma that produced the largest known ruby to be cut. Weighing in at 400 carats – a remarkable gem when you consider that large rubies are rarer than diamonds, emeralds or sapphires.

During the middle ages, philosophers wrote that ruby would preserve health, remove evil thoughts and reconcile disputes. More famous are the gem’s associations with royalty and power. Rubies take pride of place in the world’s most fabulous collections, including the British Crown jewels. Africa produces fine rubies from Kenya and Tanzania.

Ruby is the birthstone for July and signifies freedom. It marks a 40th or ruby wedding anniversary and aligns with the Star Signs Cancer & Taurus.

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August - Peridot

If fire appears to leap from the vibrant green surface of the Peridot, this may be because this gem is formed as a result of volcanic activity.

Throughout history, Peridot has been used as a means to connect with nature. Early Egyptian priests drank a stimulating beverage called Soma from cups made of Peridot, believing that this practice would draw them closer to Isis, the goddess of nature. The name Peridot comes from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning gem. Ancient Egyptians called them the "gem of the sun," because of their dazzling brilliance when seen in the desert sun.

The green crystal was ground to powder and used as a remedy for asthma and as a cure for thirst brought on by fever. Today, Peridot is mined in Burma, Norway, Brazil, Australia, Hawaii, the Congo and in Arizona.

Peridot is the birthstone for August and signifies strength, both individual and within a relationship, as well as the promise of new growth and vitality.

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September - Sapphire

Sapphire is renowned for its magnificent cornflower blue, and has long been treasured alongside the most precious of gems.

The name sapphire comes from the ancient Greek word “sapphirus” meaning blue and although blue remains the signature colour for this beautiful gem, fancy sapphires are found in a rainbow of colours ranging from blue, pink, pink-orange, yellow and green, through to white and mauve.

Sapphire has a rich and fabled history dating back to the 7th century BC. Over the ages sapphires have been the passion of queens, sultans and emperors. This gem also features in the British Crown Jewels, in particular the famous St. Edwards and Stuart sapphires. The world’s largest faceted blue sapphire is the 423-carat Logan Sapphire mined in Sri Lanka. In Africa, sapphires are found in Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania. Sapphire is said to expand psychic awareness and be the guardian of love.

Sapphire is the birthstone for September and signifies truth. Blue Sapphire marks a 15th wedding anniversary, fancy sapphire a 30th and golden sapphire a 50th.

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October - Tourmaline or the alternative is Opal

Strangely, tourmaline was only first identified as a mineral group from a parcel of stones sent to Holland in 1703. It was simply labelled “turmali” – Sri Lankan for mixed precious stones. Then in 1876 a young geologist presented Tiffany and Co with what he called a “drop of green light” - the beginnings of a landmark collection of tourmaline jewellery by the famous company.

In addition to the distinctive green, tourmaline can also display striking pinks, blues, purples, and reds. In fact, the once famous “Catherine the Great Ruby” turned out to be a beautiful red tourmaline. Africa is rich in tourmaline with sources in Nigeria, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia.

Tourmaline is the birthstone for October and is said to symbolise wealth, friendship and love.

Opals are said to reflect all of Nature’s splendour – fire, lightening and all the colours of the rainbow. A large portion of fine opals come from the dry and remote outback deserts of Australia. Tales and legends abound with stories around this colourful gemstone that traces back to the ancient dreamtime of the Australian aborigines. Legend has it that the creator came down to Earth on a rainbow, in order to bring the message of peace to all humans. At the very spot where his foot touched the ground, the stones became alive and started sparkling with all the colours of the rainbow – the birth of the opals.

Opal is believed to solve depression and to help its wearer find true and real love, this alternative birthstone for October, stands for hope.

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November - Citrine

The typical golden yellow colour of this fine gem gives rise to its name, derived from “citron”, the French word for lemon.

The use of citrine as a gem can be traced back to the Hellenistic age of Ancient Greece. During the 19th century, citrine found increasing popularity with a notable collection created by the famous Cartier jewellers. During this era, the stone became known as Brazilian Topaz, yellow citrine being used in copies of more expensive topaz jewellery.

Some of the world’s finest citrine is now found in Africa, produced by Madagascar and Zambia. Citrine has been called the “stone of the mind” due to a mystic belief that placing the stone on the forehead can enhance psychic powers. It also said to aid sleep and banish nightmares.

Citrine is the birthstone for November and is said to symbolise individuality, confidence and renewed determination. Citrine is aligned to the Star Signs Scorpio & Sagittarius.

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December - Tanzanite or the alternative is Turquoise

Tanzanite, only recently discovered, is 1000 times rarer than the diamond as it is only found in the foothills of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Resources are limited and may well be depleted in a few decades. Small wonder then that Tanzanite has become a much cherished and sought after gemstone. With a symphony of exquisite hues of royal blue, lilac and periwinkle and a supply of the gemstones likely to last just a single generation, Tanzanite has captured the imagination of the world and earned its rightful place next to diamonds as a must-have gemstone.

Since the discovery of Tanzanite, a new tradition has evolved whereby Maasai chiefs give Tanzanite to their wives on the birth of a baby. The gift of Tanzanite at birth uniquely symbolises new beginnings and pays tribute to those who have shown the greatest of loves by becoming a parent. In November 2002 Tanzanite was named the December birthstone, the only stone to be added to the birth- stone list since 1912.

An original birthstone for December is Turquoise. Turquoise was one of the first gems to be used in jewellery and was considered by ancients to be a sacred stone, protective against all manners of evil and ill health.

A gift of Turquoise represents friendship and luck. A sacred stone for thousands of years, turquoise has been appreciated as a holy stone, talisman, and a good-luck-charm. The excavation of Egyptian tombs from approximately 3,000 B.C. holds the oldest living proof of man's interest in turquoise, where the gemstone was found decorating artefacts that were buried with the dead. When the tomb of Queen Zer was unearthed in 1900, a turquoise and gold bracelet was found on her wrist, one of the oldest pieces of jewellery ever discovered.

Used as the traveller’s aid for centuries, turquoise is believed to protect riders and horses from falls. Today the beautiful stone is considered a good luck "charm" for aviators, flight staff and other professionals who need to ward off accidents.

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