January's garnet evokes romance. A garnet-and-carnelian-flower brooch by Siman Tu is fastened to the back of a Flamenco-style hand-embroidered gown with red glass and crystal beads by St. Pucchi Couture. A bouquet of red amaryllis, ranunculuses, peonies, and hypericum berries is a lush accessory.

A 19th-century brooch of amethyst -- February's birthstone -- from Primavera Gallery New York is pinned to the bodice of a tea-length dress made of ruched and tiered tulle by Pat Kerr. Antique amethyst-and-diamond cocktail ring by Stephen Russell.

Aquamarines were once believed to be the treasure of mermaids. A pale-blue capelet with aquamarine beads by Adrienne Landau is decorated with a 1940s sterling-silver pin with aqua crystals from Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection. The silk tulle gown has rhinestone embroidery and a silk aqua-colored ribbon detail at the waist, by Angel Sanchez. Emerald-cut aquamarine-and-gold cocktail ring by Mish New York.

Diamonds, the stones of April, have been used in engagement rings since the 15th century. A mermaid-style Italian tulle and hand-beaded-crystal gown by Randi Rahm is an opulent ode to the 1920s and evokes the luxury of diamonds. Diamond round-cut engagement ring set in platinum from Tiffany & Co. White pear-shaped and round diamond bracelet by Graff.

Emerald-and-diamond earrings from Fred Leighton are a dramatic complement to a white organza and tulle gown embroidered with clear crystals by Domo Adami.

According to Hindu legend, Krishna drew pearls from the sea for his daughter to wear on her wedding day. A silk satin gown is embroidered with pearl beads and crystals by Priscilla of Boston. Two matching veils with hand-crocheted edges and freshwater pearl and crystal details, by Toni Federici, are joined by a conch-shaped brooch set with baroque pearl and pave diamonds by Nicholas Varney Jewels. The front veil functions as a blusher, falling just below the chin; the other extends to the fingertips.

A silk satin dress by Kenneth Pool has delicate feathers on the bodice and a ruby-red sash.

This pale yellow-green cotton voile dress with ruffled bodice by Peter Som is sunny and light, expressing the nature of peridot, August's birthstone. A vintage peridot-and-diamond brooch in the shape of a branch, from Fred Leighton, can be pinned to a capelet. Vintage peridot-and-diamond ring from Primavera Gallery New York.

The qualities of tranquility, friendship, and loyalty are contained within the sapphire. A vintage pin of diamonds and sapphires -- September's gem -- from Fred Leighton is fastened to one of the tulle straps of a Ristarose gown featuring a silk shantung fitted bodice with lattice stitching and an organza skirt. Sapphire-and-diamond earrings from Fred Leighton.

October's iridescent opal is believed to have healing properties. Three different accessories -- an opalescent Venetian-glass flower from Jean Claude Mastroianni, a mother-of-pearl and pearl brooch by Jose and Maria Barrera, and a necklace with carved opal hearts by Darlene de Sedle -- decorate the mocha sash of this silk tulle sequined gown by Monique Lhuillier.

Women sought the powers of enchantment housed in November's golden topaz. Know as the sun jewel, it shows flecks of gold. This ivory silk tulle gown by Vera Wang has a Champagne hand-painted hem in topaz tones; a silk flower by Dulken and Derrick is slipped through a topaz-beaded necklace by Darlene de Sedle and draped around the waist. Topaz drop earrings by Jose and Maria Barrera and a topaz ring by Tony Duquette are warm accents.

The lace- and ribbon-detailed strap of this silk organza gown with corseted bodice by Carolina Herrera is adorned with a turquoise-and-diamond brooch from Fred Leighton. Turquoise-and-diamond ring from Primavera Gallery New York.

1. Opal
2. Amethyst
3. Pearl
4. Turquoise
5. Topaz
6. Diamond
7. Peridot
8. Ruby
9. Emerald
10. Sapphire
11. Aquamarine
12. Garnet