Some people are just born lucky. And most probably, they were born in April with one of the best birthstones of the bunch: the beloved diamond.

On the unlucky side of birthdates, November holds the record for the least favorite birthstones: citrine and topaz. (Apparently because yellow gems aren’t considered favorable…have people gone mad?)

The history of birthstones has deep ties with the breastplate of Aaron, a sacred object worn by the High Priest of the Israelites, as a method to communicate with God. It contained twelve gemstones–topaz was on the bottom (unverifiable fact).

So birthstones have quite the lengthy history. As a matter of fact, the King James Version of the Bible contains a whopping 1,704 references to gemstones!

So for a long time, those born in April have been showered with gifts studded with diamonds…while the poor saps in November were given yet another (yawn) topaz gift.

Whatever your birthstone, we can find the high quality birthstone and create a custom design piece especially for you. Unfortunately, we don’t work with topaz (just kidding).

When I first posed this question, I thought, “Well of course the size of a wedding wouldn’t matter. It’s clearly the bond between the couple that really dictates the success of a marriage.”

But with some research, I might have to eat a little proverbial crow. Apparently size does matter. But not for the reasons you might guess.

According to Psychology Today:

There is some reason to believe that having more witnesses at a wedding may actually strengthen marital quality. According to the work of psychologist Charles Kiesler (1971), commitment is strengthened when it is publicly declared because individuals strive to maintain consistency between what they say and what they do.

Social scientist theorized that, early in a marriage, marital stability and commitment would be positively associated with the ceremonial effort and public nature of a couple’s wedding. Rosenblatt specifically suggested that holding a big wedding with many witnesses would lead to a stronger desire—or even need—to follow through on the commitment.

Okay, that does make some sense. It would also explain why people are so nervous on their “big day.” That kind of public proclamation has more weight than say, sending a text that says, “I do.”

Does that mean you need a big wedding to have a healthy marriage? Absolutely not. Scientific results aside, there are far too many factors that come into play when it comes to successful relationships. And let’s not forget: a big wedding that you can’t afford or never wanted can never be a good thing, right?

Is romance good for your health or does it just make us feel amazing?

Before we get into the science behind it, harken back to the last time you experienced a big dose of romance in your life. Hopefully, you’re still living the dream, but if not: gently recall how it made you feel physically.

Often in love, we feel lighter, more energized. Its as if the spring if in our step returns and somehow, we feel younger, brighter and excited about life again.

In love, we also tend to feel more relaxed. Those little niggling experiences of daily life seem to be less important. We feel softened with an increased resilience and openness to others. Our heart feels full.

In one study, researchers uncovered that people in the thralls of romance had lower blood pressure when interacting with that special other. That’s because our body also releases “feel good” hormones like oxytocin and dopamine when in their presence. Love is Popeye’s spinach for the heart!

Apparently having “chemistry” with someone can be quite literal.

Fresh, new love also may shield us against stress. Which makes sense, right? “Nothing can stop me now” chants in your brain when you feel emboldened by love.

Okay, what if you don’t have someone to increase your heart health?

That’s where self-love comes into play. When we treat ourselves the way we want to be treated by others, those physical benefits of love can be duplicated. Imagine a night alone, with candles burning, a hot bath and a glass of wine nearby. Sure, you may be experiencing the evening alone, but your heart feels the sensations of romance and celebrates by sending relaxing messages to your heart and mind.

Love is a state of mind. Love is also a state of body. Dare to let it in when it knocks at your door. Meanwhile, romance can be created whenever you feel in need!