For untold hundreds of generations, people have believed that forces from the stars can affect our lives, much as the gravity of the moon affects the ocean tides. The ancients divided the sky into the zones of the Zodiac, naming each zone for a certain constellation. People born when that constellation is visible are said to be born “under” that sign.

Many people believe that wearing jewelry with the gemstone for your sign will bring you good luck. Others believe that your gemstone will help enhance your good qualities and overcome any tendencies that need improvement.

Let’s take a look at the signs, their major characteristics, and their gemstones. The astrological year begins with Aries, so we’ll start there. (Some astrologers use slightly different dates and gems; gemstones for each sign are not the same as birthstones for the month.)

Aries governs people born between March 21 and April 20. Aries people are generous and outgoing. They are fun to be around, unless their moodiness or quick temper asserts itself. Diamonds will help Aries be even more courageous and less impatient.

Taurus, the bull, influences people born between April 21 and May 20. Taureans are dependable, patient and loyal, but like the bull can be stubborn. Emerald enhances their natural generosity and decreases their self-indulgence and materialism.

You are a Gemini if you were born between May 21 and June 20. Wearing alexandrite makes the witty Gemini still more energetic and adaptable, while helping them curb a tendency to be restless, superficial, and even devious.

The sign of the crab, Cancer, rules people born between June 21 and July 21. The beautiful ruby will help Cancers be more dependable and caring, and to avoid being possessive and self-absorbed.

Leo, the lion, is your sign if you were born between July 22 and August 21. Peridot helps keep Leo’s natural confidence and ambition from becoming pretension and melodrama.

Virgos were born between August 22 and September 21. Virgos who wear sapphires will enhance their helpful and analytical qualities, while avoiding becoming too fussy and inflexible.

Libra’s scales influence people born between September 22 and October 22. Libras are natural diplomats, graceful and hospitable. Wearing opals keeps them from vanity and indecisiveness.

Scorpios were born between October 23 and November 22. Yellow topaz keeps Scorpios on track: dynamic but not obsessive; resourceful but not manipulative.

The archer, Sagittarius, rules people born between November 22 and December 20. Blue topaz helps Sagittarians keep the independence they need and enhances their kind nature, while overcoming their tendency to be unemotional and uninvolved.

Capricorn, the goat, is your sign if you were born between December 21 and January 19. Capricorns can wear garnets to increase their loyalty and patience, while avoiding conceit and mistrust.

Aquarius governs people born between January 20 and February 18. Amethyst affirms the inventive and humanitarian aspects of the Aquarian personality, and curbs a tendency to be sarcastic and aloof.

Pisces, the fish, is the sign of those born between February 19 and March 20. Pisces people wear aquamarine to increase their compassion and adaptability and decrease their tendency to laziness and self-pity.