The Power and Pull of Birth Stones and Zodiac Stones

Birth stones are gemstones associated with each month in the Gregorian Calendar (Christian or Western calendar). These are either precious stones, which are the more rare and expensive gems such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, pearls, and sapphires.  Then there are the semi-precious stones, including ameythst, opal and bloodstone.

Amethyst Gemstones

All of them are considered lucky for their particular months and their healing powers are seen to be heightened during their months. Because of this some people will buy a set of all twelve and rotate them for each month.

Origins

The first time a special gem was associated with a particular month was recorded in the Bible.Moses made a breastplate for the High Priest of the Hebrews according to instructions he received during 40 days in the mountains. The breastplate featured twelve gems which were later linked with the signs of the zodiac, and later still, associated with the months in the year. 

The birth stones are connected to each month as follows:-

Turquoise Beads

January - Garnet
Feb - Amethyst
March - Aquamarine & Bloodstone
April - Diamond
May - Emerald
June - Pearls, Moonstone and Alexandrite
July - Ruby
August - Peridot and Sardonyx
September - Sapphire
October - Opal & Tourmaline
November -  Topaz
December - Turquoise & Zircon

Zodiac stones

Zodiac gem stones are also called Astral Stones.  Ancient astrologers, typically from India and Babylon, believed that the influence of your astrology sign over your fortune in life is strengthened by wearing, holding or carrying the stone associated with the constellation under which you were born. There was no formal classification, the gems were assigned to the signs of the zodiac via a colour system. The astrologers believed that the colour unleashed the magical powers from the stone. 

Whereas the Birth Stones are more typically associated with healing powers, the zodiac stones are associated with how your life follows its path in relation to your birth sign's characteristics.

The zodiac stones are as follows:-                         

Aries - Mar 21 – Apr 20, 
Diamond, Opal

Pearl Beads

Taurus - Apr 21 – May 20, Emerald, Sapphire

Gemini - May 21 – Jun 20, Alexandrite, Agate, Amethyst 

Cancer - Jun 21 – Jul 21, Ruby, Pearl, Moonstone

Leo - Jul 22 – Aug 21, Peridot, Jade, Sardonyx, Diamond

Virgo - Aug 22 – Sep 21, Sapphire, Zircon, Agate

Libra - Sep 22 – Oct 22, Opal, Sapphire, Jasper

Scorpio - Oct 23 – Nov 21, Topaz, Citrine, Pearl

Sagittarus - Nov 22 – Dec 20, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx

Capricorn - Dec 21 – Jan 19, Garnet, Garnet, Emerald

Aquarius - Jan 20 – Feb 18, Amethyst, Bloodstone

Pisces - Feb 19 – Mar 20, March, Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Jade

For your jewellery making, International Craft have the majority of these precious and semi-precious stones and beads in stock, to buy, CLICK HERE

What glue should I use to make jewellery?

Finding the correct glue to use can be frustrating, because you don't  want to find that after a short time after you've made something its falling apart because you used the wrong glue.

Here are a few of the glues available with an explanation of their best uses.  All can be bought at International Craft - wholesale jewellery supplies.

Epoxy Glue Very strong

A very strong 2-part epoxy glue which is sometimes available in a very convenient syringe dispenser which ensures that equal amounts of the 2 parts are dispensed in an easy and even flow. A very fast acting  adhesive that dries in 5-10 minutes.  Can dry with a slight yellow tint and so is not recommended for use on translucent stones as the colour may show through.

Recommended for fixing cabochons to fittings and for any other jewellery making where a strong bond is required. Stronger than super glue. Dries in 5-10minutes.

Hypo Cement Glue Medium strength

G-S Hypo Cement was invented in 1930's for use in the watchmaking and jewellery repair industries. It is a combination fine precision tool and a crystal clear drying, medium-strength cement that will not damage surfaces. The cement is ideal for jewellery, beads, plastic, glass, metal, ceramics, painted or sealed woods and other non-porous surfaces and is perfect for sealing knots. This is a no-waste product that is ideal for many applications.

This is not an "instant glue." It becomes tacky in 10 - 15 seconds, allows parts to be adjusted, sets in 10 to 15 minutes and fully dries in about an hour. 


Recommended for jewellery work where precision is needed.  Good for positioning beads on a illusion styled necklace. Also good for holding knots on a stretch elastic bracelets.  Great for use when making photo jewellery as the glue dries crystal clear.

Hypo Fabric Cement

             

Packaged with a unique, built-in precision applicator, makes intricate fabric and textile projects effortless and mess-free. The clear-drying Hypo Fabric Cement holds fast to fabric, textiles, leather, plastic, arts; crafts, appliques, costuming, beads, foam sheets, yarn and home decor projects. The cement is fast drying, and can be laundered in as little as 24 hours.  

Recommended for glueing rhinestones to clothing.

Super Glue Strong

The Original Super Glue® is a name synonymous around the world with strength, quality, and durability. Original formula Super Glue forms the strongest bonds on clean breaks of non-porous material such as plastic, rubber, and metal, and once exposed to air it bonds instantly and sets in seconds.

Super Glue Pen style applicators provide a simple, easy-to-use and easy-to-store solution for quick repair projects. Great when you're looking for a precise application - just press the pen point down on the surface to release the glue and lift to stop. 

Recommended for where speed is of the essence. Do not use on elastic cord.