One of the rarest and most coveted of gemstones, Alexandrite, a variety of chrysoberyl, is prized for its change from shades of green in daylight to shades of red in incandescent light. Alexandrite ideally changes from grass green to raspberry red.

Alexandrite is one of the accepted birthstones for June, and the accepted anniversary gemstone for the fifty-fifth year of marriage.

Alexandrite was supposedly discovered in the Ural region of Russia on the day in 1831 when Alexander II, Russian heir-apparent, came of age. Hence, the name "Alexandrite". Even today, Russian stones are said to be the finest, the most important were owned by the Russian royal family. Antique jewelry pieces are an important source of very fine stones.

Perhaps because of its ability to change colors, legend holds that Alexandrite brings good fortune when the sun is shining and stimulates pleasure and love at night.

Alexandrite is a very durable stone and stands up well to normal wear. It may be immersed in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small bristle brush. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

Alexandrite is scarce and not a gem you will see often, and is primarily found in Russia, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Africa and Burma.

Amber color is normally yellow to brown but may be reddish or whitish. It ranges from yellowish-white to black. Amber is one of the few gemstones which is organic, rather than mineral, in origin. It is the fossilized resin from prehistoric evergreens which grew before the Ice Age.

It is the lightest gemstone known. Occasionally, it is recovered with "foreign" fragments or insects trapped inside which usually adds to its value because of the curiosity factor. (More than 1,000 species of extinct insects and crustacea have been found in amber!)

Love of amber is as old as mankind. Archaeologists have positively identified amber artifacts as far back as 5000 B.C. No other gem excepting the pearl can rival amber for sustained ornamental usage and popularity. A writer in the early 1500's wrote about a host of medicinal values for amber: a cure for all disorders of the throat, good against poison, tightened loose teeth and drove off poisonous insects!

Amber should just be wiped clean with a soft cloth. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine or jewelry cleaners. Protect it from scratches, sharp blows and household chemicals.

Occasionally amber is heated to remove cloudiness, intensify "sun spangle" inclusions and deepen color.

Amber is found in the Baltic Sea region, Dominican Republic and Tanzania.

Amethyst is a variety of quartz, and comes in pale lilac to nearly black purple shades. Ideally, it is a deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes that give amethyst its beauty and fire.

Because of its abundance, it is readily available in all sizes and shapes. It is durable and can be worn every day. Coupled with the folk legend of the Greeks that it will prevent intoxication when worn, it becomes a most desirable gem!

Amethyst is the recognized birthstone for February and the accepted anniversary gemstone for the sixth year of marriage.

Amethyst was said to have a sobering effect on the wearer -- not only those who imbibed but on those over-excited by love's passion as well. It has symbolized peace, protection and tranquility. Some say it will prevent baldness and improve the complexion, while protecting from treason and deceit. Because royalty has always adored the color purple, amethysts abound in the ornaments of ancient Greeks and Egyptians, and in the British Crown Jewels.

As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

As part of the finishing process, amethyst occasionally is heated to lighten its color.

It is found mainly in Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia.

A relative new-comer to the gem world (ametrine was discovered in Bolivia in the late '70's), ametrine is a variety of quartz which exhibits the best aspects of both purple amethyst and yellow citrine within the same crystal.

Because its beauty lies in the co-existence of the two colors, ametrine is usually recovered in larger sizes -- over five carats is most popular--which allow for the appreciation of the distinct color sections. When cut into emerald and pear shapes, this distinction is most notable. When ametrine is fashioned as a less-common brilliant round shape, its colors reflect and blend together to create a peach-like color.

As a newcomer, ametrine does not yet have folklore or historical significance attached to it as do amethyst, citrine or other gemstones. Some sources believe, however, that the best aspects of amethyst and citrine lore should be attributed to ametrine since it is a combination of both these gems.

To maintain the brilliance of this lovely and rare gemstone, it should be immersed in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small bristle brush. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect ft from scratches and sharp blows.

Citrine is a variety of quartz and colors range from pale yellow to yellowish-brown and "Madeira" red. The most popular fashion colors are the vivid yellows and oranges. It is often mistaken for yellow or golden topaz.

Citrine is plentiful. Beautiful gems in large sizes are available. Citrine is a popular gemstone and stands up well to daily wear. Its earthy tones complement many wardrobes. Citrine also looks good when combined with amethyst, blue topaz or pink tourmaline in jewelry.

Citrine is one of the accepted birthstones for November, as well as the suggested anniversary gemstone for the 13th year of marriage.

Citrine's name is derived from "citron," a lemon-like fruit. People once carried citrine as a protective talisman against the plague, bad skin and evil thoughts. It was also used as a charm against the bites of snakes and other venomous reptiles.

To clean, immerse in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and use a small bristle brush. Care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows. Avoid heat.

When mined, citrines are found either with amethysts or other quartz family members. Long ago, it was discovered that heating these gemstones produced various permanent colors from pale yellows to "Madeira" red.

Citrine is found mainly in Brazil.

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, the ancients believed they were splinters from the stars, perhaps crystallized lightning or hardened dew drops.

Traditionally, the diamond is the accepted birthstone of April. And it, besides being the most popular gemstone for engagement rings, is the accepted anniversary gem for the 10th and 60th years of marriage. Also diamonds make great accents to colored stones.

Although diamonds are associated with being a colorless stone, they are occasionally found with a strong, bright color: green, red, pink, blue, canary yellow and amber. These "fancy" color diamonds are highly prized.

Occasionally, to improve appearance, diamonds are laser-drilled and a foreign substance is used to fill surface cavities or fractures. Diamonds may also be irradiated and/or heated to induce "fancy" colors.

Even though it is the most durable of gemstones, care should be taken to protect a diamond from sharp blows. To clean, you may use a jewelry cleaner, lukewarm soapy water and a small bristle brush, soak in a half-and-half solution of cold water and ammonia for one-half hour, or a home ultrasonic machine with its recommended cleaner.

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 green or slightly bluish-green.

Emeralds are often characterized by a garden of included crystals trapped within. Under magnification, you will see all sorts of lovely patterns resembling foliage in a garden. A flawless, clear emerald is very rare and is usually found in only 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.

Emerald is the accepted birthstone for the month of May. It is also the anniversary gemstone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage.

According to legend, the wearing of emerald not only cured a wide range of ailments, including low I.Q., poor eyesight and infertility, but also enabled the wearer to predict the future.

As part of the normal fashioning process, most emeralds are immersed in colorless oil to fill minute voids.

Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals, and extreme temperature changes. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine.

Emeralds are found mainly in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Garnet is a remarkable gem in that it comes in all colors except blue. Its reds range from raspberry to blood-red. Its greens may rival that of emerald. It also occurs in a range of shades of yellow, orange and brown. You will be fascinated by the selection of color available.

Garnets offer enough variety in appearance to suit every taste, as well as an outstanding price range (especially for larger sizes) to suit every pocketbook.

Garnet is the accepted birthstone for the month of January. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage.

Legend holds that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for illumination. It reportedly also gives its wearer guidance in the night, protection from nightmares, and according to the Egyptians, is an antidote for snakebite and food poisoning. It was also thought to have a special affinity with the blood.

As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows, and avoid extreme temperature changes.

Garnets are found in the U.S., Africa, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia and India.

Iolite is a beautiful violet-blue gemstone whose name is derived from "ios", the Greek word for violet. Because of its soft, almost liquid color it is often mistaken for sapphire.

It is the suggested anniversary gemstone for the twenty-first year of marriage.

Iolite is pleochroic, which means that it transmits light differently in different directions of the crystal. The Vikings made iolite's pleochroism a virtue by using thin slices of it as a light polarizer. (It will do exactly what a camera's polaroid filter will do: cancel out haze, mist and clouds to make things appear clearer.) By observing the sky through iolite, Viking navigators were able to locate the exact position of the sun on overcast days. Where did they get their iolite? It's even been found in Viking territories such as Greenland and Norway!

Iolite is primarily found, however, in East Africa and India.

To maintain the brilliance of this gemstone, it should be immersed in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small bristle brush. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

Kunzite is a beautiful light to deep pink/lavender purple member of the spodumene family. It is trichroic -- displaying different colors from different angles.

Kunzite was named for George Kunz, who in the latter part of the 19th century was chief gem buyer for Tiffany & Co. and a pioneer of the science now known as gemology.

Top kunzite can give enduring beauty equal to that of Ceylonese pink sapphire and Brazilian pink topaz. And, larger sizes are readily available since it is quite common for this species to produce stones of over 50 carats! It is important to bear in mind, however, that kunzite requires an understanding of its unusual characteristics.

Care should be exercised not to subject the gem to hot lights which can, and do, cause the color to pale. Perhaps the best way to avoid fading is to consider kunzite more of an evening gem!

As part of the normal finishing process, more than half of all kunzite has been subjected to either irradiation or heating to induce cherry blossom pinks and light plum purple hues.

To maintain the brilliance of this gemstone, it should be immersed in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small bristle brush. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine. Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, and direct strong light.

Kunzite is found mainly in Afghanistan and Brazil.

Lapis lazuli is a beautiful opaque gemstone which ideally has a deep uniform blue color that is free of white calcite veining and virtually free of golden pyrite flecks. It was prized by the ancients who mistakenly called it "sapphirus" after its deep royal blue color.

Lapis is a very popular gemstone for men's jewelry, second only to black onyx. For women, lapis is often fashioned into earrings and beads, sometimes interspersed with pearls or gold beads.

Lapis is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the ninth year of marriage.

Lapis has been highly prized since ancient Babylonian and Egyptian times. An amulet of "great power" was formed when lapis was worked into the image of an eye and ornamented with gold. Sometimes it was even buried with mummies. It was recognized as a symbol for ability, success, and divine favor.

To maintain the brilliance of lapis, it should be wiped clean with a soft cloth. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine. Care should be taken to protect ft from scratches, sharp blows and household chemicals.

As part of the fashioning process, lapis lazuli is commonly impregnated with colorless wax or oil to brighten the color. The whiter variety is commonly dyed blue to provide color and/or uniformity. This dying may not be permanent.

The prime source of lapis is Afghanistan.

The well-known Roman naturalist Pliny 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..."

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 is the October birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 14th year of marriage.

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 when the need arose. It was also said to have a beneficial effect on eyesight. It was thought to banish evil spirits and favor children, the theater, amusements, friendships and feelings.

Occasionally opal matrix is dyed to produce black and a play of color. 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.

A 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 forms the exquisite gemstone known as pearl.

Pearls come in a wide range of colors. They should be relatively free from surface 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.

Pearl is the "official" birthstone of the month of June. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage.

Besides the popular round shape, there are stylish mabe (large hemispherical cultured pearls), fresh water (interesting shapes and colors), and South Sea (large cultured pearls 1Omm and up from Australia's and Indonesia's waters), to name a few.

They have been recognized as the emblem of modesty, chastity, and purity. They have come to symbolize a happy marriage.

Different shades of colors may be achieved through bleaching, dyeing, chemicals combined with heat, or irradiation.

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.

Peridot is the child of volcanic action. Crystals are sometimes combed from the black sands of Hawaii.

Peridot is usually a lively lime green, although it can also have a brownish or olive cast.

Peridot is an accepted birthstone for August. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage.

Peridots were favored by pirates, considered powerful amulets against evil, and when set in gold, were said to protect the wearer from the terrors of the night. They had medicinal uses, too. If fashioned into a chalice from which medicines were drunk, it intensified the effects of the drug.

Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals and extreme temperature changes. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine for cleaning.

The peridot is abundant, and is available in larger sizes. It is found in Burma, the U.S. and Egypt.

Ruby is known as the "Lord of the Gems" because of its rarity and beauty. Derived from the Latin word "ruber," it simply means red. Ruby, like sapphire, is a variety of corundum and only exists as a true red in color. The finest color is vivid, almost pure spectral red with a very faint undertone of blue, as seen in the highest quality Burmese rubies, which are considered the finest.

Ruby is the accepted birthstone for July. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th years of marriage.

The highest quality rubies were said to protect their owners from all kinds of misfortune. A fine ruby assured the owner he would live in harmony with his neighbors. It would protect his stature in life, his home and land. It's protective powers were intensified when set in jewelry, and worn on the left side. Many believed rubies possessed an inner flame which burns eternally.

As part of the customary fashioning process, most rubies are heated to permanently improve their color and appearance.

As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

Many fine rubies emanate from Burma, having been mined there for more than 700 years. Other sources include Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, India and Vietnam.

Sapphire, a variety of corundum, comes in all colors except red (the red variety being known as ruby), but is especially popular in deep blue. Fancy colored sapphires -- including pink, green, orange and golden yellow -- are magnificent when combined in a necklace or bracelet.

Prince Charles chose a blue sapphire for Princess Diana's engagement ring. The stone's durability, combined with its beauty, makes it the perfect alternative for an engagement ring.

Sapphire is the September birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary gem for the 5th and 45th years of marriage.

Ancient priests and sorcerers honored sapphire above all gems, for this stone enabled them to interpret oracles and foretell the future. Ancients believed the Ten Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet. Marriage partners put great faith in the stone. If its luster dimmed, one knew his or her spouse had been unfaithful. Sapphire refused to shine when worn by the wicked or impure.

As part of the customary fashioning process, except Montana Yogo Sapphires, virtually all blue, yellow and golden sapphires are heated to permanently produce or intensify their color.

As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

Sapphire is found mainly in Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Australia, East Africa, Montana and Wyoming.

Spinel occurs in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, brown, orange, yellow, blue and purple. It is a very bright gem, having an almost diamond-like brilliance.

Many of the world's most celebrated "rubies" including several in the Crown Jewels of England were found to actually be red spinels, thanks to the new science of gemology introduced in the 19th century. But even after they were correctly identified as red spinels, these gems were still referred to as "Balas Rubies" or "Ruby Spinels".

Tests carried out in the early 1800s showed spinel was useful in detecting people with supernatural powers. The suspected clairvoyant was approached with a spinel wrapped in a piece of paper. If she was guilty as charged, the stone caused convulsions in her upper limbs!

Spinel is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the twenty-second year of marriage.

Spinel is a hard, tough stone and perfectly suited to daily wear. To clean, immerse in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and clean with a small bristle brush. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

Spinel is found mainly in Burma and Sri Lanka.

Tanzanite is a blue variety of the mineral zoisite. Color ranges from pale lilac to deep, intense violet blue. "Velvety" is the word that best describes its texture.

Tanzanite is a fairly rare gem. It comes from only one location and supply is limited compared to many other gemstones. Owning a piece of jewelry set with this unusual gemstone truly makes its owner feel unique and special. And, it gives you two colors in the same stone, meaning it is "pleochroic". From one angle it is seen as blue, and from another, purple. What's more, it's one color indoors, and another outside.

Tanzanite is one of the "newest" gemstones. In 1967, blue, green, yellow, brown and pink zoisite crystals were discovered in Tanzania, East Africa. Some of these crystals, when subjected to heat, produced the violet to blue color range now known as tanzanite. Tiffany & Co. of New York bestowed the name upon the stone and introduced it to the world.

Because tanzanite is still "young" it has no legends or superstitions connected with it.

To clean, simply immerse in jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and clean with a small bristle brush. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine or subject to steam. Avoid hard knocks and scratches, as well as extreme temperature changes.

Most people think of topaz as a transparent golden yellow gemstone. However, this gemstone is available in orange-yellow, red, honey-brown (dark sherry), light green, blue and pink.

The name topaz is derived from the Greek word "to shine" and also implies "fire." Orange-red "Imperial" topaz and pink colors are rare and most valuable.

Topaz is one of the accepted birthstones for November. Blue topaz is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 4th year; Imperial topaz for the 23rd year of marriage.

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. The Greeks felt it gave them strength. In addition, it supposedly cooled tempers, restored sanity, cured asthma, relieved insomnia and even warded off sudden death. Topaz is said to make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. It proved the loyalty of associates by changing color in the presence of poison.

As part of the normal fashion 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. Avoid sharp blows, intense heat and strong light.

Topaz is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria and Sri Lanka.

Tourmaline occurs in the widest array of colors of any gemstone species. Sometimes as many as two or three colors exist in the same cut stone. Tourmaline is also known under different names: The "rubellite" is red, sometimes with a violet tint. Fine "chrome" tourmaline has a beautiful rich green color. "Indicolite" ranges from very light to dark shades of blue, violet-blue, and greenish-blue.

The name "tourmaline" has its origins in the Sinhalese word "Turmali", which means mixture. Originally, native miners applied this term to mixed parcels of gems when they didn't really know what the stones were.

Tourmaline is one of the accepted birthstones for October and the accepted anniversary gemstone for the eighth year of marriage. A "rainbow" bracelet of 30 or more tourmalines, each one a different color, is an ideal gift for these occasions!

To clean, immerse in a jewelry cleaner or use lukewarm soapy water and a small bristle brush. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine. Protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

As part of the normal fashioning process, many tourmalines are heated to permanently improve their color and appearance.

Tourmalines are found mainly in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Africa and the U.S.

Tsavorite, a rare and beautiful newcomer to the gemstone kingdom, is a green variety of grossular garnet. The name "tsavorite" was given by Tiffany & Co. in 1974. It is derived from the famous Tsavo Park in Kenya.

Once considered an emerald substitute, tsavorite is now prized on its own behalf. Compared to emerald, it has greater brilliance and is generally less included. With regard to color, look for a green that is very much like that of imperial jade. Lighter, lime-jello green is more acceptable than darker blackish-green color.

Deposits of tsavorite are usually small and very unpredictable. Due to tremendous volcanic heat and pressure, it is rare that rough crystals are found more than 3" in length that are clean enough for a cutter to fashion. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that cut tsavorites over 3 carats are exceedingly rare.

To maintain the brilliance of this gemstone, it should be immersed in a jewelry cleaner or lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small bristle brush. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows and extreme temperature changes.

Tsavorites are found in Kenya and Tanzania.

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.

Turquoise is one of the accepted birthstones for December and is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 11th year of marriage.

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 comes in a wide variety of colors -- blue, green, yellow, orange, red and brown, in addition to colorless. Zircon is prized for its brilliance and fire as well as being a very "clean" stone, displaying very few inclusions.

The yellow "hyacinth" zircon was associated with the zodiac sign of Leo, thus with lions and courage. Rare red zircon was said to be the cure for all insomnia. From ancient times through the Middle Ages, a zircon was considered a must for travelers because it was a powerful protection against wounds and plagues. It was also said to increase its wearer's riches because it gave him wisdom with which to conduct his finances. Someone bewitched by evil spirits was encouraged to rub zircon over a cross cut into a fresh-baked loaf of bread, recite a chant, and eat the bread. The spell would soon vanish.

Zircon is one of the accepted birthstones for December.

To clean, immerse in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and use a small bristle brush. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine. Avoid abrasives and extreme temperature changes.

As part of the customary fashioning process, various shades of brown zircons are heated to produce colorless stones or beautiful shades of blue and red.

Zircons are found today in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Cambodia.