twins Jessica & Alison aka. “The Advice Sisters”
I am not only a twin but also a Gemini. Although I’m not completely sure that I believe in personality traits from the Zodiac, I do believe I have some of the basics including being intelligent, creative, social, and never bored or boring. If you are born under the twin sign of Gemini, welcome to my tribe! This story is about Gemini’s birthstones, and their very lovely flower, the rose.
Birthstone Lore:
For those of you born under Gemini, did you know that we have not one, but three birthstones? They’re all unique and somewhat color-changing: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. I didn’t realize that there were ancient and modern versions of traditional birthstones. But wearing a birthstone has been thought to bring luck and protection.
The origins of wearing gemstones can be traced back to biblical times and the Book of Exodus. It describes the breastplate worn by Aaron, the first high priest of the Israelites. According to the Book of Exodus, the breastplate had 12 different stones, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. By the 8th and 9th centuries, it was trendy to own a collection of all of the jewels but only wear a single stone during a given month. The modern tradition of wearing one stone for their month of birth did not begin until the 16th century and originated in Europe.
Modern Birthstones:
Did you ever wonder why a certain gemstone was designated for your birth month? I did too. Then I learned that in 1912 the National Association of Jewelers met in order to officially standardize the list of American birthstones and each month that they represented. This list ensured that the stones they chose would be practical for American jewelers to sell and promote in large quantities. It was then modified in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, adding alexandrite to June, citrine to November, pink tourmaline to October, and zircon to December. Although the list has nearly remained the same since then, in 2002 the gem Tanzanite was added to December’s stones, and just as recently as 2016 spinel was added to the month of August.
The Rose: Gemini/June’s Flower:
Although my personal favorite scented flowers are carnations (the real ones that smell like spice) and lilacs. another personal favorite is the beautiful rose. It’s the June flower. The birth flower for the month of June is the rose. There are over three hundred species and tens of thousands of cultivars.
The rose is the ultimate expression of love, desire, and passion. The rose (not necessarily red, however,) is the sacred symbol of the Ancient Goddesses, Aphrodite, and Venus. It is also connected with Adonis, Cupid, and Eros – who was Aphrodite’s son.
I should wager a guess that someone decided June should be associated with the rose because June is when roses typically begin to bloom. My backyard growing up was full of June roses that actually did seem to bloom on my birthday. However, while red roses are symbolic of romance and devotion, there are lots of other colors.
Rose Gift Idea:
Real roses are lovely, But for a more unusual gift, send a rose in a ribbon wrapped box (or many roses) from Eternal Fleur (read advicesisters’ review). Eternal fleur roses will remind her that she is special, day after day up to 365 days. Eternal Fleur’s roses smell like roses, too.
Rose Jewelry Gift Idea:
Gift your Gemini a “Gratitude Rose” necklace from The Goddaughters. This silver necklace with the graceful G on the flower reminds you to be grateful (story: #17 Things to Be Happy About ) and count your blessings. Gratitude Rose Necklace is made of Sterling silver with an adjustable cable chain giving the option to be worn as a 16 or 18 inch necklace. Delicate and beautiful the Gratitude Rose Necklace also makes a great layering necklace.
The Goddaughters Rose Pendant measures about 1 and 1.2 inches. There is a really pretty ring and a bracelet should you want a full set. Visit The Godddaughters Website.
June’s Gemini Birthstones:
Color changing or luminescent stones are so appropriate as June’s birthstones for the dual-personality of Gemini. The agate, turquoise, and cat’s eye are very old birthstones for June. But there are three modern birthstones: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. All of these change color or have luminescence. Even the old birthstones agate and cats eye have some luminescence and color.
The Classic Pearl:
Pearls are gems produced by living creatures. Most shelled mollusks can develop a pearl. However, rare gem-quality pearls don’t easily occur in nature. The majority of pearls available are cultured pearls. There are four primary groups of cultured pearls: Freshwater Pearls; Akoya Pearls; South Sea Pearls; Tahitian Pearls. The photo above shows a pearl necklace with a labradorite stone from Beksand Designs that advicesisters.com recently reviewed.
Pearls are classic and timeless. Perhaps that is why they are the choice of brides, to give on special occasions, and as treasured family heirlooms (read story).
I personally adore the incredible luminosity of good-quality pearls. But pearls are also delicate, so treat them carefully. They are meant to be worn and absorb the oils from your skin. Read advice sisters classic story from 2007: “How to Clean Pearls”
Alexandrite:
Leave it to unique Gemini to have this rare gemstone full of color-changing properties based on the lighting you’re in. Alexandrite was first found in the Russian mines of the Ural Mountains. Folktales say that this color-changing gemstone was found on the birthday of Tsar Alexander II. Hence the name. These are so rare and precious, most of the stones are very small. However, There are lab-created alexandrites with color-changing properties. I’d love to have the real thing, though! You can still get some from the original source (Russia) but these are very rare and expensive, More alexandrites are from Brasil, and the Naarsipatnam alexandrite comes from India.
Alexandrite Jewelry Gift Idea:
Since alexandrites are so pricey, especially good quality ones, it’s difficult to find them. However, Shop LC has a selection of alexandrite jewelry at affordable prices. $59 gets you these dainty Naarsipatnam alexandrite flower stud earrings in platinum over 925 sterling silver (Item #3797377CC). these are 0.50 ctw. They’re made in India. These alexandrites are soft blue-green, and a bit cloudy, but they change color just like all the others in various lighting situations.
These would make a lovely gift for a young Gemini, or someone with multiple ear piercings. They’re also a showpiece for anyone with short hair or wear if you wear your hair up or back. They are genuine alexandrite, a rare find at a great price. Shop LC has other pieces as well, and the gemstone for every birth month with affordable to splurge styles. $59 ORIGINAL
Moonstone:
Moonstone is known for its color shifting that occurs just under the surface of the gem. Until I started researching this story, I didn’t know that the moonstone was also a Gemini/June birthstone.
Pliny described the moonstone’s magical shifting appearance that follows the stages of the moon. Adularescence describes the color-changing phenomenon of moonstone, reminiscent of moonlight over water. While low-grade moonstones can be a bit dull, The good ones look so beautiful!
There is a jewelry story we did a while ago that includes a photo of a lovely moonstone necklace from Isabelle Grace (see the story)
Modern Birthstone List (Which birthstone is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!)
January — Garnet
February — Amethyst
March — Aquamarine
April — Diamond
May — Emerald
June — Alexandrite
July — Ruby
August — Peridot or Spinel
September — Sapphire
October — Tourmaline
November — Golden Topaz or Citrine
December — Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, or Tanzanite
