Birthstones

Precious and semi-precious gems linked to birthdays date as far back as 15th century. Unlike today, early birthstones were linked to signs of Zodiac instead of to calendar months. Almost everyone appreciates a birthstone, and it shows that you actually put some thought into gift. Many people believe that wearing their birthstone protects them and brings them good luck. When giving a birthstone as a gift, think beyond rings to bracelets, pendants, earrings, pins and chokers.

The chart below contains official modern birthstones, as established in 1912 by National Association of Jewelers. Some birthstones have many legends associated with them; you'll find a brief summary below. This official list applies only to United States. Several other birthstone lists exist, such as mystical birthstones, which originated in Tibet and Ayurvedic birthstones, which originated in India.

Month Birthstone

January Garnet -Associated with blood, garnet provides victory, protection from injury and health and brings constancy

February Amethyst -Said to have been worn by St. Valentine, amethyst signifies spirituality and sincerity

March Aquamarine -The stone of serenity and courage, also associated with water

April Diamond -Banishes evil, promotes goodness, improves financial situations - world's favorite precious gem also signifies pure and eternal love, innocence

May Emerald -Brings harmony, stone of life and renewal, love and success

June Pearl -Purity, chastity and modesty, health and longevity

July Ruby -Devotion, integrity and success - contentment

August Peridot -Dignity, success and fame – married happiness

SeptemberSapphire -Clears mind and brings prosperity and clear thinking

OctoberOpal -Happiness, beauty, love, magic - hope

NovemberTopaz -Brings wisdom and strength of mind, fidelity

DecemberTurquoise -Good fortune and prosperity

Enclose a card with gift explaining meaning of birthstone. While most people know their birthstone, few know significance attached to it.

If you want to give jewelry as a gift, but you’re at a loss for what to give, pearls and birthstones provide two safe options that are sure to please and make a lasting impression.

Time was of essence at this point not only because I was now rapidly progressing toward horse pasture below me, but also because centrifugal force I was starting to experience would soon make it impossible to get my hands to those two handles.

With my hands now securely on handles, I was confronted with a bothersome question, "Now, which one goes first." The wrong order could cause my reserve parachute to deploy into my spinning main parachute which would result in an incurable entanglement.

Fortunately, ingrained training once again took over and I pulled them in right order. First handle on right side which released me from my spinning main parachute followed by handle on left side to deploy my reserve parachute.

This brought on a wonderful experience. My malfunctioning black, teal and magenta canopy was replaced with a bright, yellow never before used reserve parachute. What a lovely sight! And all this by 1,700 feet - plenty of time to spare.

Many years ago, I read a book about challenges and responsibilities of Secret Service agents. One of sad aspects of that profession is that agents who never have chance to validate their years of training by responding to a threat sometimes struggle severely in retirement. They are faced with not knowing - with certainty - how they would respond when faced with paramount challenge their career can deliver. For this reason, agents who have faced such a challenge successfully are admired within culture of Service.

That Saturday morning, I had privilege of facing a similar, life-threatening and I now realize life-defining challenge. I faced what Secret Service agents call "the dragon."

For all of us greater dragon is not external threat, whether it be an assassin's bullet, unforgiving and fast approaching earth or another challenge. The real dragon is self-doubt we carry within us.

For those few splendid moments after landing safely, I was able to put my foot firmly on neck of dragon ... and it felt great.

Keep this in mind next time you are confronted with adversity. On far side of experiences adversity presents, there could be a valuble gift - a renewed confidence and certainty.

(c) 2005, Jim McCormick

Permission to publish or post this article is granted provided copyright is attributed to Jim McCormick and above information about author is included in its entirety.