Garnet is the accepted birthstone for January and the anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage. When most people think of garnet, they picture the dark red bohemian garnet that was popular in Victorian times.

You may be surprised to learn that garnets are found in every color except blue, including brilliant green tsavorite garnet, raspberry pink rhodolite garnet, and orange malaya garnet. Legend holds that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for illumination.

Amethyst is the recognized birthstone for February and the accepted anniversary gemstone for the sixth year of marriage. Amethyst is a variety of quartz, and comes in pale lilac to rich, deep purple shades.

Coupled with the folk legend of the Greeks that it will prevent intoxication when worn, it becomes a most desirable gem! Amethyst was said to have a sobering effect on the wearer. Because royalty has always adored the color purple, amethysts abound in the British Crown Jewels.

Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for March and the anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage. The ideal color is a refreshing pastel sea blue.

In ancient times, the stone was said to aid seafarers; thus it is an excellent gift suggestion for sailors! To dream of aquamarine signifies the making of new friends; to wear aquamarine earrings brings love and affection. It is a universal symbol of youth, hope and health.

Diamond is the birthstone for April and the accepted anniversary gem for the 10th and 60th years of marriage. The name "diamond" comes from the Greek word "adamas" meaning unconquerable—suggesting the eternity of love.

Discovered about 2,500 years ago in India, the ancients believed they were splinters from the stars, perhaps crystallized lightning or hardened dew drops. Even though it is the most durable of gemstones, care should be taken to protect a diamond from sharp blows.

Emerald is the birthstone for May and the anniversary gemstone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage. Emerald is one of the most highly-prized of all the gems. The most prized is pure grass green.

Emeralds are often characterized by a garden of included crystals trapped within, known as the "jardin." According to legend, wearing emerald not only cured a wide range of ailments but also enabled the wearer to predict the future.

Pearl is the birthstone for June and the anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage. A pearl is the product of an oyster's defense mechanism—when a foreign irritant is introduced, the oyster surrounds it with layers of nacre.

Pearls come in a wide range of colors and should be relatively free from skin blemishes. They have been recognized as the emblem of modesty, chastity and purity, and have come to symbolize a happy marriage.

Ruby is the accepted birthstone for July and the anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th year. Ruby is known as the "Lord of the Gems" because of its rarity and beauty.

The finest color is a vivid, almost pure spectral red with a very faint undertone of blue, as seen in Burmese rubies. The highest quality rubies are said to protect their owners from all kinds of misfortune. Many believed rubies possessed an inner flame which burned eternally.

Peridot is the accepted birthstone for August and the anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage. Peridot should be a lively lime green, without a brownish or olive cast.

Peridot is the child of volcanic action. Peridots were favored by pirates, considered powerful amulets against all evil, and when set in gold, were said to protect the wearer from the terrors of the night.

Sapphire is the September birthstone and the anniversary gem for the 5th and 45th years of marriage. Sapphire comes in all colors except red, but is especially popular in deep blue.

Prince Charles chose a blue sapphire for Princess Diana's engagement ring. Ancient priests and sorcerers honored sapphire above all gems, for this stone enabled them to interpret oracles and foretell the future.

Opal is the October birthstone and the anniversary gemstone for the 14th year of marriage. The Roman naturalist Pliny described opal as "made up of the glories of the most precious gems."

Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages. In the Middle Ages, young, fair-haired girls wore opals in their hair to protect its lovely blond color. Medieval writers believed opal could render its wearer invisible when the need arose.

Topaz is the accepted birthstone for November. Most people think of topaz as a transparent golden yellow gemstone, but it occurs in orange-yellow, red, honey-brown, light green, blue and pink.

The name topaz is derived from the Greek word meaning "to shine" and also implies "fire." The lore, magic and romance of topaz goes back many thousands of years. It holds the distinction of being the gemstone with the widest range of curative powers.

Turquoise is the accepted birthstone for December. Colors range from sky blue (most desirable) to blue green and apple green. The name means "Turkish stone" because the trade route that brought it to Europe used to come via Turkey.

During the 16th century turquoise was used as currency by the Southwest Indians. They believed the gemstone could bring spoils to the warrior, animals to the hunter, and happiness and good fortune to all.