Your guide to birthstones

Birthstone Star Necklaces featuring amethyst for February and turquoise for December.

Humans have always been enchanted by gemstones — Biblical legend says that the Devil tried tempting Eve by turning flowers in the Garden of Eden into jewels. We’ve been so hypnotized by them that we’ve ascribed specific powers to different stones, wearing them as protective talismans. The same is true for birthstones, stones associated with specific months and said to become even more powerful when worn during your birth month.

To channel a birthstone’s power, or even just wear a little piece of sparkling magic, check out this handy chart:

I love a good chart.

Looking for options? Here’s the full list with some alternatives, too:

• January: Garnet

• February: Amethyst

• March: Aquamarine, bloodstone, jade

• April: Diamond, crystal quartz

• May: Emerald

• June: Pearl, moonstone, alexandrite

• July: Ruby

• August: Peridot, spinel, sardonyx

• September: Sapphire

• October: Opal, tourmaline

• November: Citrine, topaz

• December: Turquoise, blue zircon or topaz, tanzanite

Wear your favorite, or wear someone else’s (like your children or your spouse’s) as a way to keep them close even when they’re far away.

Mother's Day, But Make It Extra

Did you know that Mother’s Day is coming up? Like, really, really soon? It’s May 12th, and in case the holiday has slipped your mind, I’ve got some upgraded gift ideas for you: 

JEWELRY, BUT WITH MORE OOH’S AND AAH’S

If she’s a little conservative when buying jewelry for herself, Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to give her something she might not think to ask you for. Try an unexpected color combo, like the Ridgeline Pendant Necklace in Dalmatian jasper and blue chalcedony, or Collage Studs in crystal quartz packed with sparkle. Check out the full list of Mother’s Day picks featuring my most-gifted pieces. 

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PERFUME, BUT AN EXPERIENCE

Schedule a trip for the two of you to visit a scent-maker where your mom can have a custom perfume blended for her. She’ll get to work with an expert to craft her own signature scent, and it’ll be an experience you can share together. Try Kelly + Jones’ scent studio in upstate NY (Kingston, to be exact), or Nova in NYC. Extra points if you plan brunch before your appointment.

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FLOWERS, BUT WITH A TWIST

Get her a gift she can open on May 12th, but also order her flowers with a delivery date that’s 2 or 3 months away. She won’t be expecting it at all, and it’ll show her that you’re always thinking of her (not just on Mother’s Day). Some of my favorite florists include Hops Petunia in Kingston, and Putnam & Putnam in NYC

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Try any of these and let me know how it goes — if you have any other great, unexpected ideas, add them to the comments!