Birthstones
Our most-loved and often-used gemstones, along with the birth month they represent.
JANUARY - GARNET
Awareness, commitment, regeneration, order, insight.
The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word “Garanatus,” meaning “seedlike,” in reference to the bright red seeds of the pomegranate. In Greek mythology, a pomegranate is seen as a gift of eternal love. Since Hades had given a pomegranate to Persephone before she left him to ensure her speedy return, garnet may be given to a beloved before embarking on a trip. It is also believed to heal the broken bonds of lovers. However, the powers of a garnet lie dormant until it is polished. While traditionally a deep burgundy, Garnets can also be pink-red (Rhodolite Garnet), orange-red (Spessaritite Garnet) and spring green (Tsavorite Garnet) in addition to others.
FEBRUARY - AMETHYST
Contentment, spirituality, dreams, healing, peace, happiness, love, intuition.
Amethyst is said to promote the highest, purest aspirations of human kind. The stone encourages calm, bravery, and contemplation. Historically, the stone was believed to assist prophecy and visions and to bring riches and powers to its owners. At the highest level, amethyst bestows the spiritual understanding required to reach the state of bliss. Amethyst is part of the quartz family, like Citrine, and can sometimes even occur in conjunction with Citrine in a single gem, referred to as “Ametrine.”
MARCH - AQUAMARINE
Courage, purification, peace, intuition, self-expression, balance, preparedness.
Since early times, aquamarine has been believed to endow the wearer with foresight, courage, and happiness. It is said to increase intelligence and promote youthfulness. The Romans believed that aquamarine absorbs the atmosphere of young love and in medieval times, the stone was thought to reawaken the love of long married couples. Aquamarine is part of the beryl family, along with Emeralds and Morganite.
APRIL - DIAMOND
Courage, strength, healing, protection, spirituality, mental abilities.
The Romans believed diamonds gave the wearer strength, invincibility, bravery, and courage during battle. Considered in olden times as ‘tears of the Gods’ or ‘splinters from falling stars’ and the idea that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with them may be why diamonds are considered the ultimate symbol of love today. Diamonds are considered the first choice for bridal jewelry because they’re the hardest known substance on earth! Diamonds will continue to sparkle after generations of wear. Cognac- and champagne-colored Diamonds are a gorgeous alternative to the traditional white Diamond.
MAY - EMERALD
Love, domestic bliss, sensitivity, loyalty, harmony, focus.
Prized by Cleopatra above all gems and representing spring, new birth and fertility, folklore suggests that these stones will improve memory and intelligence, while enhancing clairvoyance. They are also worn to boost love and contentment. The Egyptians buried emeralds with their Pharos because they believed they had the power of eternal youth. A gift of emeralds represents love and fidelity. Their distinctive deep green color is produced only under extremely rare conditions and because these conditions also result in tiny cracks and cavities in the stone, even the highest-qualities emeralds tend to have inclusions.
JUNE - Pearl & Alexandrite
Integrity, focus, wisdom, spirituality, sincerity, fertility.
June has two birthstones – Pearls and Alexandrite. Pearls, known for their natural beauty, represent purity and innocence. Alexandrite, a rare and magical gem, can change color from green in daylight to red under incandescent light. Both stones symbolize good fortune and love.
JULY - RUBY
Nurturing, spiritual wisdom, passion, protection from distress.
Representative of devotion, desire and passion, Ruby promotes good luck in love and encourages sensitivity in relationships. It is said to be an antidote to poison, and was a stone of prophecy, darkening when danger was near. When rubbed on the skin a ruby is thought to restore youth and vitality. Rubies and Sapphires are both made up of the same material, corundum, but the name “Ruby” describes a particular shade of red.
AUGUST - PERIDOT & SPINEL
Spiritual development, creativity, cleansing, love, kindness.
The name “Spinel” comes from the Latin “spina”, or arrow. Because Spinel can pass for Ruby, many collections of Crown Jewels once mistakenly referred to Spinels as Rubies. Spinel is a gem whose mystical properties are said to aide in love, helping its owner in finding adoring and devoted relationships. Spinel also enhances positive traits and helps the wearer achieve success. It’s most commonly mined in Africa and Asia and also occurs in Canada.
SEPTEMBER - SAPPHIRE
Joy, peace, beauty, intuition, prosperity, fulfillment of dreams.
The deepest blue sapphires led to the belief that the world sat on a giant sapphire and the color of the sky was merely a reflection of this gem. Sapphire was used to protect against envy and mental illness, and was said to strengthen eyesight. Given as a gift, sapphire represents sincerity and faithfulness, loyalty and friendship. Sapphires are another good choice for bridal wear, as they’re almost as durable as Diamonds, and not only that, they occur in nearly every color of the rainbow.
OCTOBER - OPAL & TOURMALINE
Energizing, releasing, introspection, beginnings, peace, travel
October has two birthstones – Opal and Tourmaline. Opals are known for their iridescent play-of-color, symbolizing creativity and inspiration. Tourmalines come in a variety of colors and are believed to enhance creativity, love, and compassion. Both stones offer unique and captivating beauty.
NOVEMBER - TOPAZ
True love, understanding of interrelationships, expression of ideas, trust, personal expansion and growth.
Topaz is a symbol of love and affection. The stone has also been thought to bring fidelity and friendship if constantly worn without being set aside. The Egyptians said that the golden glow of the sun gave topaz its color. Legend also has it that topaz dispels all enchantment, sharpens the wit and has been said to be an aid to ones sweetness and disposition. Topaz is most often a sky blue, but also occurs in a beautiful golden hue called “Imperial Topaz.”
December - Zircon & Tanzanite
Communication, intuition, protection, symmetry, decision-making, spirituality.
December has two birthstones – Zircon and Tanzanite. Zircon comes in various colors, but blue is the most popular and is believed to promote wisdom and prosperity. Tanzanite, a relatively recent discovery, is prized for its deep blue-violet hue, symbolizing transformation and spiritual growth.
