Do you know where birthstones came from? Believe it or not, they go really far back. Originally created to represent the twelve tribes of Israel, they are popular today from anything from earrings to bracelets, rings to anklets. Each birthstone has is supposed to have a mystical ability such as curing blindness or preventing drunkenness:

January: Garnet

Garnets are known for being a rich red, but can be many other colors. They signify trust and friendship, and was thought to relieve fever when ground into a powder. The Garnet was said to cure the carrier of all diseases when worn as an amulet, especially those that had to do with blood, because of the red color of the gem. As redness made the face flush when angry also, the Garnet was used to calm people. Soldiers were known to wear them for protection and because they preserved honor. For those born in January, the powers were doubly effective.
However, Garnet was not always a peaceful, healing symbol. Actually, it had been almost the complete opposite. In the late 19th century, Garnets were used as bullets by Asians because, like before, the red color was believed to deliver mortal injuries.

Demantoids are a vibrant green kind of Garnet, which are the most expensive kind. They are found in the Ural Mountains, while most sources for regular Garnet are India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Africa.

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February: Amethyst:

Amethysts are usually a regal purple quartz, with hints of red underneath. According to myths, Amethyst was the name of a beautiful mortal who happened to be the victim of the god Bacchus's revenge, after something the goddess Diana had done. Diana had protected Amethyst from tigers by turning her into a stone, where Bacchus poured wine to make it its signature violet. Because of this, ancient Romans and Greeks believed that it could protect the carrier from becoming drunk, and could keep a person quick-witted and able to control evil thoughts.

Russia was where Amethysts were first found, and Russian royalty were fond of them, such as Catherine the Great, who had many among her collection. It was worn by them, as well as many bishops that were members of the Roman Catholic Church. Amethysts have also appeared among English royalty, thus the term "royal purple."
Favored by many other people, the Amethyst promised religious love and thoughts as well as sober judgment.

Amethysts can be found all around the world although Brazil is the largest source,

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March: Aquamarine

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