Beryl
Beryl is a gemstone family which includes Aquamarine, Emerald, Morganite (pink beryl), Heliodor (golden beryl), Bixbite (red emerald) and Goshenite (colorless beryl).

In general, beryl is believed to enhance courage, relieve stress, and calm the mind.  Emotionally, it said to reawaken love in those who are married but jaded.
Birthstones by
​Month
 Birthstones were associated with a specific month based on their legendary mystical and healing properties.  In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers standardized birthstones and their months for modern jewelers. These "official" birthstones are listed as "Modern" below. 
 
January
     Modern:  Garnet
     Traditional:  Garnet

February
     Modern:  Amethyst
     Traditional:  Amethyst, Hyacinth, and Pearl

March
     Modern:  Aquamarine
     Traditional:  Bloodstone and Jasper
​
April
     Modern:  Diamond
     Traditional:  Diamond and Sapphire

May
     Modern:  Emerald
     Traditional:  Emerald and Agate

June
     Modern:  Alexandrite, Moonstone and Pearl
     Traditional:  Emerald, Cat's Eye, Turquoise
     and Agate

July
     Modern:  Ruby
     Traditional:  Turquoise and Onyx

August
     Modern:  Peridot and Spinel
     Traditional:  Sardonyx, Carnelian, Moonstone
​     and Topaz

September
     Modern:  Sapphire
     Traditional:  Chrysolite and Peridot

October
     Modern:  Opal and Pink Tourmaline
     Traditional:  Aquamarine, Opal and Beryl

November
     Modern:  Topaz and Citrine
     Traditional:  Topaz and Pearl

December
     Modern:  Turquoise, Zircon, Blue Topaz and
​     Tanzanite
     Traditional:  Bloodstone and Ruby
Birthstones by
​Zodiac Sign
​Many cultures and traditions believe gemstones have mystical and healing powers.  Based on these properties, astrologers linked the different stones to a specific sign of the Zodiac.
 
Aquarius (January 22 - February 21)
     Garnet
Pisces (February 22 - March 21)
     Amethyst
Aries (March 22 - April 21)
     Bloodstone
Taurus (April 22 - May 21)
     Sapphire
Gemini (May 22 - June 21)
     Agate
Cancer (June 22 - July 21)
     Emerald
Leo (July 22 - August 21)
     Onyx
Virgo (August 22 - September 21)
     Carnelian
Libra (September 22 - October 21)
     Peridot
Scorpio (October 22 - November 21)
     Beryl
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
     Topaz
Capricorn (December 22 - January 21)
     Ruby
Brass
Brass is a metallic alloy comprised of copper and zinc. The proportion of copper to zinc can vary. I use what is known as "red brass" which is 85% copper and 15% zinc. It is a great color match to 14kt yellow gold.
Bronze
Brass is a metallic alloy comprised of copper and tin. The bronze I use is 88% copper and 12% tin. I like the richness of its color.