Throughout history, gemstones have been prized by royalty and worn as charms for protection and good fortune. Over time, many gemstones have become popular gifts for birthdays and anniversaries. Created by nature, genuine gemstones are beautiful to gaze at and delightful to wear. Garnets are found in nature in every color except blue. The most popular color is a beautiful, deep red. It was believed that the wearer of garnets was kept in good health and protected while traveling. Garnets are worn to signify truth and faith This member of the quartz family was prized by royalty in ancient times for its regal, purple color. The amethyst is said to bring good luck and to radiate love. March: Aquamarine Found in a range of blue shades from pale to dark, this gem embodies the beauty of the seas. It was thought to bring its wearers knowledge, foresight and inspiration. April: Diamonds Diamonds are the most brilliant of gemstones and the hardest substance in the world. They have been cherished for more than 6,000 years. In ancient times, diamonds were thought to be pieces of stars that had fallen to Earth May: Emeralds Known as the queen of gems and treasured since ancient times, this vibrant green stone has long been regarded as a symbol of fertility, rebirth and springtime. Emeralds were believed to protect the wearer from the perils of long journeys. June: Pearls These jewels of the sea are indigenous to the waters surrounding Japan and China. In those warm, calm waters, the oyster produces pearls in a wide range of shades, from creamy white to black July: Ruby A prized possession of kings and queens throughout the ages, the ruby has been known for centuries as a symbol of love and immortality. In some countries, engagement rings are set with rubies instead of diamonds. August: Peridot Mystics have claimed that this lustrous green stone drives away evil and has special healing properties. Peridots have been found in meteorites and volcanoes September: Sapphire The name sapphire is derived from the Latin word for blue, "sapphirus." Ancient Persians believed the Earth rested on an enormous blue sapphire, and its reflection caused the blueness of the sky. October: Opal The opal's special characteristic is a rainbow-like play of color that changes with the angle of observation. Colors vary, but it's the iridescent property that creates the very special play of color called "fire." November: Citrine The name citrine comes from the French word for lemon, "citron," which describes this stone's yellow hue. In ancient times, citrine was revered as a gift of the sun and believed to be a powerful antidote to a viper's venom December: Topaz Topaz comes in many colors, including light blue, pink, yellow, red and green. The most popular color is an enhanced blue. This gorgeous gemstone was said to act as a protector and make the wearer invisible in emergencies Agate Agate is a type of chalcedony quartz. It is found in many hues and often has layers of varying colors. Agate is believed to quench thirst and divert storms Black Onyx This striking gem of varying colors is a member of the chalcedony group of gems and can appear opaque or translucent. Although it occurs naturally in black, it is generally dyed black to improve its color. In India, onyx necklaces are thought to cool feelings of love/ Jade The royal stone of ancient China, this opaque gem was said to represent love and virtue. The most common colors are shades of green, lavender and rose. Smokey Quartz A darker variety of quartz, this gemstone is a deep, rich brown with a smoky appearance. Tanzanite An exquisite purple-blue gemstone that is popular for its brilliance, Tanzanite was first discovered in Tanzania in 1967.