Tanzanite, December’s birthstone, is found in the shadows of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the only commercial source for the gemstone.

Tanzanite is trichroic; it shows different colors when viewed in different directions. One direction is blue, another purple and another burgundy.

In 1967, an Indian tailor prospecting for gems as a hobby discovered the beautiful gemstone. It was eventually named tanzanite in honor of its country of origin. The gem is often described as “velvety,” mostly because of its deep and saturated color, which ranges from a pure rich blue to strong violet with the blue considered most valuable.

6.88-carat tanzanite platinum and diamond ring. Courtesy of Richard Krementz Gemstones.

Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, and is trichroic, which means it shows three different colors depending on how you look at it. Viewed from one direction the stone is blue, from another, purple, and another, burgundy. December’s birthstone is said to provide balance when worn.

Winner of the 2007 Tanzanite Foundation’s “Be Born to Tanzanite,” the “Flowerfly” necklace prominently features 2-trilliant cut tanzanites set in gold and platinum. Courtesy of Zoltan David.

Check out tanzanite in the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at the GIA Carlsbad campus. Schedule a free tour 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.

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Turquoise, the December birthstone, has a distinct blue or greenish-blue color because it contains copper, and is most commonly found in China and the U.S. southwestern states Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada.

Turquoise contains copper, which is the source of its blue or greenish-blue color.

Many minerals, such as variscite, naturally resemble turquoise and other minerals can be dyed to imitate it.

Turquoise necklace with three nymph-like faces in the center medallion. Accents in gold/pink baroque freshwater cultured pearls.

In European tradition, the gift of a turquoise ring means, “forget me not.” Turquoise is the national gem of Tibet, where it is considered to grant health, good fortune and protection from evil. December’s birthstone also imparts peace to those who wear it.

Turquoise “Neptune” carving. Gift of Roben and Vergie Hagobian.

Check out turquoise in the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at the GIA Carlsbad campus. Schedule a free tour 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.

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Topaz, November’s birthstone, is a mineral species that naturally occurs in a range of color, including various reds, pinks, purples, yellows, oranges, browns, and more rarely, pale blue. Topaz in yellow and reddish brown are commonly heated to create more desirable pink gems.

(left to right); 9.21 carat colorless octagon topaz, 15.01 carat light blue octagon topaz, 18.41 carat rose red octagon topaz, and 12.54 carat orange red baguette topaz.

Due to its extreme rarity in nature, the vast majority of blue topaz on the market also originate from gems that have been irradiated and heated.

Topaz is widely known for its golden color but can also be found in blue and pink.

The name of this gemstone is likely derived from the island of Topazos, in the Red Sea, where Romans found yellowish gems. Ancient Egyptians said the getmstone was colored with the golden glow of the mighty sun god Ra, giving it the power to protect the faithful against harm. Perhaps because it is the color of gold, November’s birthstone is believed to bring prosperity when worn.

Edwardian corsage ornament in pink topaz and diamonds set in platinum. Donated to collection by Stephen and Eileen Silver, S.H. Silver Co.

Check out topaz the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at the GIA Carlsbad campus. Schedule a free tour 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.

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November’s birthstone, citrine, comes in the colors of citrus fruits, ranging from deep reddish orange, reminiscent of Madeira wines, to pale and saturated yellow hues. In fact, its name is derived from the French word “citron,” which means “lemon.” Citrine’s optimistic colors bring to mind the warmth of mid-day sunshine.

With its name originating from the French term for lemon, citron, November’s birthstone citrine can have a juicy “lemon” color

Brazil is its main source for this gemstone, but the gemstone is also found in many African countries such as Zambia, Namibia and Madagascar. In ancient times, citrine was carried as protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. It is also believed citrine may heighten awareness.

“Kaleidoscope” brooch with an 84.00-carat navette cabochon cut citrine set in 18k yellow gold. Gift of Christoph Krahenmann.

Check out citrine in the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at the GIA Carlsbad campus. Schedule a free tour 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.

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Tourmaline, the October birthstone, comes in almost every color of the rainbow. The most popular varieties range from rich reds, pinks and peach colors, to emerald greens and yellows, to blues and violets. Tourmaline gems grow in elongated crystals, so most are cut into long rectangular shapes known as “emerald cuts.” “Bi-color” and “Parti-colored” exhibit two or more colors in a single gem, such as watermelon (green on the outside and pink inside) and liddicoatite.

Tourmaline gems grow in elongated crystals, so are most often cut into long rectangular shapes known as “emerald cuts.”

Paraíba tourmaline, named after the place where it was first found in Brazil, is a vividly saturated green to blue or violet copper-bearing elbaite tourmaline. Rubellite refers to vivid pink to red elbaite tourmaline. Indicolite refers to the blue variety. Chrome tourmaline refers to vibrant green tourmaline.

5.31-carat rubellite tourmaline ring with diamonds set in platinum. Courtesy of Richard Krementz Gemstones.

Not surprisingly, this gemstone’s name is derived from the Sinhalese word “turmali,” which means “mixed colors.” Perhaps this is why ancient mystics believed tourmaline could encourage artistic intuition; it has the palette to express every mood. Wearing October’s birthstone is believed to bring strength.

Tourmaline’s name comes from the Sinhalese word turmali, which means “mixed,”. Tourmaline comes in more combinations of colors than any other gemstone variety found in nature.

Check out tourmaline in the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at the GIA Carlsbad campus. Schedule a free tour 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.

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Opal, October’s birthstone, is a captivating gemstone because of its unique optical characteristics. Opals often exhibit a spectrum of colors called “play-of-color,” which is when viewed from various directions. The Roman naturalist, Pliny the Elder, referred to opal’s play-of-color in the 1st century AD when he wrote: “For in them you shall see the living fire of ruby, the glorious purple of the amethyst, the sea-green of the emerald, all glittering together in an incredible mixture of light.”

This 67.81-carat carved opal from Brazil looks to be glowing from within.

When set against a dark background, the stone is known as “black opal” and is considered rare and very valuable. The more commonly found “white opal” has a light background. Australia produces 95 percent of the world’s fine opal.

The “Sandia Sunset” brooch/pendant has a spectacular 6.18-carat opal from Lightning Ridge, Australia surrounded by garnets, red spinel, Sri Lanka sapphire and eight round diamonds. Gift of Paula Crevoshay

Treasured in the Middle Ages, the opal was called ophthalmios, or eye stone, due to a widespread belief that it was beneficial to eyesight. Some even thought the opal’s effect on sight could render the wearer invisible. Today, October’s birthstone represents hope.

Valued for its shifting play of color, opal’s rainbow hues offer the colors of all the other gems combined.

Check out opal in the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at the GIA Carlsbad campus. Schedule a free tour 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.

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September’s birthstone, the sapphire, is known for its various shades of blue, however, these gemstones come in every color of the rainbow. A red sapphire is actually a ruby, the September gem’s sibling. Both of these gems are made from the durable mineral corundum. The rare pink orange variety known as padparadscha is especially prized, named after the color of a lotus flower.

Sapphire comes in every color of the rainbow, except red. A red sapphire is actually a ruby, sapphire’s gem sibling.

These gemstones are faceted in all shapes. Star and cat’s eye, two of the varieties sporting unique optical characteristics, are fashioned as cabochons, a domed or elliptical shape meant to showcase its rare optical phenomena. Other sapphires change color in different types of light, but these special stones are considered to be collector’s gems.

The Vagabonde Bleue Ring is set in silver and features 618 diamonds and a 12.46-carat cushion cut blue sapphire center stone. Copyright Fabergé Ltd.

The ancient Persians believed the earth actually rested on a giant sapphire, which made the sky blue. This beautiful gemstone is associated with fidelity and the soul, believed in ancient times to be a pledge of loyalty.

Give her your heart, the moon and the stars with these pavé diamond heart, hammered and satin finished half moon earrings with 26 multi-colored hand-cut sapphire stars.

Check out sapphire in the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at the GIA Carlsbad campus. Schedule a free tour 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.

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Peridot, the August birthstone, is the gem variety of the mineral olivine. Instantly recognizable with its distinctive lime green color, peridot is known as the “extreme” gem because it is only found in harsh conditions. It is mined from rocks created by volcanoes and even found in meteorites that fall to Earth.

This 10.89-carat peridot and diamond platinum ring is reminiscent of a summer meadow.

The ancient source of this gemstone is from a tiny island in the Red Sea known as Zabargad, with the first written mention dating to 300 BC.

Peridot is only found in green, due to the iron that is part of the gemstone’s structure.

The Romans called peridot “evening emerald” since its green color did not darken at night but was still visible by lamplight. Peridot symbolizes purity, it’s thought to protect its wearers from evil spirits, and is said to strengthen the power of any medicine.

This 23.05-total carat weight necklace elegantly displays peridot, green tourmaline, tsavorite garnets and pearls

Check out peridot in the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at the GIA Carlsbad campus. Schedule a free tour 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.

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Ruby, July’s birthstone, has been esteemed since ancient times, even mentioned in the Bible as one of the gems used to represent one of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Platinum and 34-ruby Tiffany & Co. line bracelet, circa 1930.

Ruby is derived from the Latin word “ruber,” meaning “red” – the color of passion. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called “ratnaraj,” or “king of gems.”

The most sought after color for rubies is a deep, pure, vivid red to slightly purplish red.

Kings and queens have long enjoyed this rare gem, and rubies are amply represented in royal regalia. Burmese warriors also wore rubies to give them strength and courage in battle. This birthstone remains one of the most popular gems in history and is considered a source of harmony.

Worn by Miss California 2007, the upper section and chain has 89 small round diamonds. The lower section is set with 10 rubies, 1 oval diamond, 1 triangular diamond and 2 round diamonds. (Gift of INTAGEMS)

Check out ruby in the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at the GIA Carlsbad campus. Schedule a free tour 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.

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Most gems form within the Earth, but June’s birthstone, pearl, is unique because it is formed in the soft tissue of a living mollusk. Natural pearls are rare; most are cultured by implanting a bead into the mollusk and letting the mollusk coat the bead with nacre for up to two years before the pearl is harvested. Pearls come in an array of colors, with white and cream being most common, then black and gray.

Pink sapphire and diamonds complement the exotic color of this metallic cultured pearl ring. (Photo courtesy of Blaire Beavers, Ring courtesy Takayas Mizuno.)

Pearl culturing began in the early 1900s. Cultured pearls are divided into freshwater and saltwater varieties, and are cultured in pearl farms around the world.

The most familiar pearl colors are white and cream, but pearl colors can extend to virtually every hue.

There are many ancient myths associated with pearls. Ancient Greeks believed that Aphrodite, the goddess of sensuality and beauty, adored the beauty of pearls, and the Chinese believed there was a link between the moon and a pearl’s soft glow. Wearing pearls is believed to bring mental clarity.

“The Peaceful Horizon” is made up of the golden mabé pearl necklace, earrings and ring.

Check out pearl in the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at the GIA Carlsbad campus. Schedule a free tour 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.

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