Gem by Gem

Amethyst ranges in color from pale lilac to deep purple. The pale colors are sometimes called "Rose de France" and can be seen set in Victorian jewelry. The deep colors are the most valuable. (February birthstone)

Citrine includes yellow to gold to orange brown shades of transparent quartz. Named from the French name for lemon,"citron," many citrines have a lemon color.

Peridot is one of the few gemstones which exist only in one colour. Finest traces of iron account for the deep green colour with a slight golden hue. (August birthstone)

Topaz is the birthstone for those born in the month of November. Pale topaz which is enhanced to become blue is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and China.

Garnets come not only in many colours but also under many names: Andradite, Demantoid, Grossularite, Hessonite, Pyrope, Rhodolith, Tsavorith, Spessartine, Uwarowite etc.. The most common stone is a deep red color. Originally discovered in the USA, it is now mainly found in gemstone mines in East Africa, India and Sri Lanka. Garnet is a symbol of frienship, love and devotion. It is also the birthstone for January and the suggested gift for a second anniversary.