The provided sources, primarily newsletters from GemSelect, offer a recurring thematic exploration of gemstones tied to specific times of the year, cultural events, and gifting occasions. While a single, focused birthstone article isn’t directly supported by the material, a comprehensive overview of gemstones as presented through GemSelect’s communications can be constructed. This article will synthesize information from these newsletters, highlighting recurring themes, featured gemstones, and associated lore as presented by GemSelect between 2014 and 2025. The sources primarily function as a marketing and informational resource, focusing on gemstone trends, availability, and gifting ideas, rather than in-depth gemological treatises. Therefore, the article will reflect this emphasis.
A Calendar of Gemstones
GemSelect’s newsletters demonstrate a cyclical approach to gemstones, aligning them with seasonal events and celebrations. February consistently features gemstones appropriate for Valentine’s Day and the Chinese New Year. The year of the Red Rooster in 2017, for example, prompted discussion of colors and gemstones associated with the fire and wood elements. Similarly, the arrival of spring in March is marked by a focus on green gemstones, such as those highlighted in the 2016 newsletter, connecting them to St. Patrick’s Day and the renewal of nature.
Autumn, as highlighted in a 2015 newsletter, brings attention to neutral, gray, teal, pink, and orange-toned gems. December’s offerings center around blue gemstones like turquoise, tanzanite, topaz, and zircon, potentially linked to the “December blues” and the winter season. June is associated with peach-colored gems, including morganite, sapphire, spinel, and tourmaline. May consistently receives attention due to Mother’s Day, with newsletters emphasizing gemstones as gifts expressing love and appreciation.
Gemstones and Cultural Celebrations
Beyond seasonal associations, GemSelect’s newsletters connect gemstones to specific cultural events. Chinese New Year is a recurring theme, with discussions of auspicious colors and gems for the year. The tale of Antony and Cleopatra is invoked in a February newsletter, linking gemstones to historical romance and luxury. The Thai water festival, Songkran, celebrated in April, is mentioned in relation to gem formation and mining in Thailand.
The newsletters also touch upon historical themes, such as pirate treasure and ancient civilizations. A 2016 newsletter references pirate treasure, Roman gold, and Colombian emeralds found in shipwrecks. Mayan gemstone dental implants and Malaysian ‘susuk’ charms made from precious gems are also briefly mentioned, hinting at the historical use of gemstones in adornment and spiritual practices.
Featured Gemstones and Their Significance
Several gemstones are repeatedly featured across the newsletters, suggesting their popularity and relevance to GemSelect’s customer base.
- Sapphire: Frequently mentioned, particularly in connection with Sri Lankan (Ceylon) sapphires and teal sapphires. The 2014 sources mention sapphires from Eastern Thailand, specifically Jantaburi, known as the “sapphire capital of the world.” Sapphires are also linked to happiness and healing in a 2017 newsletter.
- Emerald: Highlighted alongside sapphires, particularly Zambian emeralds in April 2024.
- Garnet: Featured in November newsletters, including rare color-change garnet.
- Tourmaline: Prominent in October newsletters, often alongside opal.
- Morganite: Specifically mentioned as a peach-colored gem in June newsletters.
- Spinel: Recognized as an investment gem in October 2025 and featured alongside tourmaline.
- Kunzite: Highlighted in November 2019 as a “party stone.”
- Opal: Frequently paired with tourmaline, particularly in October. Rainbow opal and opal triplets are specifically mentioned.
- Apatite: Listed as a healing gem in 2017.
- Iolite: Featured as a unique gemstone for Mother’s Day in May 2024.
- Diaspore: Mentioned as a color-change gemstone for Mother’s Day.
- Lapis Lazuli: Featured in July 2025.
- Andesine Labradorite: Also featured in July 2025.
Gemstones and Emotional Wellbeing
Several newsletters touch upon the perceived emotional and healing properties of gemstones. A 2017 newsletter specifically lists gemstones for happiness, sadness, and depression, including citrine, sapphire, blue topaz, apatite, and emerald. A 2016 newsletter explores the meanings attributed to colors and gemstones, suggesting which colors are best for rejuvenation, joy, and energy. This aligns with broader metaphysical beliefs surrounding gemstones, though the newsletters do not delve deeply into these concepts.
Gifting and Gemstone Selection
A significant portion of the newsletters focuses on gemstones as gifts, particularly for Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. GemSelect provides suggestions for gemstone gift ideas, including heart-shaped gemstones and those associated with specific meanings. The newsletters also offer advice on selecting gemstones, such as considering carat size and choosing stones appropriate for specific occasions.
Gemstone Care and Industry News
While not a primary focus, the newsletters occasionally offer practical advice, such as gem and jewelry care tips. They also provide updates on gem and jewelry fairs, such as the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, and news about new gemstone arrivals and industry events.
Summary
The GemSelect newsletters provide a curated view of the gemstone world, emphasizing seasonal trends, cultural connections, and gifting opportunities. While not a comprehensive gemological resource, they offer insights into popular gemstones, their perceived meanings, and their relevance to various occasions. The newsletters consistently promote gemstones as beautiful, meaningful, and versatile gifts, appealing to a broad audience of jewelry enthusiasts and collectors. The information presented is largely marketing-focused, highlighting gemstone availability and promoting sales, rather than providing detailed scientific or historical analysis.
Conclusion
The GemSelect newsletters, spanning several years, demonstrate a consistent pattern of associating gemstones with specific times of the year, cultural events, and emotional wellbeing. While the information is presented primarily from a commercial perspective, it offers a glimpse into the enduring appeal of gemstones and their role in human culture and celebration. The recurring themes and featured gemstones highlight the ongoing popularity of certain varieties and the continued belief in their beauty and symbolic significance.