January	Garnet - This birthstone is most commonly a deep red. In ancient folklore, it was believed to have magical properties, assuring the wearer of love and faithfulness. Garnets are usually opaque or translucent with the rare transparent stones having a high luster and are associated with consistency.
February	Amethyst - This relative of quartz can be found in varying purple tones. In ancient Greece, it was believed to protect one from the effects of wine! Ancient people thought amethyst crystals were fragments of stars, fallen to earth. Even today, many believe they have protective and mystical powers.
March	Aquamarine - In the same family of Beryl stones as emeralds, "aquamarine" means "sea water." Reminiscent of the clear blue ocean, gazing into this lovely stone has the power to transport you to remote island beaches.
April	Swarovski Crystal - Beautiful Swarovski crystals in clear will be used in varying shapes and sizes in place of diamonds that will still give a stunning luminescent feel.
May	Emerald - Beloved and admired for their bold green hues, emeralds evoke wonder for the natural world. Sacred to the Goddess Venus, this stone has been linked to fertility and creativity. Beautiful Swarovski crystals will be used in the same Emerald color. Shapes and sizes will vary according to the style of the bracelet.
June	Pearl - A unique, organic process is responsible for the creation of pearls inside the shells of mollusks. While symbols of innocence in ancient Greece, today they have come to represent tradition and simplicity. Of course, white will always be right but many real pearls come in a variety of tints, from creamy white, pink, pistachio green, lavender, apricot, creamy brown, gold, blue~grey to balck. The appeal is that you get the classic look of pearls with an extra bit of flair. Baroque pearls are irregularly shaped. Do wear your pearls often as they lose their luster if they are not handled and worn.
July	Ruby - Derived from the mineral corundum, rubies can be more valuable than diamonds when flawless! Associated with royalty and the power of life, rubies have been highly revered for thousands of years. An ancient tale claims that rubies can't be stolen because their red glow would shine through a theif's clothes! That's a tall tale! Symbol of health, wealth, wisdom, passion, triumph in love.
August	Peridot - The electric green of August's birthstone makes for radiant and exciting jewelry. It is no wonder that this stone, found in lava, traditionally was associated with the sun and endowed with many mystical powers.
September	Iolite - Iolite will be used in place of Sapphire with it's varying range of colors from a quite deep blue to violet blue to light greyish blue. Occasionaly a bit of browns run thru the stones. A wide variety of cuts of Iolite will be used to compliment each design.
October	Labradorite - Often called the Wizard stone, Labradorite accentuates the effect of other gems. Gray at first glance, it glows with iridescent color as light hits it. Traditionally labradorite iis thought to bring good luck. Healing properities are keeping one centered, brings joy, kindness, provides variety and good fortune.Labradorite is also beneficial for healing infections.
November	Citrine and Topaz - November offers a choice between two beautiful stones, citrine and topaz. According to ancient folklore, citrine connotes a sense of balance and well-being. Topaz, originating from the Sanskrit "tapas," means to glow, and jewelry adorned with topaz does just that.
December	Tanzanite - While Turquoise is often used as December's birthstone, The Elegant Bead now celebrates this month by sometimes using Turquoise with Tanzanite crystal. Discovered in Tanzania in the 1960's, no other gem has become so popular so fast. Found only in one hilly area of Tanzania, this striking, purplish-blue stone is a gem of rare beauty. Turquoise has long been prized for it's intense color, which varies from sky blue to green depending on the quantities of iron and copper within it, and from where it comes from in the world (e.g., Africa, China, Arizona, other U.S. States). It's opaque to translucent, light and very fragile.