Gift ideas, October's birthstone, and what to choose for a 13th wedding anniversary.

Just in case your path through life takes you on a less perfect course than say, Martha Stewart's, here's some information you might find helpful. Whatever the occasion, Sterling silver, gold-filled, of semi-precious stone or Austrian lead crystal from Swarovski, Dragonfly Design is pleased and proud to help you customize and specifically tailor a piece of handcrafted jewelry for the cherished person in your life.

First, a word about birthstones.

While the superstition or tradition of associating a particular stone with each month or time of year dates back to the 1st century BC, the tradition of wearing one's birthstone - generally for luck - is a much more recent practice, thought to have begun in 18th century Poland. But did you know there's more than one list? Prior to 1912, the list of traditionally-accepted birthstones differed from the modern one currently adhered to. For that matter, the list of proscribed birthstones has often varied depending on region and society, and there are several different "traditional" lists dating back to the 15th century. In addition, Tibetan teaching offers a "mystical" list over 1000 years old, as does the Indian teaching of Ayurvedic medicine. So, if you know someone who, like me, hates the birthstone which has been forced upon her her entire life, take heart. There are other options, and here are just a few.

The signs of the zodiac also have birthstones associated with them.

There are stones for anniversary celebrations, too.

Stones & Swarovski Crystals by Color