Personalized jewelry is one of the most popular modern jewelry trends; unique jewelry lets you put your signature on everything you wear. Gemstone jewelry quickly adds a flash of color to your fingers, neck, ears or wrists. Choosing a personal signature gemstone is a great way to start collecting meaningful stone jewelry. There are many different ways to choose your favorite natural gemstone; the most important thing about selecting gemstones and gemstone jewelry is finding gems that speak to you on a personal level.

Selecting a Signature Gemstone:

Consider your birthstone: Birthstones represent the month in which you were born, and each month has at least two natural gemstones to choose from. Stone jewelry that represents your birth month is personal and meaningful. Choose opal rings and bracelets to represent your October birthday or collect ruby necklaces and earrings to celebrate your July birthday.

Go by color: Gems come in an astonishing range of natural hues. You are sure to find one that personifies your favorite color. Lovers of sea blue can fully appreciate gorgeous aquamarine gems; look for aquamarine rings, earrings and pendants. If you prefer serene and mysterious black jewelry, indulge in onyx rings and bracelets.

Connect with geography: Gemstones occur naturally all around the world, and sometimes choosing a signature gemstone is the best way to connect you to one of your favorite places. Lapis lazuli is a blue gemstone with gold-colored accents. Lapis has been mined in the Middle East for over 6,000 years, and its mystical appearance and history can quickly connect you to the geography of magical desert regions. Many gemstones have a geographical connection for other reasons. Emeralds, for example, are not mined in Ireland, but their gorgeous green hues remind gem lovers of "The Emerald Isle," as Ireland is sometimes called. If you are looking for a unique geographical connection, consider moissanite. Moissanite is made of silicon carbide, which is thought to have been brought to earth 50,000 years ago in a meteorite.

Embrace heritage: Many gemstones have strong cultural ties, and wearing them can connect you to your heritage or a culture that you admire. Jade has been an important part of Chinese culture since 6,000 B.C., and various jade gemstones represent many Asian civilizations. Jade rings, pendants and earrings bring mysticism to your jewelry collection. Turquoise can connect you with the American Southwest culture; turquoise has long been abundant in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. A turquoise bracelet can remind you of your Western United States roots.

Indulge in legend: Gemstones have always been connected with fantastical stories. Their stunning beauty and natural occurrence easily inspire dreamers. Aquamarine gems have long been connected with the ocean. Their deep blue hues give us reason to suspect that they escaped from the jewelry boxes of mermaids. If you love stories about Greek gods, consider adding amethyst gems to your jewelry collection. Amethyst was thought by ancient Greeks to ward off drunkenness and the imaginative Greeks believed that Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, created this beautiful purple stone. Pearls may remind you of pirates, and since pearls have been harvested in the South China Sea for thousands of years, legends of pirates and pearls can easily be authentic.