STRaNDED - Bead Soup - Birthstones

BEaD SOUP
When beaders are done with a project, the left over beads are called "bead soup." I created this section of miscellaneous information that I thought customers may be interested in. It ranges from birthstone information to gem stone descriptions, and milagro charms to care and cleaning of your jewelry. I hope you enjoy browsing this section.

BIRTHSTONES
BIRTH MONTH	MODERN¹	TRADITIONAL²	MYSTICAL³
January	Garnet	Garnet	Emerald
February	Amethyst	Amethyst	Bloodstone
March	Aquamarine	Bloodstone	Jade
April	Diamond	Diamond	Opal
May	Emerald	Emerald	Sapphire
June	Pearl or Moonstone	Alexandrite	Moonstone
July	Ruby	Ruby	Ruby
August	Peridot	Sardonyx	Diamond
September	Sapphire	Sapphire	Agate
October	Opal or Tourmaline	Tourmaline	Jasper
November	Yellow Topaz or Citrine	Citrine	Pearl
December	Blue Topaz or Turquoise	Zircon, Turquoise or Lapis Lazuli	Onyx
1. Modern Birthstone Definition: The list of the modern birthstones comes from the official birthstone list from the American National Association of Jewelers. These gemstones were adopted in 1912, and this is the accepted list in the United States. 2. Traditional Birthstone Definition: This list dates back to the 15th century and reflects societal birthstone traditions. Sometimes traditional birthstones are combined with the modern list. Many jewelers have different lists for traditional birthstones. 3. Mystical Birthstone Definition: This list is of Tibetan origin and is over 1,000 years old.
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BIRTHSTONE QUALITIES (Featured in In Style Magazine)
When considering a gift of a gem stone, read about the qualities and features of some of the stones.
Garnet	Rich, red garnets are said to lift spirits and warm the heart. They are often the least expensive semiprecious stones, although the deepest red variety generally fetches more than paler ones.
Amethyst	This type of quartz is linked to the Greek god of wine, Dionysus. Amethysts are moderately priced. Deep purple amethysts are the most expensive; lavender stones are the least.
Aquamarine	Blue aquamarines are said to make wishes come true. Among the most expensive semiprecious stones, aquamarines are highly prized when brilliant sky-blue; water-blue ones can be had for less.
Diamond	A diamond, sparkly and incredibly hard, is symbolic of love, joy, and courage. The least expensive diamonds are tiny pointers, measured in fractions of a carat, from .70 to as small as .005.
Emerald	The emerald is associated with spring, healing, and new life. Fine-quality emeralds can be more expensive than diamonds. The priciest emeralds are bright green; pale or cloudy stones are less.
Pearl	Pearls are believed to bring marital bliss and offer the life-giving powers. Small freshwater pearls are the least expensive, and colored South Sea pearls, especially above 10 millimeters, are the priciest.
Ruby	Rubies are associated with power and strength. Rich dark 'pigeon’s blood' rubies are the rarest variety and are very expensive. Pale or brownish-red specimens can cost far less.
Peridot	These gems are considered talismans of protection, power, and courage. Size primarily dictates price. Large stones are very rare and thus costly; smaller ones are plentiful and affordable.
Sapphire	The sapphire is a good–luck gem. It is the least expensive precious stone; the best-priced are yellow, pink, orange, purple, green or white. Burma and Ceylon blue sapphires are the most valuable.
Opal	Opals are believed to inspire excitement and passion. They are often white, but black, blue, and even orange can be found. Those with a red glow are the most expensive; blue or green hues are less.
Citrine	This gem is linked to cheer and well-being. A glassy variety of quartz, citrines are all quite affordable, be they red, yellow, or rich orange. The yellowish-brown stones are the most desirable.
Turquoise	A lucky charm, turquoise is said to prevent illness. The finest and most expensive gems are flawless and sky blue. Greenish-turquoise and impure turquoise threaded with black stone is less costly.
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