In ancient times certain gems were believed to bring good fortune when worn during specific months. Regardless of the origins and your belief in the power of stones, associating stones with the month or your birth is a fun way to help to find the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.
Each of the 12 Birthstones carries its secrets, attributes and legends that are unique to themselves. There are many myths and beliefs around the powers and attributes of birthstones. Whether or not you believe these, discover what makes your birthstone a powerful statement of your finest qualities by checking out the stones associated with the month you were born in below.
|
Birth Month |
Traditional Birthstone |
Alternative Birthstone |
|
January |
Garnet |
Garnet |
|
February |
Amethyst |
Amethyst |
|
March |
Aquamarine |
Bloodstone |
|
April |
Diamond |
Diamond |
|
May |
Emerald |
Emerald |
|
June |
Pearl |
Moonstone or Alexandrite |
|
July |
Ruby |
Ruby |
|
August |
Peridot |
Carnelian |
|
September |
Sapphire |
Sapphire |
|
October |
Opal |
Tourmaline |
|
November |
Topaz |
Citrine |
|
December |
Turquoise |
Tanzanite |
The major jewellery industry associations accepted in 1952 the modern birthstone chart and some later additions were added as ‘alternative’ birthstones. For example, Tanzanite was only included as a December birthstone after its discovery as a valuable gemstone in 1967.
January – Garnet
Deriving from the medieval Latin word ‘granatus’, meaning “pomegranate”, garnets are often associated with deeply red gemstones, but they come in an extraordinary range of colours from red, to orange, through yellows and purples to vibrant greens. They are found in many places around the world with different colours often associated with different countries.
Garnets are said to protect the wearer shielding them against harm. They are also connected to vitality, love and light.
February – Amethyst
From palest hues to a rich vibrant purple, once the domain to the wealthy, Amethysts have captivated mankind for millennia. The word amethyst comes from the ancient Greek word “amethystos” meaning “not intoxicating”, its wine colouring believed to prevent drunkenness!
Once as rare as ruby or emerald, it was highly prized by royalty, and worn by the likes of Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia in the 18th century and the elegant, but controversial Wallis, Duchess of Windsor.
Amethyst is said to aid healing and to convey strength, mental clarity and wit.
March – Aquamarine, Bloodstone
A choice for March, the cool sea tones of Aquamarine or the strength of red-flecked, green Bloodstone.
Aquamarines evoke the colours of the sea or a summer’s bright blue sky, from deep green blues to the palest blue. Their name derives from the Latin “aqua”, meaning water and “marina” meaning the sea.
Bloodstone, the heliotrope of ancient Greece, has been worked and valued since ancient times. Its semi-translucent green with red inclusions offers a subtle, enduring alternative as the March stone.
Although very different in appearance, both stones are said to offer protection of the wearer’s well-being.
April – Diamond, Rock Crystal
Fabulous diamonds or a more modest rock crystal, both valued for their transparency and clarity, are April’s Birthstones.
Diamonds need no introduction, a girl’s best friend, diamonds are forever and are associated with strength and eternity. The challenge is deciding which colour; white or black, red or violet, pink or yellow, or shades in between.
The ancient Greeks thought of rock crystal as unmelting ice and valued it highly. It is said to be a healing stone, a bond between earth and water.
May – Emerald, Chrysoprase
Emerald, the very definition of green and Chrysoprase, in apple to deep green, are May’s birthstone.
From ancient Egypt to Peru, emeralds were valued and captured the imaginations of the rich and the powerful. Cleopatra, the last Ptolemaic queen of Egypt had a passion for Emeralds, a symbol of eternal life.
Emerald, in shades to fresh growth, are associated with rebirth and renewal, thinking objectively and with healing.
Chrysoprase is said to bring good fortune and prosperity.
June – Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone
Lustrous pearls, treasures created by living creatures, pearly moonstones and chameleon-like Alexandrites (appearing bluish- green during day and purplish-red under incandescent lighting) are June’s birthstones.
Pearls of wisdom, purity, and honesty. Moonstones, said to capture the light of the moon, have form ancient times been associated with love and great luck.
Alexandrite, first discovered in the Ural mountains in 1830 were named for the future Russian Tsar, Alexander II and are worn to enhance intelligence and to bring good fortune.
July – Ruby, Carnelian
Rubies are red, or sometimes purplish red or with overtones of orange. They are associated with power and strength. Red, the colour of passion and love.
Carnelians come in shades of red and orange and brown and will darken in the presence of heat, even prolonged exposure to sunlight may darken their colour. Much loved by the ancients, it is said to be a stone of courage, of vitality and of creativity.
August – Peridot, Spinel
Yellowish-green peridot were believed by the ancients to be associated with the sun and would therefore provide protection in the dark and from evil spirits. Created in volcanic eruptions around the world, peridots have also been found in meteorites.
In shades of intense red, vibrant pink, orange, blue, bluish-green and violet, Spinels are more reflective than rubies and are worn as a protective charm. They are believed to encourage great passion, devotion and longevity.
September – Sapphire
Coming in all colours but red, because if they are red, they are called rubies, sapphires are most famously blue. The Latin work “saphirus” simply means “blue”. The ancient Persians believed that the world rested on a sapphire, hence the blue of the sky.
The more daring may prefer a pink or green or purple sapphire.
Sapphires are thought of as a protective stone, symbols of intuition, nobility, truth and faithfulness.
October – Opal, Tourmaline
Endless colour combinations, believed by some to have been created from rainbows, typify both birthstones for October, Opals and Tourmalines.
Opals, a symbol of purity, hope and truth were once believed to embody the virtues of all coloured stones and even to hold lightning, fallen to earth.
Seductively coloured tourmalines of differing hues are said to have their own properties, green for courage, pink for love, compassion and gentleness, black for protection.
November – Topaz, Citrine
Those of you with November birthdays have two beautiful birthstones to choose from Topaz and Citrine. The signature colour for November is golden yellow.
Topaz are available in a range of colours, from colourless, through pinks and reds to blues and the incredibly rare Yellow Topaz. Topaz gets its name from the Greek word topazion, which possibly comes from the Sanskrit word “tapas” meaning “fire”. They have been said to give the wearer strength and assure a long life, beauty and intelligence if worn above the heart.
With gorgeous warm tones of yellow and gold, Citrine has been used in jewellery since ancient times. It is associated with healing and happiness. Citrine derived its name from the French word “citron”, meaning lemon
December – Turquoise, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite, Lapis Lazuli
Just in time for Christmas there is an abundant choice of stones for Christmas, in shades of blue (or turquoise), from flat to faceted.
Turquoise, like the blue flower, means ‘forget me not’ in European tradition and in Tibet is said to offer good fortune and health.
Blue Zircon, popular during the Victorian period, is reputed to bring wisdom and good health.
Tanzanite is only mined commercially in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania and was only discovered in the 20th century. Its colour ranges from a velvety, pure, rich blue to violet.
Lapis lazuli has been prized since antiquity for its intense colour and its reputed healing properties and being a stone that enhances communication, clarity, integrity and intuition.
Have fun with your birthstones but don’t be restricted by them. Choose the stones that speak to you and bring joy to your life or those around you.