January Alternate Birthstones

I hope everyone had an absolutely fabulous New Year celebration and wish you all a very prosperous 2009.

We are all familiar with the gorgeous reds of Mozambique garnets and the purplish red of Rhodolite, but did you know that garnets come in all colors? Blue is the most rare and also the most valuable. The reds, purples, oranges (spessartite, hessonite) and greens (tsavorite, grossular) are more frequently seen on the market today.

Click Here to see alternative birthstones for January babies based on cultural lore and astrology.

Sparkly New Year!
~Moon

December Alternative Birthstones

Someone please slow down the calendar!!! December is almost half over and I'm just now getting to my alternate birthstone post for the month. Maybe I should do January today too so I can be ahead of the game for once! ☺

December's traditional birthstone is Blue Zircon, a stunning blue stone with colored flashes similar to those in diamonds. A more affordable traditional option is Lapis Lazuli a deep blue opaque stone often veined with golden flecks. Lapis figures prominently in South Western style jewelry.

Modern birthstone choices for December are Turquoise, Blue Topaz and Tanzanite.
Astrological signs provide an even broader range of alternatives for December babies. For detailed information Click Here.

January's modern and traditional representation is Garnet. When most folks think of Garnet, they see red however, it actually comes in a rainbow of colors (and price points). The mystical birthstone for January is Emerald and your astrology gives you additional choices as well like: Turquoise, Onyx, Ruby, Moss Agate, Amethyst and Opal! Moss Agate is a personal favorite of mine. No two stones are the same and they can often look like seascapes, rolling hills or amazing bursts of flame like the one below that I sold last weekend at a show.

There's still time within the US to get some CustomMoonlight in time for the holidays! I am running a special in my Etsy shop through the 10th of January (for those who receive ca$h gifts!). Any order valued over $100 will receive a refund of the shipping charge!

Wishing everyone a sparkly, safe and happy holiday season.
~Moon