LADIES' COLUMN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7695, 2 May 1903, Page 3

LADIES' COLUMN.

BIRTHSTONES USED AGAIN Gifts for Babes ai -well as Tonne "Women. (Amtrican Popcr.) Old saws and supen^bitions associate precious stones with the signs of nativity. According- to the old astrologers the import of the different precious stones is- altered somewhat when they are considered! with reference to the planets, and only certain of the vast array of stones have patient) influences. Thus classified, May, June and Decetober are the months most lucky to be born inlucky, thafc is, so far as material benefitare considered. But otiher months augur good character influencesj a a_d no month of the twelve bub offers some inducement to the mortal born within its orbib. Even October, with whose governing 'influences the opal is interwoven, endows her children with hope and strong! optimistic leanings. Birthday stones are fashionable just now. They are set,' in a variety of the jeweller's wares commonly- selected as gifts to be be-to wed upon a new-born infant. Many costly ritigs, bracelet's and watch charms show them. And they are engrafted in the ■medallion heaT-s and various chatelaine appendages now so popular. Occasionally some wealthy birthday party-giver has made the natal stone to figure in the souvenirs of the occasion, and more *bhan one bride wedded on her birthday has bestowed bridesmaids' favours Which incorporated her birthday -tone as •chief ornament. * January's child has the garnet for a b-rtli-stone. With it go the atbribubes of in- , tegrity, .generosity and the power to attract many friends. February's nestlings mus* wear amethysts. The birth augury is a mild, pacifio disposition, refined taste- md a smoothly ,uneve_fcful course life. The bloodstone is identified with the career of the person born in March. Iti signifies wisdom, courage, self-control, all the dominating qualities. April's child has for birthstone the diamond, typical of innocenoe and highmindedness. The eonerald has to do with th© child born in May. It is a mosfc favourable natal! stone, signifying a future abounding in love and happiness. June has the agate as keystone to long! life, wealth and felicity, with no modifying auguries to cloud the horoscope. . July has for guiding stair the ruby, imparting good temper, calmness,, patience— the temperament thafc is content with a small share of life's' vanities. August is coupled with the sardonyx and implies for that perse*, born within itsphere st-on_ love of family and many of the domestic virtues. Pride is indicated, but not arrogance. The sapphire, for September, insures its bairns a fine sense of justice and a philosophic temperament, favouring peace and ease of mindOctober has the opal for birthstone. Its wards are. born optimists, looking ever on fche bright side, and comfortable companions to live with. Ifc is believed that most of the indomitable enthusiasts and visionaries come into the world in October. The child born in November is by naJbure loyal. The topaz is his ruling influence, signifying warm^heartednes. and a proneness to pub sentiment before business. December has the turquoise for a talisman. Child-efti boirn within these tlhirtyone days are endowed with ability for getting on in the world. Success is their manifest' destiny, not to be/avoided. , The old treatisea on birthstones and their meanings are set forth in the involved old-fashioned language that has gathered ceremony as it has changed tongues in many translations. Bufc the above represents the meanings which have come down to modern times, and Which the jewellers take for a standard in filling orders for customers. . "