The power of your birthstone

MANILA, Philippines - I am often asked, when being interviewed, about what a woman should first have when beginning to collect jewelry. My sisters and I agree that it should be pearl earrings, a pearl necklace, diamond studs and a good watch.

But to me, the most important piece a beginner should first invest in, other than what I mentioned above, is her birthstone, whether it be a ring, pendant or earrings.

When I was old enough to buy my own jewelry, I immediately looked around for a nice ruby ring because I am July-born. My mom, Jul B. Dizon, wore her ruby ring all the time as well, which led me to ask her one day why she never changed rings. She told me that wearing your birthstone gives off a certain kind of power, calmness and safety especially when it touches the skin of the wearer.

Adding a little bit of science to this theory will show you just what my mom meant.

Earth and all the other planets move around their orbits at different speeds. During a particular month, a planet is further away from the earth than all the others. Each planet emits a particular color that is absorbed by the earth’s surface from time to time. With each month that passes by, it is said that these planets move farther and farther from the earth. The planets are then too far away to reflect their respective colors during that month, hence causing a deficit of each of its hues for that period.

Therefore if you were born during a month when this particular planet is too far away from the earth and this planet emits the color red, you will have a deficiency of this color in your being. Hence, this is the color that forms your birthstone. Astrologers often state that it is lucky for one to wear his birthstone to receive the vibrations that the planet gives off which can be beneficial to the wearer.

Wearing your birthstone not only gives you the cosmic color that you require, but also enhances an umbrella kind of effect, bringing in positivity. Gemstones are also known to have certain healing properties, the effects of which are sometimes truly amazing.

Now, wearing something other than your birthstone may also give off certain healing properties. If you can, collect the stones that you believe fit with your lifestyle and color preference. As an added bonus, the vibration from each stone may eventually make you a healthier, happier and more peaceful person.

January: Garnet

For those of you who celebrate their birthdays in January, the traditional birthstone is garnet. Garnet is associated with purity, truth, faithfulness and awareness. This red stone helps a person in the area of commitment, awareness, regeneration, insight and removing negativity. Garnets are also believed to heal health problems related to blood, heart and lungs. The zodiac sign of Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 21) also responds well to onyx, ruby, turquoise, blue topaz and lapis lazuli. According to Hindu gemology, ruby is the traditional January birthstone. The intense deep red of this stone is infamously known to enhance sensuality and sexuality, too.

February: Amethyst

Some of the properties associated with amethyst include stability, peace, balance, courage, internal strength, sincerity and a calm disposition. Its healing properties are quite well known and effective in treating health problems relating to the withdrawal symptoms of any sort of addiction, headaches, insomnia, arthritis, pain relief, circulatory system problems and general healing. With reference to its Greek name, amethyst is also considered a sobriety stone, believed to prevent drunkenness and treat alcoholism and other types of addictions. Hence, it acts as a stabilizing force for those trying to overcome addictive behaviors.

March: Aquamarine

The aquamarine was said to be a lucky stone for sailors, since it ensured a safe journey by water. This stone was also supposed to renew married love. It was also believed that this stone ensured a long and happy married life. The Egyptians, the Romans and the Greeks placed great value on the powers of this stone. They said that the stone invoked the water spirits, ensuring the safe journey by sea. This stone is considered to be a symbol of everlasting youth and therefore was quite prized. It was also said to contain magical and healing properties. Soothsayers and fortunetellers used this stone as the source of their power. The stone is said to cause good sleep and cure eye trouble. Since the aquamarine resembles the ocean, it was said to give the wearer a purity of body and spirit.

April: Diamond

Diamonds were also considered to be protection against evil, and they are supposed to bring the wearer happiness and wealth. The ancient Greeks also considered diamonds to be protection against evil and poison. Usually a diamond suits most people, but then there are always exceptions to the rule. Therefore it is suggested that one wear a diamond after proper consultation with an astrologer.

May: Emerald

Emerald gemstones are also said to give its wearer the gift of good eyesight and intellect. Some also say that emerald gems can be used to treat poison. It can also be used as treatment for dysentery as it has laxative properties. Due to its green color, an emerald stone is quite pleasant to look at and provides relief to those who spend their time with a lot of precision work that may be taxing on the eyes. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why several artisans and craftsmen keep an emerald close by while they are working and stare at it to soothe their eyes.

Emerald stones are also said to cure headaches, soothe fears and irritations and prevent attacks of epilepsy. Just place the emerald stone on the forehead for a few minutes and see the effect.

June: Pearl

The traditional birthstone for the people who are born in the month of June is the pearl. According to some myths, pearls are actually dewdrops that fell into the sea from the heavens. Pearl is a stone that is associated with properties such as friendship, loyalty, commitment and faithfulness. It is also is known to signify purity, modesty and chastity. It is because of the positive properties of this birthstone that it is said the person who wears it benefits by enhancing their personal integrity. Wearing a pearl has a positive effect on one’s health as well. It is believed that a pearl has healing powers and is very useful to treat ailments of the heart, stomach, spleen and intestines. Wearing pearl is especially known to cure ulcers.

July: Ruby

The vibrant and luminescent ruby is known as the “King of Gemstones,” both for its rarity as well as its beauty. Due to its bright red color, it is held in high esteem as a symbol of love, strength, power and luck. The ruby has been the gem of the brave and the royal throughout the ages. It was worn by kings to give them power and protect them from evil. Rubies also have the property of turning deeper in color, and this was believed by some to indicate danger or misfortune. Ancient civilizations believed that these stones had magical and mystical powers that could bring health and good fortune to the wearer.

August: Peridot

Peridot is associated with good luck, good health and peace. It enhances prosperity and growth. Peridot also symbolizes strength, faithfulness and truth. Fame, dignity and love are also the properties associated with peridot. Peridot is believed to have the power that helps to repel evil spirits and also overcome nightmares. In ancient times, the force of nature was believed to be present in peridot. The ancient Egyptian priests used peridot cups, so that they could be closer to the goddess of nature.

September: Sapphire

Blue is the most prominent and popular color of sapphire. It is reminiscent of a cloudless night sky. The color blue is associated with trust, loyalty, wisdom, faith and under-standing. These are also believed to be the significant properties of sapphire. Sapphire, the September birthstone, is said to completely lack all effervescent qualities. Sapphire is associated with physical and emotional balance. Attributes like wisdom, purity and sympathy are linked with sapphire. Sapphire also stands for qualities required in a healthy relationship, like loyalty, faithfulness, truth, sincerity, constancy and reliability. Therefore, it signifies long-term relationships. Sapphire also said to inspire clarity of thoughts and improve problem-solving capacity. It is said to protect the possessor from evil thoughts. In ancient times, sapphire was used to perceive future. Hence it is also believed that sapphire strengthens the power of intuition.

October: Opal

Opal, being the October birthstone, is recommended mostly to only those born in this month. It is believed to conduct energies of the planet Venus, the ruling planet of Libra. Opal is considered to strengthen eyesight. Innocence, purity and hope are the significant properties of opal. Opal has protective powers to ward off evil and nightmares. Qualities like confidence, happiness, loyalty and faithfulness are generated in the wearer. Opal radiates powerful positive energy and helps in dispelling fear. It also enhances dreams, insights and imagination. It is well known for its healing powers relating to eye problems.

November: Topaz

Topaz is the traditional stone for the month of November. Found in the shades of yellow and brown, this stone is known to bless the wearer with constancy, loyalty, faithfulness, friendship, strength, releasing tension and balancing emotions. This birthstone is associated with sanity, asthma, gout, blood disorders, tuberculosis and insomnia. The stone is also known to bring about spiritual rejuvenation and happiness. Those born under the sign of Scorpio (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) respond well to beryl, amethyst, aquamarine, tourmaline and opal.

December: Turquoise

Turquoise is one of the oldest opaque minerals. It is available in hues ranging from sky blue to gray green. The soothing color of Turquoise makes it appear extremely attractive and sensuous. In ancient culture, turquoise was known as a symbol of wealth. Even today, turquoise is gifted or brought for fortuity and wealth. It is also said to be an epitome of strength and protector from physical and psychic sensitivity.