Agate Gemstone Beads
Agate Gemstone Beads
The History and Significance of Birthstones
For centuries, gemstones have played a significant role in the everyday lives of people. Today, birthstones are used to represent the birth month of individuals. Some believe that birthstones hold special powers for the wearer. Others just appreciate wearing a gemstone that represents the month in which they were born.
When did these gemstones first become associated with the months of the year? Historians think that the first written record comes from the book of Exodus in the Old Testament of the Bible. Here, the breastplate of the Hebrew's high priest is described as having 12 specific gems, one for each of Israel's 12 tribes:
"Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there was a ruby, a topaz and a beryl; in the second row was a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald; in the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. They were mounted on gold filigree settings. There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes." (Exodus, Chapter 39:9-14, New International Version)
During the 8th and 9th centuries, gemstones were also connected to the 12 apostles. Since then, the 12 stones have been related to birth months and zodiac signs. The actual wearing of birthstones probably originated in Poland in the 15th or 16th century. Many believed that the powers of a gemstone for a particular month were heightened in that month. Hence, people may have worn the birthstone for each month, hoping to achieve the full effects of those gemstones.
It wasn't until 1912 when the Jewelers of America organized an official list connecting each month with a specific stone. They added or changed the list according to what was most commercially viable, and not necessarily what was traditionally deemed the proper birthstone for that particular month. This list is still used today to identify particular stones. As a result, some argue that the proper way to assign gemstones is according to astrological sign and not month. For this reason, some older birthstone lists vary from today's modern birthstones as the following listing demonstrates.
Traditional and Modern Monthly Birthstones:
January
Modern: Garnet
Zodiac Gemstone for Capricorn: Ruby
February
Modern: Amethyst
Zodiac Gemstone for Aquarius: Garnet
March
Modern: Aquamarine
Zodiac Gemstone for Pisces: Amethyst
April
Modern: Diamond
Zodiac Gemstone for Aries: Bloodstone
May
Modern: Emerald
Zodiac Gemstone for Taurus: Sapphire
June
Modern: Alexandrite or Pearl
Zodiac Gemstone for Gemini: Agate
July
Modern: Ruby
Zodiac Gemstone for Cancer: Emerald
August
Modern: Peridot
Zodiac Gemstone for Leo: Onyx
September
Modern: Sapphire
Zodiac Gemstone for Virgo: Carnelian
October
Modern: Opal or Tourmaline
Zodiac Gemstone for Libra: Peridot
November
Modern: Topaz and Citrine
Zodiac Gemstone for Scorpio: Beryl
December
Modern: Turquoise, Blue Topaz, or Tanzanite
Zodiac Gemstone for Sagittarius: Topaz
Certain months offer various options for the modern birthstone. For example, for those who want to purchase the birthstone for June, Alexandrite or Pearl may be chosen. Pearls are a classic choice, while genuine Alexandrite - a color-change stone, is expensive and rare. In response to the costs associated with Alexandrite, some manufacturers have selected their own stone to represent the month of June, including Green Tourmaline to represent the green color of Alexandrite; the Garnet for its color-change quality; and Smokey Quartz or Pink Tourmaline.
When choosing a birthstone, keep in mind that the four C's of diamond buying apply to colored gemstones as well: Carats, Cut, Color and Clarity. Birthstone gems are graded and priced on those four qualities, as well as: place of origin, availability/rarity, possible treatments and current fashion. It is not unusual for a particular birthstone to suddenly rise in value because it is currently in vogue to wear it. Also, the type of gemstone selected dictates the care they require. Some genuine stones have excellent durability, while others require more care. For instance, rubies and sapphires are considered a good choice for everyday wear while an opal or pearl require careful handling. Taking time to understand how to select and care for your gemstones can lead to enjoyment of these treasures for years to come.
About the Author
Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of
Pandora Jewelry
. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.
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 18mm 14mm 12mm 10mm 8mm 6mm 4mm Round Black Agate Onyx Gemstone Beads Strand 15 $16.20 Time Remaining: 1d 52m Buy It Now for only: $16.20 |
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 6MM 15 1 2 TREE AGATE GEMSTONE FACETED Round Beads $0.99 Time Remaining: 30m |
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 3MM BOTSWANA AGATE GEMSTONE Round Bead 15 1 3 $0.99 Time Remaining: 51m |
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Gem Jolie Red Agate Macrame Bead Bracelet $13.49 This bracelet from Gem Jolie features red agate gemstone beads woven onto black macrame cords. This bracelet closes with a string pull clasp. |
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Gem Jolie Indian Agate Beaded Macrame Bracelet $13.99 This bracelet from Gem Jolie features multi-colored agate gemstone beads woven onto black macrame cords. This bracelet closes with a string pull clasp. |
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Sterling Silver Floral Bouquet Jewelry Set (Thailand)(3-7 mm) $95.99 Add glamor to your style with this jewelry set that showcases a floral bouquet design made of black mother of pearl and black agate gemstones beaded with natural black freshwater pearls. This jewelry set was handmade in Thailand. |
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Dyed Blue Agate Round Gemstone Beads 4-4.5mm/ 15-inch Strand $22.85 Dyed blue agate gemstone round beads. Type of supply: Agate beadsNatural agate, dyed a rich Blue color. Color will not fade or wear off. Hole is less than 1mm inner diameter Materials: Agate Dimensions: 4-4.5mm wide x 4mm long x 4-4.5mm thickQuantity: 15-inch strand of Beads, approx. 90 beadsAll weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information. Treatment code CR (crystal). See Gemstone Treatments for further information. |
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10mm Round Agate Gemstone Stretchable Bracelet $12.99 10mm Round Agate Gemstone Stretchable Bracelet one size fits for all.Bracelet will be shipped in a FREE gift box making it easy for you to surprise your special someone.Thank you for shopping at Gem Avenue! Brand: GEM Avenue Style: Beads & Strand Stone: Agate Gender: Female Age: Adult Resizable: No Adjustable: No Condition: New |
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10mm Round Green Agate Gemstone Stretchable Bracelet $12.99 10mm Round GreenAgate Gemstone Stretchable Bracelet one size fits for all.Bracelet will be shipped in a FREE gift box making it easy for you to surprise your special someone.Thank you for shopping at Gem Avenue! Brand: GEM Avenue Style: Beads & Strand Stone: Agate Gender: Female Age: Adult Resizable: No Adjustable: No Condition: New |
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Green and White Spot Agate 13mm Tube Beads/ 15.5-inch Strand $20.77 Genuine green spot agate tube beads.Type of supply: Stone tube beads These beads are genuine green spot Agate stone beads Holes are less than 1mm in diameter Materials: Agate StoneDimensions: 4mm wide x 13mm long x 4mm thickQuantity: 15.5 inches of strung beads, approx. 30 beadsAll weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information. Treatment code CR (crystal). See Gemstone Treatments for further information. |
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Eternally Haute Fuchsia Agate Gemstone and Fuchsia Crystal Friendship Macrame Bracelet $89.38 This stylish friendship macrame bracelet features 30, 8 mm faceted fuchsia agate gemstones accented with five 8 mm fuchsia Czech crystals. This bracelet is woven from a fuchsia macrame-style cord with an adjustable slider closure.Style: MacrameGemstone colors: FuchsiaGemstone shapes: RoundFive round-cut fuchsia Czech crystal beads each measuring 8 mm30 round-cut fuchsia agate gemstone beads each measuring 8 mmClasp: SlideBracelet dimensions: 15 mm wide X 7 inches long All weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information. Treatment code E (agate). See Treatment Guide for further information. See Treatment Guide for further information. |
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603471 - Entice Crystal Elements on Black Agate Necklace $29 Crystal Elements black agate necklace from Entice. Features colourful beads and black agate gems on a long adjustable necklace. Add a colourful twist to your look with this long gemstone necklace. |
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EXP® Agate & Silver Necklace $6.99 Create a look of striking sophistication with this elegant handmade black agate necklace. This stunning piece features black agate stones fashioned into a series of ovals and complemented by a combination of smaller round black line agate beads and tiny silver tone beads. The deep black hues, charcoal blue tones and contrasting white lines of the agate are intense and luxurious, making this piece the ideal accessory for formal evening wear. Agate has been valued for centuries by craftsmen across the world and is said to have the power to vanquish enemies and acquire riches. This necklace closes easily with a silver toggle clasp. Our black line agate jewelry is sure to draw admiring glances from every direction. Measures approximately 21.5 inches long. The oval stones measure approximately 1.5 in. L x 1.1 in. W. This authentic jewelry has been entirely handmade by skilled northern Thai artisans using the best hand-picked stones. EXP® Jewelry brings you the best handmade products at excellent prices, while sim Brand: EXP Design: Gemstone Material: Steel Stone: Agate Color: Black Gender: Female Age: Adult Condition: New |
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La Preciosa Green Agate Beads Brown Leather Wrap Bracelet $40.52 This beautiful wrap bracelet lets you wrap this around your wrist up to two times. Beautiful sparkling agate beads with genuine leather cord accent this stylish bracelet. Style: Wrap Gemstone colors: Green Gemstone shapes: Round 52 round-cut green agate beads each measure 6 mm Finish: High polish Chain: Leather Clasp: Button Bracelet dimensions: 9.5 mm wide x 15 inches long All weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information. Treatment code CR (created stone). See Treatment Guide for further information. See Treatment Guide for further information. |
Jay King Multishaped Gemstone Bead Sterling Silver 40-1/...