Everything You Need to Know About Birthstones
A birthstone is a semiprecious stone traditionally associated with a particular month or sign of the zodiac. Many wear jewellery with the stone that corresponds with the month they were born. Birthstones have different meanings. Wearing birthstones is thought to bring good luck, good health and protection.
What do the Birthstones Mean?
Each birthstone has been associated with certain qualities or powers, and wearing your birthstone is said to protect you from evil. Read on to find out what your birthstone means!
January - Garnet
January's birthstone is garnet, meaning "dark red". Garnets are found in many colours including red, orange, yellow, green and blue. However, dark red is the most common colour. Garnet is believed to keep the wearer safe during travel, protect from negative thoughts and bring success.
February - Amethyst
The birthstone for February is Amethyst. At one time, only royalty could wear the gemstone. Amethyst is said to strengthen relationships and give its wearer courage. It's also believed to keep the wearer guarded against intoxication - "amethyst" comes from the Greek word amethystos, which means "sober". The popular precious stones can range from pale violet to deep purple in colour.
March - Aquamarine
March's birthstone is aquamarine, a blue-green-coloured stone that ranges from pale to deep hues. The colour is typically more intense in larger stones. The aquamarine stone was thought to cure heart, liver and stomach diseases. Also, medicines were once made from aquamarine powder to cure infections.
April - Diamond, Cubic Zirconia
The diamond has a rich history as the birthstone for April. Since the middle-ages, diamonds have been the traditional birthstone for those born in April. Diamonds are one of the most valuable materials on the planet, primarily because of their rarity. It can take between 1-3 billion years for a diamond to form naturally. Alternatively, the popular clear stone - cubic zirconia is also worn as April's birthstone. The diamond is known as the "love" stone and it is believed that it enhances the longevity and honesty of relationships.
May - Emerald
May's birthstone is emerald, one of Cleopatra's favourite gems. The deep-green colour of May's birthstone is a symbol of wealth, success and wisdom. For example, many crowns and royal jewellery are adorned with these precious deep emerald green gemstones.
June - Pearl
Pearl is the birthstone for June. Pearls originate from oceans, lakes and rivers around the world. They are organic gems that grow inside the tissue of a living freshwater mollusc (either an oyster or a mussel). Pearls will always be in fashion as they are a timeless wardrobe staple, loved by all ages.
July - Ruby
If you were born in July, your birthstone is the enchanting red ruby. The name comes from the Latin word ruber, meaning red - the colour of love and passion. This gemstone has been worn among the powerful and wealthy for centuries.
August - Peridot
The peridot is the birthstone for August. It is a rare gemstone that only occurs naturally in one colour. This pretty stone is also known as the “evening emerald”, for its colour and light-reflecting quality. The Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun,” and some thought it even protected against nightmares.
September - Sapphire
September's birthstone is most recognised as the sapphire; it represents loyalty, romance, and high society. It’s a popular gemstone for engagement rings, especially in the royal family. The word ‘sapphire’ comes from the Latin ‘sapphirus’ which means blue.
October - Opal
The birthstone for October, the opal, is popularly known for its milky, rainbow-coloured glow and fire. While October is celebrated by all types of opals, pink opal jewellery could be the perfect unique choice as a gift for someone with an October birthday. In addition, as a birthstone, it represents loyalty, faithfulness, and hope. Pink opal is also considered to be a meaningful gemstone for someone to hold if they are struggling with a broken heart.
November - Citrine
November's birthstone - Citrine is a quartz gemstone found in golden shades ranging from pale yellow to deep brownish orange. This gem is also known as “healing quartz,” because legend has it that citrine promotes vitality and energy for the wearer. Additionally, citrine is thought to ground and remove negativity.
December - Turquoise
Lastly, December's birthstone - Turquoise is known for its distinct colour, which ranges from powdery blue to a greenish egg blue. The stone has a calming energy that makes it a great stone for when you are feeling overwhelmed. It is also said to connect heaven and earth.
We hope that helped! Birthstone jewellery makes for a beautiful, thoughtful gift, especially for a birthday.
Finally, to shop our range of beautiful birthstones
FAQs
If you were born in March, June, August, October, November, or December, then you have two birthstone options for your birth month.
For example, April's diamond, while expensive, is less rare than rubies, emeralds, and alexandrite. While we're talking about alexandrite, it's the rarest gemstone on the birthstone list and may be pretty expensive. Black opals are likewise quite rare.
Birthstones form a powerful spiritual bond between you and someone you genuinely love. This aids in transmitting the positivity and strength of your connection while preserving and protecting you. This ensures that your children, close family members, and friends are always safe.