Garnet is the birthstone for January and comes in a variety of colors. Red, reddish brown, and a purplish pink are available. The wine-colored garnet, known as a rhodolite garnet, is generally more valuable. Reddish garnets look great combined with other colored gemstones such as amethyst, peridot, and black onyx. A true red garnet can be extremely bright and sharp when contrasted against the richness of yellow gold.

Amethyst is the traditional birthstone for the month of February. In many cultures, amethyst was reserved only for the imperial family. Because of this association with royalty, it’s one of the most popular stones in the semi-precious gemstone family. While the dark purple Amethyst looks particularly striking set in yellow gold, the paler, lighter stones are best set in silver or white gold. Amethyst has an excellent durability and can be worn for almost any occasion and is very affordable.

Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for March. Derived from Latin, the name aquamarine literally means “sea-water” and is a tribute to its beautiful light blue color. Long associated with tranquility and happiness, aquamarine was also thought to instill courage, cure laziness, and quicken the intellect.

Most everyone thinks of a diamond as the stone for an engagement ring. But, did you know that a diamond is also the birthstone for April? The four C’s are what determine the value of a diamond, the cut, color, clarity, and carat-weight. The cut refers to the arrangement of the diamond’s facets, which determine the brilliance and beauty. The color ranges from colorless, (the rarest and most valuable) to a more yellowish color with a full spectrum of shading in between. Then, there’s clarity, the degree to which tiny marks of nature, called inclusions, are present. Finally, carat-weight, the standard measurement for a diamond’s size. We also provide you with the 5th “C”(the cost). At S&E, we take great pride in offering the best selection of diamonds, at the best prices possible.

The emerald is the birthstone for May and represents spring and rebirth. A fine emerald is a true rarity and of great demand in the international marketplace. Most emeralds are cut in what is called the “Emerald Cut” because it affords the greatest retention of weight when cutting from the rough crystal. It’s a very lush and soothing color. In fact, no other gemstone conjures up more images and associations with intrigue, beauty, and richness than the emerald.

The pearl is the birthstone for June. We have black Tahitian pearls from the South Seas and traditional Japanese Akoya pearls in white with cream or pink hues. Fresh-water pearls are available in a choice of many different colors including white, pink, green, black, peacock, and even chocolate. Pearls make the perfect gift for graduations, weddings, and anniversaries. We even have pearls for baby gifts and for children. And, since pearls coordinate with almost all styles, they’re a staple to any wardrobe, at any time of life.

Red is an emotional and passionate color. Ruby jewelry commands attention. They’re especially beautiful when accented by diamonds and are appropriate with both yellow and white gold. As July’s birthstone, a ruby is known as the “King of Gems” because of its rarity and beauty. In fact, Europeans often use rubies, and not diamonds, as engagement rings.

Although its name is simply a French word (derived from Arabic) for “green,” peridot has become one of the most popular and sought-after gemstones. Its beauty and affordability make this stone a must-have. Peridot is the birthstone for August, and for those with a sophisticated gemstone taste.

A fine blue sapphire, with its cool, tranquil coloring, is internationally valued and desired. Sapphires lend themselves to both classic and contemporary styles. Since blue is a color that coordinates with many other colors, it becomes an almost neutral tone. This, combined with its natural durability, makes it perfect for a piece that can be worn every day. Stop in and take a look for yourself.

Opals come in a variety of intense colors, and no two stones are ever alike. Black opals have a dark body or background, which accentuates their fire. White opals can also display flashes of color. Found primarily in Australia and Mexico, opals are quite delicate by nature, and therefore should not be worn as everyday jewelry. The boulder opal is most vivid, and S&E has many to choose from. Opal is a symbol of hope. It was once thought to be a gift from heaven that would fall in flashes of lightning. Opal is the birthstone for October.

Citrine gemstones take their name from the French for lemon. They’re vivid golden-hued stones, historically mistaken for topaz; citrine is distinctly different even though its color may be very similar. Since citrine is a variety of quartz, it is a durable stone that can be used for everyday wear. Since there are many shades of citrine, November’s birthstone is easy to match to any wardrobe.

Blue zircon, turquoise, and blue topaz are December birthstones and now tanzanite is coming aboard for a December birthstone also. Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967, in Tanzania (in the eastern part of Africa) and is named after its country of origin. To date, tanzanite is found nowhere else on earth. Because of East African political and economic turmoil, it is difficult to ascertain the status of further production. Therefore, tanzanite is a great gemstone to buy now, as it will probably become scarce in the future.