Precious and semiprecious gemstones have been given for centuries as ways to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. They are even considered charms and amulets with mystical properties by some. Besides being beautiful in jewelry and in their own rights, gems can also be good investments, especially when held over the long term.
Winter Birthstones and Traditions
Winter birthstones include Blue Topaz, Turquoise and Tanzanite for December; Garnet for January, Amethyst for February; and Aquamarine for March. But the choices don’t end there.
Believers in astrology have stones associated with sun signs and planets. Followers of Ayurvedic medicine have birthstones that vary somewhat from modern western stones. A thousand-year-old Tibetan book lists mystical birthstones said to help people overcome obstacles associated with their birth month, and some mystics attribute healing properties to stones. The charts below show the gemstones associated with winter months in various traditions.
| Tradition | |||||
| Month | Modern Birthstones | Historical Birthstones | Mystical Stones | Ayurvedic Stones | Ancient Birthstones |
| December | Blue Topaz, Turquoise, Tanzanite | Zircon, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli | Onyx | Ruby | Ruby, Bloodstone |
| January | Garnet | Garnet | Emerald | Garnet | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst | Bloodstone | Amethyst | Amethyst, Hyacinth Pearl |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone | Jade | Bloodstone | Bloodstone, Jasper |
| Astrology Sign | Zodiac Stones | Planet Stone | Charmed Stones |
| Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) |
Agate, Garnet, Ruby | Lapis Lazuli | Ruby |
| Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) |
Amethyst, Garnet, Moss Agate, Opal | Turquoise | Garnet, Hyacinth Peart |
| Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) |
Amethyst, Bloodstone, Rock Crystal, Sapphire | Aquamarine | Amethyst |
| Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) |
Bloodstone, Diamond | Jasper | Bloodstone, Diamond, Jasper |
Stones for Special Occasions
As you can see, there are many choices of gemstones to commemorate special occasions. The Great American Coin Company® has nearly as many ways for you to get the stones you want. We have mixed loose stones as well as natural and blue sapphires, rubies, emeralds and mixed combinations of diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. For even more variety, we have estate collections that include coins and precious metals along with assorted gemstones.
So whether you’re looking for gemstones to use in custom jewelry or as collectibles, The Great American Coin Company® is your source for great deals on precious and semiprecious stones.
Gemstones are just one of many collectible and investment-grade items offered by The Great American Coin Company. Other items include U.S. coins and paper currency as well as currency from around the world. Browse our collections and you’ll like what you see!
Gary Dyner is the owner of Great American Coin Company. Connect with him on Google+.