Miss Milly's Gemstone jewellery uses both chips (low grade small, tumbled semi-precious stones) and larger, higher quality semi-precious stones. Amethyst is actually a precious stone but due to the discovery of large amounts in South America it has become more common and much more affordable.
For a long time, gemstones have been believed to possess certain qualities that would be bestowed upon the person that wore them. For example, rose quartz would help those looking for love, and carnelian is seen as an all-round healer.
Buying jewellery according to birthstones is very popular, and a great idea for presents. Some months now have a couple of stones associated with them as people have looked for more modern, or cheaper, alternatives.
Here is a list of birthstones:
January: Garnet, Rose Quartz
February: Amethyst, Onyx
March: Aquamarine, Bloodstone (also known as Red Jasper)
April: Diamonds, Rock Crystal
May: Emerald, Chrysoprase
June: Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone
July: Ruby, Carnelian
August: Peridot, Sardonyx
September: Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli
October: Opal, Tourmaline
November: Yellow Topaz, Citrine
December: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Topaz