Every month of the year has its own birthstone and each has its own unique history, mythology and meaning. The concept of birthstones is thought to date back thousands of years and every stone is believed to bring a different form of good luck and positive energy to those who wear them.
The twelve birthstones cover a wide range of colours and make extra thoughtful and personal gifts. They are also becoming increasingly popular for engagement rings and bridal jewellery.
Here at Steven Stone, we think that birthstone jewellery is a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday – whether it’s your friend or loved one’s special day or your own. Take a look below to see the birthstones of each month and what each stone symbolises for the wearer.
January
Garnets are beautiful, rich stones that represent confidence, energy and willpower. Those born in this month tend to be feisty and spontaneous, willing to take on any challenge that comes their way.
This stone was traditionally used as a protection stone and to warn off impending danger.
Although garnets come in many colors, they are most commonly purchased in a beautiful shade of red. While they are similar to rubies, January babies are in luck – as garnets are much more affordable.
February
Amethyst is a gemstone with great history and legacy, with many myths existing to explain its origin. This birthstone is believed to inspire creativity and awaken dulled imagination. It is also associated with wisdom and clarity. It is a stone of the mind. Wearing amethyst jewellery is said to strengthen relationships and give you courage.
Ancient Greeks thought that the amethyst guarded against intoxication. In fact, “amethyst” comes from amethystos, a Greek word meaning “sober.”
March
Aquamarine is associated with water thanks to its beautiful blue hues. In ancient times, the stone used to be worn as a protective talisman for those who travelled by sea. Aquamarine is also believed to have a calming effect, relieving the stress and worries of those who wear the stone.
It is also a symbol for a happy and committed married life and promotes faithfulness, courage and friendship.
April
Diamonds are dedicated to those born in April, who are lucky enough to have it as their. Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance with a Mohs ranking of 10. They are extremely durable, have excellent brilliance and are a simple, timeless and elegant stone.
Frequently used in engagement rings, diamonds are the perfect symbol for commitment and longevity. Diamonds also symbolise purity and strength.
The meaning behind green emeralds
Emeralds are traditionally thought to preserve love and passion in relationships and is also seen as a symbol of hope, success in love and domestic happiness. In many cultures, emeralds have been used as talismans to protect against evil.
The green colour is connected to spring, renewal, rebirth, growth, and even therapeutic properties for the eyes. It has always been believed to have powers of tranquillity, peace, renewal and growth.
June
Since ancient times, it is believed that pearls bring love, luck, wisdom and peace. Their white colour is associated with light and purity. Therefore, the pearl birthstone stands for innocence and sincerity.
If you wear it as your birthstone, it is said to bless new life beginnings – like marriage, house moves and babies – with love and luck.
That is also why the pearl is such a popular wedding accessory.
July
Rubies are often associated with wealth and prosperity. Many ancient crowns were decorated with rubies, because they represented good fortune and courage.
Ruby is also known as the stone of courage, and legend tells us that a person possessing a ruby can walk through life without fear of evil or misfortune. Physically, rubies are thought to energize and balance, stimulate heart chakra and encourage a passion for life, but never in a self destructive way.
August
Rich in colour, peridot comes in a very distinctive shade of green, which stands out beautifully when worn. It is often referred to as the evening emerald, because of its colour.
Peridot symbolises strength and courage. It is believed to have protective powers and to help its wearer overcome depression, anger, jealousy and anxiety. Many people wear peridot as it is thought to strengthen life and to attract wealth and growth.
October
October babies are lucky to have the opal as their birthstone. The reason is that every opal is different from the other in some way because of their patterns and flashes of color.
Unlike diamonds or sapphires, opals are delicate gemstones, meaning they will need to be treated well. There are many opal varieties out there, from dark to light and subdued to fiery.
Opals are thought to enhance cosmic consciousness and stimulate flashes of intuition and insight, whilst being a protective stone, symbolising loyalty, faithfulness, purity, hope and confidence. It is believed to be imbued with beneficial properties relating to vision, both in terms of eyesight, and internal visualisation, i.e. imagination and dreams.
Finally, there is a superstition that you should not wear an opal unless it is your birthstone otherwise misfortune will befall you.
November
Yellow has always been a color associated with positivity and optimism. It is no wonder then that citrine is seen as a symbol of these concepts, including happiness, vitality and generosity.
For those prone to impatience and restlessness, citrine is believed to bring balance and harmony. It is also seen as a stone that attracts wealth and fortune.
This is why you may come across citrine placed in a business location, with the aim of bringing in wealth and maintaining it.
December
Turquoise has a relaxing and soothing coluor, and for centuries has been believed to be an indicator of health of the wearer.
In recent years, turquoise has been seen as a symbol of love and considered a pledge of affection when received as a gift. TIt is also a symbol of good fortune and success and is believed to relax the mind and to protect its wearer from harm. Turquoise rings, in particular, are thought to keep away evil spirits.
If you’re looking for some jewellery inspiration, why not take a look at our full collection? Whether you’re after a necklace or some diamond earrings, we’ve got you covered. We also have a vast range of engagement and wedding rings.
If you don’t see anything that takes your fancy, we also offer a bespoke service, where our designers will create a unique piece of jewellery that ticks all the boxes.
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