Thus, from the jacinth and the pearl to the sapphire and the diamond, runs the gemmed story of the days. More fixed in popular imagination are the special stones of the months, for these have become the birthstones that mark the natal days. In early times there was considerable variety; today there is general agreement as to these stones. They may have come, as many believe, from the twelve stones in the breastplate of the Jewish high priest. Or they may be transferred from the twelve foundation stones proclaimed in _Revelations_ for the New Jerusalem. The ages have fixed them as memorials of birth, and one should have at least one lucky jewel adorned with one’s birthstone. TABLE OF BIRTHSTONES _Month_ _Birthstone_ January Garnet February Amethyst March Aquamarine April Diamond May Emerald June Pearl July Ruby August Sardonyx or Peridot September Sapphire October Opal November Topaz December Turquoise Each of the birthstones is caught into more than one jingle. Its powers have been trusted so long that folklore has wrapped them in song, and truth hangs upon them like the beard of a patriarch. And the stones themselves endow the wearer with the special grace of the natal day. _January: Garnet_ By her who in this month is born Gaily the garnet should be worn; ’Twill guarantee love’s constancy And warm her in felicity. The January stone, at its best, is a deep red, or a red shading to violet. With its burgundy sparkle, it has a dark brilliance found in no other gem. The color of the garnet drew it naturally to association with blood. It has been considered a sovereign remedy against all kinds of inflammation and bleeding and disorders of the blood. Since the face flushes with anger, the garnet was held as a charm against anger; it was felt to have a calming influence and to be potent against mental disorders. Psychoanalysts take long years to accomplish what one may gain just by the wearing of a garnet. Pile on the coal. And if there’s a hole In underclothes, go darn it. This is the time For winter’s rime, And for the ruddy garnet. _February: Amethyst_ The February born will find Sincerity and peace of mind, Freedom from passion or from care, If they the amethyst will wear. The February stone has a wider range of color, and may be chosen in any shade from light lilac to a deep royal purple. It is a symbol of beauty and of power. It has been traditionally associated with the Princes of the Church, and down the ages has been the chosen royal gem. Out of the ancient Hebrew comes the thought that the amethyst has the power to prevent nightmares and unpleasant dreams.