WOMAN’s guide to the gemstones for each birthday month
Birthstones are believed to align with the energies and personalities of those born in each month – from January to December, each birthstone boasts a unique colour, history, and symbolism, making them an excellent gift idea for your loved ones. Let’s embark on a journey through the twelve months of the year, and keep an eye out for the month of your best friend, mother, or significant other!
January, Garnet
The birthstone for January, garnet, comes in various shades, but is known for its deep red hues. Garnets are said to be a symbol of trust, friendship, and protection; believed to offer its wearer guidance and strength. These powerful associations have earned the gemstone a rich history, gracing the adornments of ancient civilisations.
February, Amethyst
Obtaining its name from the Greek amethystos, meaning not intoxicated, legend says that wearing amethyst can protect against drunkenness and promote clarity of mind. Beyond its folklore, amethyst symbolises peace, courage, and stability, something that made it an ideal choice for the biblical breastplate of the high priests of Yahweh. Its royal purple colour has also ensured the amethyst’s long-running association with luxury and sophistication, making it extremely popular amongst jewellery lovers worldwide.
March, Aquamarine
As the name suggests, aquamarine mirrors the mesmerising blue hues of the sea. Representing tranquillity, clarity, and harmony, this gemstone is the birthstone for March. Aquamarine was believed to be a talisman for safe passage across stormy waters by many ancient civilizations, including the Romans, who coined it “the sailor’s stone”. Others viewed it as a symbol of eternal youth and happiness.
April, Diamond
Renowned as the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, the diamond serves as the birthstone for April. Symbolising purity, strength, and everlasting love, diamonds have long held a strong association with engagement rings and other tokens of commitment, making it the most well known birthstone on this list.
May, Emerald
Emerald, embodying the verdant beauty of spring, is the birthstone for May. Perhaps best known as a symbol of rebirth, fertility, and vitality, emeralds have long adorned the crowns of royalty and the jewellery boxes of the elite, including Cleopatra, who famously cherished emeralds for their perceived power to grant foresight and wisdom. Today, these gemstones continue to exude luxury and elegance, making them a coveted addition to any jewellery ensemble.
June, Pearl and Alexandrite
June boasts not one, but two enchanting birthstones: pearl and alexandrite. Pearls are perhaps the most unique birthstone, at least as far as their creation is concerned. Formed naturally by mollusks in the depths of the ocean, the pearl symbolises purity, innocence, and wisdom. Instantly recognisable for their spherical shape, translucence and deep lustre, pearls are often found strung together into pieces of eye-catching jewellery. Alexandrite, on the other hand, is a rare and remarkable gemstone that changes colour depending on the light, shifting from green to red. Often described by gem aficionados as “emerald by day, ruby by night”, this mesmerising phenomenon has also garnered Alexandrite its reputation as a symbol of creativity, intuition, and luck.
July, Ruby
Radiating with fiery passion, the ruby is the birthstone for July. Symbolising love, courage, and vitality, rubies have long been revered as the “king of gemstones.” Ancient cultures believed rubies held the power to bestow good fortune and protection upon their wearers. Today, these vivid red gems continue to command attention; boasting the highest per-carat price of any coloured stone, the ruby is widely considered to be one of the most important gems in the coloured stone market
August, Peridot
August claims peridot as its birthstone, a gemstone seen as a symbol of strength, prosperity, and healing. Characterised by its restful green and yellow hues, it was known by the Egyptians as the “gem of the sun”. These extraterrestrial connotations were given new life in 2005 when peridot was found in samples of comet dust, brought back from the Stardust robotic space probe. Whether it be from the reaches of outer-space or deep within the earth’s upper mantle, Peridot remains a captivating addition to any jewellery collection.
September, Sapphire
Sapphire, with its celestial blue allure, is the birthstone for September. Symbolising wisdom, loyalty, and nobility, sapphires have enchanted admirers for centuries. King Charles only served to further this captivation when he gave Diana Spencer her famous blue sapphire engagement ring, now belonging to Kate Middleton. Also commonly associated with heavenly blessings and the warding off of evil spirits, this gemstone remains a timeless symbol of both elegance and spirituality.
October, Opal and Tourmaline
October presents another delightful duo of birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Opals, known for their iridescent play-of-colour, symbolise creativity, passion, and spontaneity. Associated with magic and mystery, opals have inspired countless myths and legends, such as those of the Bedouins, who believed opals fell from the sky during thunderstorms and contained lightning inside. Tourmaline, available in a kaleidoscope of colours, is a symbol of energy, balance, and protection. Revered for its unique beauty and metaphysical properties, tourmaline is similarly associated with creativity as well as concentration.
December, Tanzanite and Turquoise
December concludes the year with tanzanite and turquoise. Tanzanite, with its mesmerising violet-blue hues, symbolises transformation, spirituality, and intuition. Discovered relatively recently, tanzanite was named after its only known source: the hills of Merelani in northern Tanzania. Turquoise, revered by ancient civilizations as a talisman of protection and prosperity, symbolises tranquillity, strength, and friendship. Found buried in Ancient Egyptian tombs, turquoise is also thought to be among the world’s oldest jewellery.
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