Birthstone Guide

Origin of Birthstones Birthstones originally relate to the 12 gemstones described on the breastplate of the High Priest of Israel in the Book of Exodus. These gemstones have a rich history and significance, presenting a mystical allure. In 1870, Tiffany & Co. associated specific gemstones with each month, further popularizing this concept in the United States. In cultures like India, birthstones are linked to astrology and planetary influences. Today, birthstones remain precious symbols representing each month, reflecting cultural traditions and personal significance worldwide.

Each birthstone is associated with a specific month and carries its unique meaning and importance. Wearing your birthstone is believed to bring good luck, health, and protection.

Birthstones by month

January Birthstone: Garnet

Recognized as the January birthstone, garnets embody the essence of warm friendship, devotion, vitality and balance. While garnets are known for their distinctive reddish-brown hue, they also come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, red, brown, and even colorless. It is important to note that garnets are not a single mineral, but contain a variety of minerals. The Gemological Institute of America traces the etymology of the word "garnet" back to the 14th century term "garnet", meaning "deep red". It is derived from the Latin word "granatum," which resembles the seed of a pomegranate, reflecting the stone's similarity in color and shape.

February Birthstone: Amethyst

Amethyst is known for its captivating purple hue, symbolizing sincerity and protection, and its brilliant hue, which extends from deep violet to light lavender, is often associated with royalty. The name "amethyst" is derived from the ancient Greek word "Ametysthos", meaning "sober", and the gemstone was traditionally believed to protect against poisoning.
Available in various shades of purple, lavender and mauve, amethyst is also revered as the "royal gemstone" and is astrologically ruled by Jupiter. Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which indicates its durability.

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

March's birthstone, aquamarine, is known for symbolizing honesty, beauty, and loyalty, and is especially known for its striking aquamarine color. This gemstone, a type of beryl crystal, is known for its beautiful shades of blue, ranging from pale pink to green and deep blue, and for its clear and vibrant appearance.
The word "aquamarine" is derived from an ancient Latin word meaning "sea water", suggesting its association with the ocean. Historically, it was believed to protect sailors and calm the seas. Aquamarine is also believed to enhance communication and promote clarity of thought. Known for its near-perfect qualities, it is a symbol of youth, affluence and desire, and is thought to boost the immune system while eliminating negative energy. On the Mohs scale of hardness, aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5, reflecting its rugged durability.

April Birthstone: Diamond

April's birthstone, the diamond holds a special place in the hearts of women around the globe, symbolizing purity and strength. Diamonds come in a variety of shades on the color spectrum and their value depends on color and clarity. Hailed as one of the most beautiful and sought-after gemstones ever created, the diamond is known for its extraordinary hardness, symbolizing courage and endurance. It is also considered a symbol of eternal love.
The name "diamond" is derived from the Greek word "Adamas", meaning "unbreakable", and it is often poetically described as the tears of the gods that fall from the sky. With a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, diamonds are unrivaled among all gemstones. In addition to its durability, the diamond is prized for its rarity and elegance, making it an unparalleled gift for a loved one, embodying timeless beauty and deep affection.

May Birthstone: Emerald

May's birthstone, emerald represents unwavering faith, insightful love wisdom and family harmony. Traditionally used as a talisman against evil in various cultures, this gemstone is known primarily for its vibrant green hue, although it may also appear blue or yellow. The rich green color of the emerald is believed to symbolize the vitality of spring.
Known for their beauty and charm, emeralds have been used in jewelry of all shapes, cuts and shades. The roots of the word "emerald" can be traced back to the Greek word "smaragdos", meaning "green stone". The value of a gemstone increases with the depth and vibrancy of its green color, with the most precious emeralds displaying a deep blue-green hue.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, emeralds represent the concepts of nature, purity, growth and vitality. Historically worn to attract good luck and promote good health, emeralds were also revered as a symbol of natural beauty. This belief was further enriched by the association with the Greek goddesses who loved this exquisite gemstone.

June Birthstone: Pearl/Alexandrite/Moonstone

Traditionally named after the Latin word "perna", the pearl is a gemstone whose origins can be traced back to various regions including China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia. The gemstone comes in a range of colors, from classic white to the deeper shades of black Tahitian, and even the delicate pink of conch pearls. Believed to promote a sense of harmony and aid in emotional healing, pearls are often associated with the virtues of loyalty, fidelity and purity.
Known as the "tears of the moon," pearls are one of the most valuable gemstones, known for their unique luster and elegance. According to the ancient gemmological work Ratna Shastra, pearls are also said to help in personal advancement.
On the other hand, alexandrite is also the birthstone for the month of June and is known for its rarity. This gemstone usually appears as a vibrant blue-green color in daylight, which transforms into a striking red or fuchsia color under incandescent light. Alexandrite tends to be less common than pearls, which adds to its uniqueness and value.

July Birthstone: Ruby

This ruby, July's birthstone, symbolizes love and passion and is said to bring good luck to its wearer. Its name comes from the Latin word "Rubber", meaning red, reflecting its rich color. Different cultures believe that this gemstone, which ranges in color from pink to deep red, has the power to ward off evil spirits. Ruby is known as the "King of Gems" and symbolizes love, health, wisdom and passion.
Historically, rubies have been worn as a means of attracting good luck. The word "ruby" itself is derived from the Latin word "rubber", which translates as "red". In ancient Sanskrit, it was known as "Ratnatraj". While rubies are valuable in their own right, their quality and intensity of color further increases their value.
Rubies come in a variety of shades, from purplish red to orange-red, with Burmese rubies known for their exceptionally vibrant color. These fiery red stones have been prized throughout history for their vibrant color and vitality. In terms of durability, rubies are very strong, with a hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale.

August Birthstone: Peridot

August's birthstone, the peridot symbolizes strength and is known for its distinctive olive green hue. Often referred to as the "twilight emerald", peridot is believed to protect the wearer from nightmares, especially when set in gold. Considered in modern times to be the birthstone of the month of August, peridot has been revered since ancient times and was once called the "Jewel of the Sun" by the ancient Egyptians. Historically, the Egyptians mined a striking green stone called Topazios near the Red Sea.
Topazios is a gem-quality variation of the common mineral peridot. This gemstone exhibits a wide range of colors from bright lime to deep olive green. It is believed to have magical properties and healing powers, especially in clearing the mind of negative thoughts.
The word "peridot" comes from the Arabic word "faridat", meaning "precious stone". It symbolizes the virtues of strength, honesty and loyalty. A distinctive feature of peridot is its birefringence; upon closer inspection, each facet of the pavilion appears to repeat itself, enhancing its appeal and uniqueness.

September Birthstone: Sapphire

September's birthstone, the sapphire, is known for symbolizing qualities such as peace, purity, serenity, wisdom, loyalty and faith. While sapphires are known for their deep blue hue, they are also available in white, pink and yellow, called colored sapphires. The brilliant blue sapphire particularly represents values such as sincerity, loyalty and romance, making it a prized gemstone in various cultures.
The September sapphire is known as the Royal Gemstone and is famous for its rich azure color. The name "sapphire" is derived from the Persian word "safir", meaning "love of Saturn", emphasizing its long-standing admiration and value. Sapphires are usually mined from deep within the earth's crust.
These stones come in a variety of colors, with blue sapphires being particularly prized and often featured prominently in wedding and engagement rings.

October Birthstone: Opal

October's birthstone, the opal, is a gemstone that symbolizes innocence and hope, with a unique pattern that produces a distinctive glow. The name of this gemstone comes from the Latin word "Opalus", meaning "stone". The opal has a predominantly white base, but can also appear black or transparent with colored flecks. Traditionally, the word "opal" was first used in India and has since become a symbol of purity, hope and creativity. Often referred to as the "Queen of Gemstones", opal is considered an emotionally resonant gemstone and is believed to enhance feelings and thoughts. This gemstone is prized for its "play of colors" and encompasses the beauty of a wide range of gemstones, from the sparkle of garnet to the purple luster of amethyst, from the elegance of topaz to the deep blue of sapphire.
Conversely, pink tourmaline is another October gemstone that embodies a love of humanity and is often worn to foster empathy. Although it is not as hard as diamonds, it is a popular choice for engagement rings, but it is less durable and requires careful handling. Pink tourmaline symbolizes pure, unconditional friendship and love. It is produced in several regions, including the United States, Brazil, Nigeria and Afghanistan, with Brazil and Namibia known for producing the highest quality birthstones.

November Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine

November's birthstone, topaz, is revered for symbolizing loyalty, long suffering and friendship, and is believed to have healing properties for respiratory ailments. Available in a variety of colors, one of the most revered is the Imperial Topaz, characterized by its orange hue and pink undertones. Historically, the name "Topaz" is thought to derive from the Sanskrit word "Tapas" and the Greek word "Topazion", both of which suggest an association with "fire". both suggesting an association with "fire".
This gemstone comes in a variety of colors, from amber-gold to reddish-pinkish-orange, with pale pink or sherry-colored topazes standing out. Of these, the natural blue topaz is one of the rarest. In ancient times, people wore topaz in the belief that it could ward off magical spells and dispel anger. It represents beauty, strength, wisdom and emotion. The striking pink-orange Imperial Topaz is especially valued and recognized for its magnificence.

December Birthstone: Turquoise

Representing December are turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Believed to bring good luck and protection and worn as a symbol of remembrance, turquoise is known as one of the oldest gemstones and has been a staple in jewelry making for centuries. Tanzanite is a more recent discovery that embodies transformation and invites spiritual exploration. Available in a variety of colors, zircon is a symbol of prosperity and wisdom, offering different levels of meaning to those who embrace it.

And finally:
The beauty of the birthstone lies not only in its captivating colors and exquisite cut, but also in its intangible yet powerful cosmic influence - the eternal connection between humanity and celestial wonders.
Whether you wear a birthstone for its mystical properties or simply for its beauty, these stones carry stories that transcend time. They connect us to ancient beliefs, traditions and our very essence. Let these birthstones illuminate the extraordinary qualities that define and empower you!