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Kobell says,[99] “In name-rings, in which a name is indicated by the initial letter of different gems, the emerald is mostly used under its English and French name (Emeraude) to stand for e, which would otherwise not be represented. (The German name is Smaragd.) While on this point, it may be mentioned that a difficulty occurs with u, but recent times have furnished a name which may assist, namely, a green garnet, containing chrome, from Siberia, which has been baptized after the Russian Minister Uwarrow, and called Uwarrovite.”

The Poles have a fanciful belief that each month of the year is under the influence of a precious stone, which influence has a corresponding effect on the destiny of a person born during the respective month. Consequently it is customary among friends and lovers, on birth-days, to make reciprocal presents of trinkets ornamented with the natal stones. The stones and their influences, corresponding with each month, are supposed to be as follows:

January—Garnet. Constancy and Fidelity. February—Amethyst. Sincerity. March—Bloodstone. Courage, presence of mind. April—Diamond. Innocence. May—Emerald. Success in love. June—Agate. Health and long life. July—Cornelian. Contented mind. August—Sardonyx. Conjugal felicity. September—Chrysolite. Antidote against madness. October—Opal. Hope. November—Topaz. Fidelity. December—Turquoise. Prosperity.