Useful information.
We hope you find the following information useful. We will look to build this information over time and help you say informed. If you have any questions, queries or feedback, we’d love to hear from you.
Birthstones.
The tradition of wearing your birthstone dates to ancient times. It is believed that the astrological birthstone was Tibetan in origin. As of 1912, a modern birthstone list was formalised, and these are the customary stones we recognise today.
Birthstone jewellery from Rue B York
If you are reading this the bet is tat you already know what your particular birthstone is but you are not sure exactly why? As we all enjoy a story and the folklore associated with the tradition of the birthstone is at the very least fascinating. Further, many of us would really like to believe that wearing our particular birthstone in the form of a lovely piece of jewellery might just bring us protection, good luck or imbue us with some other super hero power, however subtle this may be! Anyway we all love a theme
So how did this all begin, was it a cynical ploy by retailers to get us to buy more jewellery.
Well maybe but it all started a long long time ago, back in the days when we were all just that little bit more gulable. So as far back as the early Assyrians (1400 BC) we began to invest many rare unusual things that came out of the earth with magical properties, and why not, lets face it if you dug out a diamond or even a lovely piece of crystal and you didn’t know a lot about science you would maybe be forgiven for assuming that some mystical power had had a hand in it, wouldn’t you?
Birthstone jewellery is a great positive force for personal good.
so it followed that Some minerals were thought to contain within them a great force of nature and to possess individual powers that would help or even transform the wearers lfe for the better. So if we look at the lovely amethyst, this delicate stone was actually said to prevent intoxication, I tried it at the weekend and can happily state that it did not exactly prevent me from getting, let me say, a little merry but then it was a tiny stone and when weighed against the rather large volume that was consumed it buckled.
The Humble Amethyst will help you stay sober?
So it soon came to pass that each gem was associated with a sign of the zodiac and this was based upon a colour system. As the light that danced and filtered through the various colourful gems would unleash the many power that hid until then, dormant within the dozens of stones and minerals.
Then, In time, birthstones soon became associated with then 12 months rather than simply the zodiac. Being born shoppers we quickly saw an opportunity and began to select birthstones in other colours rather than only the original.
So Lets take a look at some fascinating facts and folklore that surround these lovely gems.
Lets start with a list, we all like a list I’m told.
January Garnet Garnet Rose Quartz
JANUARY- GARNET
The birthstone of January in the UK is garnet, a beautiful dark red stone. Garnet is said to be a stone of
energising and regeneration, as well as being protection against nightmares. Nicknames include Arizona
Ruby and Cinnamon Stone.
Garnet is the accepted birthstone for the month of January
and can also be anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage
When most people think of garnet, they picture the dark red bohemian garnet that was popular in
Victorian times. However, You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that garnets are found in almost every
color, that is with the exception of the colour blue,so they can be found in the brilliant greens of the
tsavorite garnet, In the lovely raspberry pink as the rhodolite garnet, the malaya garnet has a vivid
orange colour. The “anthill” garnets are found in Arizona and has a Bright red finish. In the days before
the rise of Communist Russia the wealthy Tsars of Russia often favored rare green damantoid garnets. So
as you can probably gather the Garnet offers enough variety in appearance to suit every taste, not to
mention price tags to suit every pocket.
Noah hung a large garnet in the ark
Legend has it that Noah himself hung a huge garnet in the ark to aid illumination, and of course to make
the place pretty. Garnets are great for making you safe and secure especially in those dark evenings as
they give the wearer guidance in the night, protection from nightmares. Wow!
According to the Egyptians, and who are we to argue, Garnets offer an antidote for snake bites and food
poisoning as they are thought to have a special affinity with the blood. Anyway, we all know that Garnets
are durable and cut right offer luminouse brilliance and will give you many many years of pleasure.
Care of Gemstones
We know your not stupid but we will tell you anyway that all gemstones should be treated gently and care
should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, and extreme temperature changes. They are
found in the U.S., Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil and India.
FEBRUARY- AMETHYST
February Amethyst Onyx, Moonstone
The February birthstone
Amethyst which is most commonly purple but can also be other
colours such as green and yellow. Traditionally Amethyst has been believed to help soften the symptoms
of drunckeness and hangovers. Hence the nickname ‘sobriety stone’.
February Amethyst is the recognized birthstone for February and the accepted anniversary gemstone for
the sixth year of marriage, so, by modern standards, you’ve done well to earn one of these. It is a variety of
quartz, and comes in pale lilac to rich, deep purple shades. Ideally, it is a deep medium purple with rose-
colored flashes that give amethyst its beauty and fire.
This is a relatively easily sought stone and for this reason it is readily available in all sizes and shapes. It
is durable and can be worn every day. And don’t forget what the Greeks said about it. Yes, that it will
prevent intoxication when worn, but well! as it is said to have a sobering effect on the wearer. Not only
will it help you stay clear headed it will also calm your passion as it will steady those who have become
over-excited by love’s lustful thoughts. Shame! What a great stone, well there is more, Some, who they
are we
couldn’t say, say it will prevent baldness and improve the complexion,
Not a big concern unless you are queen of england however this stone will also protect you from treason
and deceit. Seriously though it symbolizes peace, protection and tranquility.Therefore, Royalty has
always adored the amethysts and so it can be found in many royal trinkets and in ornaments of ancient
Greeks and Egyptians, and in the British Crown Jewels. It is found mainly in Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia.
MARCH- AQUAMARINE
March Aquamarine Bloodstone Rock Crystal
Aquamarine is the lovely birthstone of March and symbolises courage and good fortune, qualities that are
amplified when worn by someone born in March. So don’t you forget your march stone or ypou might
regret it.
It is also the accepted anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage. The ideal color of aquamarine is a
refreshing pastel sea blue. Stones with a clear blue color without green or gray are generally the most
valuable. If you are looking for a big, durable gemstone, aqua is readily available in larger sizes and is
truly dramatic when cut in rectangular or oval shapes. It is a member of the important beryl family, which
also includes emerald.
was said to aid seafarers, wel it is sea coloured!
In ancient times, the stone was used to aid seafarers and keep them nice and safe and thats why it is an
excellent gift suggestion for the sailor in your life or, for that matter, anyone who steps aboard! A dream
with aquamarine involved is supposed to signify the coming of new friends (maybe over the water);
wear aquamarine earrings and they will bring you plenty of love and affection. They are a universal
symbol of youth, hope and health, so a pretty useful stone.
Aquamarines are often heated to remove any traces of yellow. To maintain the brilliance of this beautiful
gemstone, it should be immersed in jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small
bristle brush. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine.
Aquamarine is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar and Ukraine.
Bloodstone is an alternative birthstone for the month of March, and is often used as the stone of choice in
men’s rings. Bloodstone one of the many varieties of jasper or chalcedony, is also known as Heliotrope.
Bloodstone is an opaque dark green variety of chalcedony with red spots. Included horn blend needles
produce the green color and the red spots are caused by iron oxide.
Very brief history:
Those early Christian legends held that the red spots were from Jesu’s blood that fell on a piece of
jasper at the foot of the Cross. Bloodstone is the gem for the astrological sign of Aries. The primary
sources of bloodstone are Australia, Brazil and India.
April Diamond Diamond Quartz, White Sapphire, crystal
The UK birthstone for April is the diamond, a classic jewellery option. In crystal healing diamonds are an
amplifying stone, strengthening relationships, courage and hope.
April Diamond: is the birthstone for the month of April, due to the price they are often substituted for less
exensive alternatives, fare enough as long as your not told its the real deal.
Besides being the most popular gemstone for engagement rings, diamond is the accepted anniversary
gem for the 10th and 60th years of marriage. The name “diamond” comes from the Greek word “adamas”
meaning unconquerable-suggesting the eternity of love. In fact, diamonds have been the traditional
symbol of love since ancient Greece.
Discovered about 2,500 years ago in India, imagine the first indian laying his hands on one, well the
ancients believed they were splinters from the stars, aaah! perhaps crystallized lightening or hardened
dew drops, Stop! Although diamonds are most commonly associated as being colorless stones, they are
in fact sometimes seen with a strong, bright color-green, red, pink, blue, canary yellow and amber. Being
much rarer these fancy colored diamonds are most highly-prized.
Be aware that on more than the odd occasion, diamonds are laser-drilled and, sometimes, a foreign
substance is used to fill surface cavities or fractures , to improve appearance. Diamonds may also be
irradiated and heated to induce those “fancy” colors, so always best to take professional advise before
shelling out for any expensive diamonds.
MAY- EMERALD
MayEmerald Chrysoprase
Emerald is the birthstone of May in the UK. It is the stone of meditation, intuition and inspiration, leading
to the moniker ‘The Poet’s Stone’.
the Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May.
It is also the anniversary gemstone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage.
Not surprisingly the beautiful Emerald is one of the most highly-prized of all the gems. The name comes
from the Greek “smaragdos” which means green stone. The most prized is pure grass green. Emeralds
are often characterized by a garden of included crystals trapped deep inside. This is why it is known as
the “jardin”, because under a little magnification you will see all sorts of lovely patterns resembling foliage
in a garden.And thats a lovely thing, who wouldn’t like to wear a garden, well a summer garden at least?
However a totally flawless, clear emerald is a very rare thing and so is usually only found in small sizes.
Small to medium sized stones are often faceted in the “step” or emerald cut. The gem is also lovely when
cut into a cabochon or dome shape. Sometimes emeralds are even carved.
The emerald can not only cure a wide range of ailments, including, and you will like this, low I.Q. and
poor eyesight, not to mention the old infertility chestnut, Even more Zen it also enables the wearer to
predict the future, now that’s a super power.
Emeralds are found mainly in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
June Pearl, Moonstone Alexandrite Opal
Both Pearl and Moonstone are accepted as June birthstones in the UK. Pearls are a timeless jewellery
element and a wonderful gift. They are supposed to represent purity, honesty and loyalty. Moonstone is
said to to be calming stone and is used in crystal healing to aid emotional stress.
June: the ever popular Pearl is the birthstone for the month of June.
It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage.
Not strictly a stone the pearl is the product of an oyster’s defense mechanism. When a foreign irritant is
introduced either by man (cultured) or naturally, the oyster immediately surrounds it with layers of a
substance called nacre. This , over time, forms the delicate gemstone know as pearl. Pearls come in a
wide range of colors. They should be relatively free from skin blemishes. The more perfectly round the
shape the better. The higher the luster, or “orient”, the more valuable the specimen. The larger the pearl,
the greater the value. Besides the popular round shape, there are stylish mabe (large hemispherical
cultured pearls), fresh water (elongated in interesting shapes and colors), and South Sea (large cultured
pearls 10mm and up from Australia’s and Indonesia’s waters), to name a few.
So lets look at the pearls properties, Pearls have long been recognized as the emblem of modesty, ew
madame, chastity and purity, bless!. They have come to symbolize a happy marriage, get me one, get me
lots.
They are rather delicate so you should Avoid household chemicals, cosmetics, hair sprays, and
perfumes. Don’t use ultrasonic cleaners. Wash with mild soap and water and store in a protective
chamois pouch or tissue paper.
Alexandrite is also a traditional birthstone for June. It is beautiful but very rare stone. It is very difficult to
find natural alexandrite. Most Alexandrites on the market are synthetic or created. Alexandrite rings are
very beautiful. If Alexandrite is set in a ring, the wearer can watch the color change from green to red,
mauve or brown in incadescent light.
Alexandrite has a hardness rating of 8.5. Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows,
harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
Alexandrite has been found in Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar, Russia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
Moonstone, as the name suggests is a translucent stone that has a wonderful shimmering property, yes
rather like staring at a full moon, known as adularescence and comes in various tones of colorless, white,
yellow, orange, and gray. Nevertheless it always has a white or blue sheen. It is sometimes used as an
alternative by those born in June since it physically resembles some pearls.
Moonstone Care:Moonstone has a hardness of 6 and therefore can be easily scratched.
Moonstone is found in Brazil, European Alps, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania,
and USA (Pennsylvania and Virginia). Sri Lanka has the highest quality moonstones.7
July Ruby Ruby Carnelian
The July birthstone is the ruby. Rubies have long been used in jewellery making and continue to be
very popular today. The Ruby is associated with nobility and leadership due to their long relationshp with
with royalty.
July Ruby is the accepted birthstone for July.
It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th year.
The Ruby is known as the “Lord of the Gems” due to its rarity and total beauty. Derived from the Latin
word “ruber”, it simply means red, sorry. Ruby, like sapphire, is a variety of corundum and only exists as a
true red in color. The more vivid the better, the almost pure spectral red with a very faint suggestion of
blue, as seen in Burmese rubies which are considered the finest.
Rubies are great as theywill protect their owners from all kinds of misfortune. Get a ruby and you are
assured to live a life in harmony with his neighbours, asuming you want to.
It would protect your stature in life, your home and all your land, so my window box is pretty safe then.
Nevertheless, and good for us at Rue B jewellers in York Its protective powers were intensified when set
in jewellery, and worn on the left side, so try a brooch.
Many romantics believe that rubies possessed an inner flame which burned eternally, lovely so give her
one.
As part of the customary fashioning process, virtually all rubies are heated to permanently improve their
color and appearance.
The finest rubies come from Burma, and have been mined there since ancient times, they must be
running out soon, so hurry and get one. Other sources include Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kenya,
Tanzania, Cambodia, Afghanistan and India.
August Peridot Sardonyx Jade, opal
The birthstone of August is peridot, a lovely clear green gemstone. In crystal healing it is associated with
healing, friendliness and general good energy.
Peridot is the accepted birthstone for August.
It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage.
A good Peridot has a lively lime green about it , without a brownish or olive cast.
Peridot is the birth child of some great volcanic action. Often Tiny peridot crystals are sometimes
combed from the black sands of Hawaii.Pieces of eight, Peridots were favored by pirates as they were
considered powerful amulets against all evil, but weren’t they- never mind, and when set in gold, were
said to protect the wearer from the night terrors.
They have medicinal uses, too, well losely, If fashioned into a cup from which medicines are drunk, they
intensified the effects of the drug, better say medicine.
You should be taken to protect peridot from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals and extreme
temperature changes. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine for cleaning.
The peridot is pretty common and so it is available in larger sizes.
It is found in Burma and the U.S. The most important source of peridot in the world is the San Carlos
Apache Indian Reservation near Globe, Arizona, where it is mined by native Americans. Large sizes are
mined in Myanmar (Burma) and peridot is also found in China.
September Sapphire Sapphire Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, crystal
Sapphire is the September birthstone in the UK. Whilst sapphires are mostly known as a blue stone it is
actually available in lots of colours including pink, purple and green. Crystal healers associate sapphire
with prosperity and fulfillment of dreams.
September Sapphire is the September birthstone
It is the accepted anniversary gem for the 5th and 45th years of marriage.
Sapphire, a variety of corundum, comes in all colors except red (that red variety is known seperately as
the ruby as I’m sure you were aware), The Sapphire is most popular in its deep blue variety.
Fancy colored sapphires-including pink, green, orange, and golden yellow-are magnificent when
combined in a necklace or bracelet.
In England Prince Charles chose a blue sapphire for Princess Diana’s engagement ring, bless.The
stone’s durability, combined with its beauty, makes it the perfect alternative for an engagement ring.
Ancient priests, wizards and sorcerers prized sapphire above all gems, for this stone enabled them to
interpret oracles and foretell the future, got to get me one of them. Ancients believed the Ten
Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet.
Marriage partners will often put great faith in the stone, maybe because they can’t trust their partner! synic.
Or maybe not because If its luster dimmes you know your loved one has been cheeting. What a …!
The stubben Sapphire refused to shine when worn by the wicked or impure so be ware all you bad
people.
Sapphire is found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), Kasmir, Australia, Nigeria,
Kenya, Tanzania, China and the U.S.
October Opal, Tourmaline Tourmaline Pink Tourmaline, Zircon, Aquamarine
The beautiful and ever popular birthstone of October is the opal, a beautiful cloudy stone available in lots
of different blue, white and pink hues with flashes of colour inside. It is said to be a stone of memory and
inspiration.
October Opal is the October birthstone
as well as the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 14th year of marriage.
The well-known, you know him, Roman naturalist Pliny, ringing anybells yet, well anyway this guy
described opal as “made up of the glories of the most precious gems… the gentler fire of the ruby, the rich
purple of the amethyst, the sea-green of the emerald, glittering together…” Well he wasn’t wrong, you can
stare into an opal for ages.
White opal has a white or light body color with flashes of many colors. Black opal has a black, dark blue,
dark green or gray body color with vivid flashes of color such as red, pink and bright green. Opal has
symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages.
In the Middle Ages, young, fair-haired girls wore opals in their hair to protect its lovely blond color.
Medieval writers believed opal could render its wearer invisible, were thy not looking! when the need
arose, I’ve tried it and believe me it didn’t work, a night in the cells atests to that little experiment, kidding.
It is also said to have a beneficial effect on eyesight, but don’t put them in your eyes will you, that really
won’t do you any good.
Opals are thought to banish evil spirits and favor children, the theater, amusements, friendships and
feelings.
For many years, the opal has tried to shake off rumours and wives tales about the stone bringing b
ad luck. Perpetuated by folk lore, mistaken identity, superstitions, family tales and disgruntled
diamond traders, the opal has had a pretty tough life. As we entered the age of reason and science,
this belief has somewhat fallen by the wayside, but a glimmer of the superstition still survives today.
Of course, like any unprovable theory, you’ll have to make up your own mind, but we’ve got our feet
planted firmly in the non-believers camp. After all, we’ve owned and loved opals for over forty-five
years and they’ve brought us nothing but good luck!
Of all the ancient myths about gemstones, none endure like the superstitions surrounding opal. The bad-
luck opal myth isn’t really ancient. It comes from 19th-century fiction.
Coveted by everyone from Mark Anthony to Empress Josephine, opals were cherished for protection. But
their reputation took a dive in 1829 when Sir Walter Scott wrote the gothic novel, Anne of Geierstein. (At
the time, Scott’s novels were consumed and discussed like the latest episode of Mad Men.) In the novel,
the opal hair ornament of a beautiful woman is splashed with holy water in church. She faints, then later
vanishes. Within months of publication, opal sales dropped about 50 percent and never completely
recovered.
Australian opal dealers have done a good job of countering the propaganda but even today, jewelers tell
tales of customers returning jewelry after a streak of bad luck. Someone told me her great aunt flushed a
valuable opal-and-diamond ring down the toilet after her marriage and health failed. Ouch! I guess she
didn’t want to risk passing its evil power to someone else.
Opal pendant by Carolyn Tyler
If you’ve ever gazed into the fire of a fine opal, you can understand how a belief in its other-worldly
powers might follow it into modern times. Unlike gemstones of uniform color, every opal is unique and
ever-changing. Opals often appear lit from within, almost alive. As ancient Roman scholar Pliny the Elder
wrote in 55 A.D., opals possess “the refulgent fire of the ruby, the glorious purple of the amethyst, the sea
green of the emerald” and together “simulate the flaming fire of burning sulphur.” This quality comes from
opal’s unique structure, a series of silica balls of various sizes that scatter light through all the colors of
the spectrum.
I have a white opal ring, pretty nondescript at first glance, but in lamplight, blue-green flames flicker
inside. Turn it slightly and a red sun appears and begins to rise. On an overcast day, the sun dissolves
into pink mist and the flames turn electric green and rise to the surface.
I’ve always assumed opals worked in my favor, sort of my personal talisman, having heard in my
impressionable youth that opals were good luck for the October-born. That concept was actually
popularized by Tiffany & Co at the turn of the 20th century, when they created the market for birthstones.
Tiffany promoted opal jewelry with this jingle: “October’s child is born for woe, and life’s vicissitudes must
know; but lay an opal on her breast and hope will lull those fears to rest.”
(Vicissitudes, hmm.) Notice Tiffany didn’t attempt to defy the superstition, they just created a loophole. In
the process, the idea that opal is dangerous in the wrong hands became even further entrenched.
Personally, I’m going with Orpheus of Lithika. Around 350 A.D., he claimed that opal “fills the hearts of the
gods with delight.” No birth date mentioned.
Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals, and extreme
temperature changes. To maintain the brilliance of opal, it should be wiped clean with a soft cloth. Do not
use a home ultrasonic machine or jewelry cleaner.
Opal sources are Australia, Mexico and the U.S. Sometimes tourmaline is used as a birthstone for
October as it comes in many colors such as blue, yellow, pink, red, black, green and clear – but primarily
in pink and green. It also occurs in color combinations within single stones which accounts for its
popularity. Having a hardness of 7.5 and not being as fragile as opal Tourmaline is often selected by
those who prefer faceted stones. As with all gems, care should be taken to protect tourmaline from
scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it be a heater vent or
in a hot car). Do not clean tourmaline in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Tourmaline is found in Africa, Brazil,
Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and USA (California, Connecticut, Maine, New York and
Texas).
November Topaz, Citrine Citrine Smoky Quartz
Topaz and citrine are birthstones for November in the UK. Both topaz and citrine are stones associated
with success, fortune and protection. At Rue B we have a range of citrine and topaz jewellery in a variety
of colours.
November Topaz is the accepted birthstone for November.
Blue topaz is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 4th year;
Imperial topaz for the 23rd year of marriage.
Most people think of topaz as a transparent golden yellow gemstone. However, this gemstone occurs
colorless as well as orange-yellow, red, honey-brown (dark sherry), light green, blue and pink.
The name topaz is derived from the Greek word meaning “to shine” and also implies “fire”. Orange-red
“Imperial” topaz and pink colors are rare and most valuable.
The lore, magic and romance of topaz goes back many thousands of years. It holds the distinction of
being the gemstone with the widest range of curative powers, so don’t be without one. The Greeks felt it
gave them strength, did it now. In addition, it supposedly cooled tempers, restored sanity, cured asthma,
relieved insomnia and even warded off sudden death, but then how would you know.
Topaz is said to make its wearer invisible, not again, very lord of the rings, in time of emergency. It proved
the loyalty of associates by changing color in the presence of poison. As part of the normal fashioning
process, most brownish to sherry brown topaz are heated to produce a permanent pink color. Certain
types of topaz are irradiated and heated to produce shades of blue.
Topaz is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and China. Smoky Quartz or Citrine are often
used an alternative to topaz because it appears in many of the same colors as topaz. Unlike topaz, smoky
quartz and citrine are readily available and inexpensive even in large sizes.
December Zircon, Turquoise Zircon, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli Tanzanite
TheUK December birthstone is turquoise. This stone is sacred in many cultures and has been used in
jewellery since ancient times. It is supposably a healing stone and good for relieving stress.
December Turquoise is the accepted birthstone for December
and is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 11th year of marriage.
Colors in turquoise range from sky blue (most desirable color) to blue green and apple green.
The name means “Turkish stone” because the trade route that brought it to Europe used to come via
Turkey. The best qualities are found in northeast Iran (Persian turquoise). However, the United States
southwest is now the world leader in production. The deposits in Sinai were already worked out by 4,000
BC. At that time the stone was used for jewelry, amulets and in the preparation of cosmetics. During the
16th century turquoise was used as currency by the Southwest Indians. They believed the gemstone
could bring spoils to the warrior, animals to the hunter, and happiness and good fortune to all. Although
large quantities of beautiful turquoise which have not been color enhanced are available, today’s
turquoise is commonly stabilized with plastic to improve its color and durability. Chalky varieties of
turquoise are normally impregnated with oil or wax to enhance color. This color change may not be
permanent. Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, hot water, and household
chemicals. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine. Zircon though not mass marketed due to limited
availibility is sometimes selected by those who prefer faceted stones. Zircon is a natural stone – not to be
confused with Cubic Zirconia which is manmade. Colorless zircone is used to imitate diamonds but also
comes in: blue, yellow, orange, red, brown and green. It has a hardness of 7.5. Care: Zircon is somewhat
soft so avoid scratches and sharp blows. Avoid hot water and household chemicals. Zircon will have
more wear on its facets than diamond. Zircon is imitated by colorless glass and synthetic spinel. Zircon is
found in Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, France, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
Due to popular demand we have curated a range of jewellery featuring precious and semi-precious
birthstone gemstones. According to crystal healers, the special properties attributed to a stone are
increased during the relevant month. Birthstone jewellery is a timeless present and we have a wide range
of gemstone jewellery in both traditional and contemporary styles that you’re sure to love.
The British birthstones are:
|
January |
Garnet |
|
February |
Amethsyt |
|
March |
Aquamarine |
|
April |
Diamond/Rock Crystal |
|
May |
Emerald |
|
June |
Pearl/Moonstone |
|
July |
Ruby/Carnelian |
|
August |
Peridot |
|
September |
Sapphire |
|
October |
Opal |
|
November |
Topaz/Citrine |
|
December |
Turquoise |
At Rue B, we aim to include pieces to fit every style, so you’re sure to find something to your taste. Here
you’ll find delicate everyday pieces as well as chunkier, more androgynous designs.
All pendants are sold on an 18″ silver chain as standard unless otherwise specified in your order. 16″-20″
chains are available and you also have the option the buy the pendant alone if you already have a
suitable chain in your own jewellery collection.
Not all rings are available in all sizes. please email or call us with any enquiries!
Every piece of our sterling silver collection is hallmarked 925, and comes with the option of being packed
into one of our wide range of giftboxes to suit every budget.
Free delivery option on all orders.
Thsnks for reading this please contact us on sales@rueb.co.uk
01904675556
if you need any information.
Welcome to Rue B Silver Jewellers in York! We love silver jewellery and we aim to include pieces to suit every style, so you’re sure to find something to your taste. Here you’ll find a mix of traditional and contemporary styles. Our sterling silver collection includes delicate everyday pieces as well as chunkier, more androgynous designs. For the quirky set we have a brilliant range of insects jewellery including the increasingly popular bumblebee design. We also have a small but growing range featuring precious and semi-precious stones.
We are lucky to have so many great designers to choose from. As well as our own range of sterling silver jewellery, we also stock beautiful designs by Pure Origins, Aviv and Banyan.
Pure Origins by Sea Gems is based in Cornwall and specialises in delicate natural designs and celtic inspired pieces. Pure Origins jewellery draws inspiration from the British countryside and its cultural heritage.
Aviv is a family run business based in Israel. Their hand-made designs are characterised by fusing modern and traditional styles and the use of opals, garnet and onyx.
Banyan is aso an Isreal based silver company with a bold and adventurous style. Their statement rings are great favourites at Rue B and feature silver, gold, copper and brass as well as gemstone elements.. Try wearing one as a thumb ring!
Wedding Anniversaries.
Here is a helpful reminder of the traditional gifts bought for couple on thier wedding anniversaries.
1. Paper
2. Cotton
3. Leather
4. Fruit / Flowers
5. Wood
6. Sugar / Iron
7. Wool / Copper |
8. Bronze / Pottery
9. Willow
10. Tin / Aluminium
20. China
25. Silver
30. Pearl
35. Coral |
40. Ruby
45. Sapphire
50. Gold
55. Emerald
60. Diamond
65. Blue Saphire
70. Platinum |
Birthstones By Month
Enhance your good luck and bring good fortune by wearing the gemstone associated with the month you were born. These precious gemstones are known as birthstones, birthday stones or simply stones for birth months. With origins in astrology and mythology, wearing your birthstone as a talisman is an ancient tradition that is extremely popular today.
For Aries and those born in April, wearing diamond necklaces is said to be fortuitous and cool blue topaz necklaces are the perfect choice for your Scorpio friend or loved one. Choose a birthstone by month from the list below and you will have the gift of your birthstone with you for ever.
SO HERE IS A QUICK SUMMERY!
At the first appearance, the garnet gemstone is sometimes mistaken for ruby due to its beautiful and bold, dark red, glossy colour. Garnet jewellery is very popular with Capricorns and suits those born in January.
From deep and vibrant purple to subtle shades of lilac, wearing an amethyst ring is said to bring luck and prosperity to people born in the month of February and/or under the water star sign of Aquarius.
The tempting sea blue aquamarine gemstone is the ideal gift for someone born in March or under the Pisces star sign. Aquamarine takes its name from the Latin “aqua marina” meaning “water of the sea”. This pale blue aquamarine stone promotes true courage and friendship.
They say that diamonds are precious, desirable and they are most certainly a girl’s best friend. Although diamonds are the nominated gemstone for those born in April or under the Aries star sign, diamonds are popular with men and women who want the best and are not afraid to show it. Diamond necklaces are one of the most popular choices as they are clear symbols of lasting love.
Tough, beautiful and vibrant, the bright green emerald stone is a desired gift for someone born in May or the Taurus inside you. Emerald is the wedding anniversary gemstone for 20th, 35th and 55th years of marriage. Fine quality emeralds were frequently chosen by monarchs and some emeralds can be more valuable than diamonds.
Pearls are the chosen gemstone for June and the star sign Gemini. The luminescent glow of pearls can instantly uplift the wearer. Pearls symbolise beauty, love, happiness and wealth. Unless man-made, pearls are naturally found in the sea or in freshwater from living creatures such as oysters, clams or mussels. Beautiful pearl necklaces can be accessorised with pearl earrings, pearl bracelets and pearl rings.
Fiery red ruby emphasises love, romance and passion. Rubies are the modern gemstone for 40th anniversaries, those born in July and those under the star sign of Cancer. Make a statement with a ruby ring, the colour of luck in China and the worldwide symbol for love.
The sparkling olive peridot is the perfect choice for the Leo or August-born friend you want to spoil. The vibrant green shades complement almost any skin tone and peridot is a beautiful calm colour for any occasion. Choose a peridot ring as a thoughtful gift for a friend, or even as a treat for yourself.
Sapphire is the modern birthstone of September and the zodiac star sign of Virgo. Although sapphires are typically associated with deep shimmering blue, the colour of a stormy sky and the bottom of the ocean, they can also be vibrant, romantic, delicate shades of pink that rival topaz and diamond. A sapphire with diamonds engagement ring has recently been given to Kate Middleton by Prince William marking sapphire’s continued place in history.
Choose an opal ring, necklace or bracelet for the discerning Libra and/or someone born in October. They are sure to appreciate the complexities of this precious stone with its inner fire representing hope, innocence, purity, loyalty and confidence. The rainbow of colours in opal necklaces is sure to attract attention and admiring gazes from your family and friends.
Whether Sky, Swiss or London blue, topaz has the power to mesmerise and captivate. Topaz is also found in yellow and darker brown varieties which makes it a unique and exciting gemstone to wear. Topaz is the birthstone for November and is the perfect gift bought for those born under the secretive and mysterious Scorpio star sign.
Turquoise is the birthstone for December and turquoise necklaces make lovely winter jewellery accessories. The mottled blue green turquoise is considered one of the most precious and expensive stones in the world. Choose a turquoise ring for yourself or your Sagittarian friend.
Birthstone Tips
- Wear your birthstone every day to bring luck and prosperity into your life.
- Show your love by choosing your girlfriend’s birth month gemstone as the special stone for her engagement ring.
- If you don’t like the gemstone assigned to your birth month, check out alternative gemstones. For example, whilst pearl necklaces are best for those born in June, an alternative would be a moonstone necklace.
*All prices featured include free standard postage
Rue B Jewellery 