The concept of birthstones can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was believed that each gemstone possessed unique properties and abilities. These stones were often associated with celestial bodies, zodiac signs, and the months of the year. People throughout history have worn their birthstones as amulets, talismans, and symbols of protection, love, and good fortune.
January - Garnet
Although garnet is commonly associated with the colour red, these gemstones can be found in almost any colour and are popular choices for jewellery of all types. Some believe that garnets are a protective stone, shielding the wearer from injury. This made them particularly popular amongst warriors and royalty. Occasionally associated with life-giving blood, red-variety garnets are also connected to vitality, love, and light.
February - Amethyst
Amethyst is crystalline quartz in colours ranging from pale lilac to deep reddish purple. Due to it's hardness it's very scratch resistant. As the colour purple has long been connected with royalty, amethysts were favoured by the ruling class. Over time, amethysts have also come to be associated with spirituality, mental clarity, and healing.
March - Bloodstone
A green gemstone that is spotted or streaked with red, consisting of a variety of chalcedony. Many believers claimed that the gem developed its powers from Jesus' blood. Bloodstones were also used in carving the son of God's death scene. Bloodstone has been called many names: Sun Stone, Christ's Stone, Martyr's Stone, and many more. Bloodstone is supposed to have healing properties it is also associated with helping physical, emotional, and spiritual balance and issues.
April - Diamond
Diamond is the most popular ring stone choice in the world. These gems are prized for their classic beauty and clarity, and diamond jewellery has become a status symbol. Due to their extreme hardness, overall durability, and undeniable beauty, diamonds are associated with strength and eternal love.
May - Emerald
Emerald has been synonymous with the colour green since ancient times. A fine emerald is a truly breathtaking sight, and this member of the beryl family deserves its placement among the traditional "Big Four" gems, along with diamond, ruby, and sapphire. Legend has it that wearing emeralds will imbue the wearer with heightened intelligence and allow them to think objectively. Others use the stone to promote healing. It has even been claimed that emeralds allow the wearer to predict the future.
June - Pearl
Pearls are the only gems found within living creatures, both salt and freshwater molluscs’. However, most pearls on the market today are cultivated or cultured since they now occur extremely rarely in nature. The finest pearls display unblemished surfaces with even colouring. Thus, there is a natural association with qualities like honesty, purity, and wisdom. Some cultures associate pearls with the divine, believing that pearls were tears shed from heaven, while others placed pearls in the graves of their loved ones. Ancient Chinese lore claims that pearls represent wisdom and power and are carried by dragons.
July - Ruby
One of the most popular traditional jewellery stones, ruby is exceptionally durable. Its colours — always red — can reach vivid levels of saturation. Rubies have long related to physicality and strength. Favoured by warriors, rubies were thought to be intimately connected with the human body. They were credited with increasing the strength and stamina of the wearer. Rubies were also thought to calm anger and help the wearer navigate passionate social situations.
August - Sardonyx
Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history that dates back more than 4,000 years. Sardonyx is a combination of two types of chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz): sard and onyx. Bands of brownish red to brown to dark orange sard alternate with typically white or black layers of onyx. This August birthstone is associated with courage, happiness and clear communication, bringing stability to marriage and partnerships.
September - Sapphire
Few gems have held our attention over the century's as well as sapphire. Its pure blue colours and excellent durability make it an exceptional gemstone. However, not all sapphires are blue. The September birthstone comes in many colours. Sapphires are considered a protective gemstone. They may shield the wearer from physical harm as well as bad intentions and envy. It was also thought that sapphires had medicinal properties. Blue sapphires are considered a highly spiritual stone worn by priests.
October - Opal
Opals are in a class by themselves. As a species, opal is so unique its patterns have their own descriptive vocabulary. More than any other gem, each opal is distinctly individual. Opals are also the most delicate gemstones commonly worn and require special care. Perhaps due to their dynamic appearance, opals are associated with light and magic. As such, some credited opals with healing properties, especially for the eyes.
November - Topaz
Topaz actually has an exceptionally wide color range that, besides brown, includes various tones and saturations of blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. Precious topaz is the birthstone for November which is a brownish red in colour. Topaz is one of the hardest semi-precious gemstones on earth. The origin of the word “topaz” isn’t crystal-clear. The word probably derives from the Greek topazien, an ancient name for St. John’s Island. Topazien could be rooted in the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning “fire,” for the flame-like yellows of the island’s topaz. A long-held belief in India states that wearing a topaz stone over your heart can give you wisdom and a long life.
December - Turquoise or Lapis Lazuli
Turquoise stones are blue and green phosphate minerals celebrated for their soothing energy and oceanic beauty. If you or a loved one has a birthday in December this is one of the traditional December Birthstones. Turquoise’s cool blue tones are a fantastic match for any winter babies out there. Along with good luck, turquoise represents hope and serenity as well.
Lapis lazuli, or lapis, is a rich blue gemstone with specks of gold and often white. Since roughly 7000 BC, this striking gem has won the hearts of royalty, jewelry lovers, and artists alike. Most artists know of the color “ultramarine,” but did you know it was first created from powdered lapis lazuli? Lapis lazuli may help with relieving insomnia, inflammation, and throat problems. Additionally, lapis is said to give a boost to the nervous system, respiratory system, and immune system.