Birthstones

The May birthstone, also the gem for the 20^th and 35^th wedding anniversaries, is a beautiful, rich green and symbolizes rebirth, renewal, loyalty and peace. The emerald was adored by the ancient Egyptians who mined them as early as 330 BC. Queen Cleopatra had a passion for emerald and claimed ownership of all emerald mines in Egypt during her reign. Egyptians also used the gem in jewelry and in their burials as a symbol of protection.

Colombia has been the source for emeralds for more than 500 years and are the standard by which all other emeralds are measured. Emeralds are also found in Brazil and Africa. Emeralds range from bluish green to green to slightly yellowish in color. Only stones with a rich color are considered emeralds, as those with a light tone are called green beryl.

With spring and plants and trees coming to life, making our yards and forests lush and green, it feels appropriate that the emerald is the birthstone of May. Stop by Bridgewaters to find your perfect piece of emerald jewelry!

Beautiful, durable, the April birthstone and the 60^th and 75^th anniversary gift, diamonds are the most sought after of all the gems. It all began in India where diamonds were gathered from rivers and streams. They were traded as early as the 4^th century BC and coveted by royalty and the wealthy.

India’s diamond supply began to dwindle in the early 1700s and Brazil became the dominant market for the next 150+ years. The modern diamond market took off in the late 1860s with the discovery of diamonds in South Africa. By 1900 De Beers controlled 90% of the world production of rough diamonds.

The largest diamond ever found at 3,106 carats was discovered in 1905. It was cut into the 530 carat Cullinan I diamond which is also known as the Great Star of Africa. This pear-shaped diamond is set in the Royal Sceptre with Cross and is part of the English Crown Jewels.

Diamonds are thought to be a symbol of clarity and strength. Ancient people thought lightning bolts formed diamonds, while others thought diamonds were the tears of god. Whatever you believe, diamonds certainly have captured the hearts of many. Share pictures of your favorite diamond jewelry on Bridgewaters Facebook page.

The March birthstone, aquamarine, symbolizes the purity of spirit and soul and helps to protect one’s well-being. The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin for water of the sea and it color ranges from light blue to dark blue and even blue-green. Ancient Roman fishermen used it as protection and safe travel by boat and luck in catching fish.

The largest single piece of cut and polished aquamarine resides at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. The stone, named the Dom Pedro after Brazil’s first two emperors, is shaped into an obelisk and stands 14 inches tall, 4 inches across the base and weighs 10,363 carats (which is 4.6 pounds!). It was created with a pattern of tapering negative cuts which reflect the light within the gem. With proper lighting, the obelisk appears to be illuminated from within.

Aquamarine is also the gift for the 19^th wedding anniversary. Stop by Bridgewaters to find the perfect gift or a dazzling addition to your own gem collection.

Amethyst – Stone of Royalty

For those lucky enough to be born in February, your birthstone is the amethyst, a purple quartz, which comes in hues from lilac to deep purple. Its name derives from the Greek amethystos which means “a remedy against drunkenness” because the Greeks associated its wine-like color with Bacchus, the god of wine. Amethyst was believed to keep the wearer clear-headed and quick witted in battle and business.

In addition to the beliefs of the ancient Greeks, English royalty and clergy wore it as a symbol of royalty or as a symbol of Christ. It was held in the same regard as diamonds until more abundant supplies were found around the world. In true connection to the month, historical accounts held that St Valentine had an amethyst ring carved with an image of Cupid.

Amethyst is also the stone for both the sixth and 17^th wedding anniversary. There are so many reasons to add this gem to your collection! Stop by Bridgewaters to see the beauty of this purple stone.

Those born in January have garnet as their gemstone. The name originates from medieval Latin granatus, meaning pomegranate. Garnets have been popular since the Bronze Age. The Pharaohs of Egypt wore necklaces with red garnets while the ancient Romans used garnet intaglios to stamp wax to secure important documents. In the Middle Ages, garnets were popular with the clergy and nobility.

While garnet comes in many colors, the most well-known is the pyrope garnet which is usually deep red (from the Greek pyrōpros, which means “fiery-eyed”). The most famous garnet jewelry is the Antique Pyrope Hair Comb which is part of the Smithsonian collection. The hair comb was created in the Victorian Era and all of the garnets are rose cut which was very popular during this period. The hair comb features a large garnet at the crest, surrounded by smaller garnets.

Garnet is very durable and comes in a variety of colors. Stop by Bridgewaters to find your perfect piece!

Have you ever wondered when and why engagement rings came to be? Well, it goes all the way back to the ancient Egyptians who believed circles were symbols of eternity. Couples exchanged braided reed rings which were worn on the left hand ring finger which has a vein that runs directly to the heart (the Vena amoris). Later, ancient Roman grooms would give their betrothed a gold ring to wear during the betrothal ceremony and at special events, then gave an iron ring to wear at home. The iron ring symbolized the bride’s legal agreement to the groom’s ownership of her. Not as romantic as our current traditions for sure!

The first use of diamonds in an engagement ring was in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy, setting a precedent for European nobility who added gems to their jewelry. Diamond engagement rings didn’t become popular until De Beers launched an advertising campaign with the slogan “A diamond is forever” in 1947.

According to a survey completed in 2021, the solitaire remains the most popular setting with the halo as second most popular. Diamonds continue to be the most popular stone with more than 80% of people choosing them. The classic “round brilliant” cut is by far the most popular shape with more than 60% choosing it. White gold is the most popular setting metal, although yellow gold is seeing a bit of a resurgence.

Whatever your taste and style, Bridgewaters can help you find or create your perfect engagement ring. Stop in to see us!

Those born in November have so many great, affordable choices when picking jewelry featuring their birthstone! With both Topaz and Citrine as their gems, the options are nearly endless.

Citrine is known for its beautiful yellow and orange hues. Citrine, derived from the French word citron meaning lemon, can be created by heat treating amethyst making citrine one of the most abundant and affordable yellow stones on the market. It is also the 13^th wedding anniversary gift.

Although pure Topaz is colorless, it can be found in any color of the rainbow. Topaz has been thought to give the wearer strength or thwart magic spells and dispel anger. Blue topaz, created by treating colorless topaz with irradiation and heating, is the gem of the 4^th wedding anniversary and Imperial topaz, which is pinkish orange, is the gem of the 23^rd wedding anniversary.

If you are looking for a durable, affordable and beautiful gem, Citrine or Topaz might be up your alley. Stop by Bridgewater’s to pick out your new favorite piece of jewelry featuring one of these beautiful gems.

Those born in October have both a modern and traditional birthstone. October features both opals (traditional) as well as pink tourmaline (modern).

Opal’s name originates from the Greek word opallios which means “to see a change in color.” The rainbow of colors seen in opals come from its composition of microscopic silica spheres diffracting light to display the colors of the rainbow. Not all opals have this rainbow of colors – those that do are called “precious opals” and those that do not are “common opals.” Opals are a more delicate gem and should be stored away from high temperatures and low humidity. They scratch easily, so placement in a padded cloth bag helps to keep them safe.

Tourmaline comes in many colors and its name comes from the Sinhalese words tura mali which mean “stone of mixed colors.” No two tourmaline gemstones are alike, so it is really a one of kind gift. Pink tourmaline is associated with compassion and gentleness and embodies love. It is also the gift for the eighth wedding anniversary.

Visit Bridgewater Jewelers to find your perfect gemstone!

September babies are lucky indeed – their birthstone is the beautiful sapphire. Although typically thought of as a rich, blue gem, sapphires actually come in all colors except for red which are called rubies. Sapphires symbolize sincerity, truth, faithfulness and nobility.

Royalty have worn sapphires for centuries. The sapphire became a symbol of royal love when Britain’s Prince Charles gave Lady Diana a 12-carat blue sapphire engagement ring. The ring has since been given by Prince William to Kate Middleton when he proposed.

Sapphires are the gem commemorating the 5^th and 45^th wedding anniversaries as well. Stop by Bridgewater’s to find your perfect sapphire!

Peridot, the August birthstone, is typically a light green gem which is formed in the mantle of the earth at high temperatures then brought to the surface by volcanic activity or come to Earth on flaming meteorites. The Egyptians called them the “gem of the sun” and believed they had special healing powers. Hawaiians believe peridot are the tears of the volcano goddess Pele.

Peridot is associated with harmony, good health, restful sleep and peacefulness. When set in gold, it was believed to protect the wearer from nightmares. It is also known as the stone of compassion and calms anger by giving renewal to all things. You can see the largest peridot ever found, weighing in at 319 carats, at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC.

Do you have any peridot jewelry? Share your pictures on the Bridgewater Facebook page.