Birthstones - A Month by Month Guide
Birthstones are a collection of beautiful gemstones that are associated with each month of the year. These Precious and semi-precious stones hold a special significance and are believed to bring good luck, protection, and healing properties to those who wear them. Birthstones have been cherished for centuries, with their origins dating back to ancient civilisations and their beliefs in the power of gemstones. The uniqueness of each of these birthstones makes a sentimental gift for anyone born in that month or for celebrations such as weddings.
January – Garnet
Taking its name from the pomegranate; garnets are commonly found in red but are also found in a range of colours such as orange, yellow, purple, and green. Garnet is thought to represent love and friendship. This is due to their deep red hue, representing blood and the heart. This gemstone is also said to provide protection for the person wearing it and will protect them from evil thoughts and negativity whilst bringing success to life.
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February – Amethyst
Amethyst is a purple gemstone found ranging from lilac to deep violet. This range in shades is dependent on the amount of aluminium or iron inside the stone. The ancient beliefs of amethyst are still thought to be true today. It is believed that amethyst carries spiritual power and protects the wearer against negative thoughts and connects them to the divine. Amethyst has a Mohs hardness of 7 which makes it a great choice for everyday wear jewellery.
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March – Aquamarine
This gemstone is of a blue or cyan colour. The levels of iron in aquamarine determine the hue and shade of the stone. Stronger colours of aquamarine have a higher value and are more sought after. Aquamarine is symbolic of love, youth, happiness, and good health. It is also believed that it is a mermaid’s treasure and its ability to protect is enhanced when submerged in water. Old sailors would also use this precious gemstone whilst out at sea to protect them from any danger.
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April – Diamond
Rating 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance which is one of the many reasons why it is used so commonly throughout jewellery. This hardness makes diamonds perfect for everyday wear. It is also the root of the belief that it will give the wearer eternal love and that is why diamond is the main gemstone used in engagement rings. The April birthstone brings strength, love, and a long life for the people born in this month.
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May – Emerald
Emerald has a dark green colouring and is very popular in jewellery with its striking colour and rich history. Cleopatra is believed to have adored this gemstone and even claimed all the emerald mines as her own. As the birthstone for May emerald symbolises growth, patience, and hope. Emeralds are also commonly known for showing wealth and its link with royalty such as Queen Elizabeth II.
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June – Pearl
This unique gemstone is created by mussels and oysters and favoured for its pure white colour and spherical shape. These are the most popular and valuable of pearls however most naturally occurring pearls are not perfect which makes them rarer. Pearls are commonly symbolised as pure and innocent. This makes them a wonderful gift for people born in June and also for weddings as they are popular in this month. In myths, pearls are also thought to give wisdom and offer protection and have calming effects for anxious thoughts.
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July – Ruby
The ruby is known for its striking colour and beautiful variations in undertones such as pink and orange creating unique pieces. Rubies are extremely rare and are thought to be even rarer than diamonds. In history, it was thought rubies would promote protection and physical strength and some still think this today. However, in modern times rubies are associated with love and commitment and are used in a lot of high-end jewellery.
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August – Peridot
Peridot gemstones have a unique olive-green tone and are mined in many different countries including China. The peridot gemstone is often linked with good fortune and prosperity due to its similarities with the colour of money. Some people also believe that this gemstone will ease anger and protect the wearer from nightmares and evil spirits. This gemstone is highly valued for its beautiful colour and known for its use in fine jewellery making it a perfect unique choice for an August birthday.
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September – Sapphire/ Lapis Lazuli
September has two birthstones – Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli. Lapis Lazuli is an intense deep blue stone that stands out with its bands and layers of other colours such as yellow and green. It is said to help the wearer gain clarity and reach a decision. September is more commonly known for the birthstone of sapphire. This is the most valuable of the blue gemstones and is well known for symbolising wisdom and royalty whilst also being used for protection against negative thoughts. Sapphires are a beautiful gemstone and are used in many items of jewellery including the late Princess Diana and now Kate Middleton’s engagement ring.
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October – Opal
Opal is another beautiful gemstone with a rainbow of colours showing at once creating a glow and making them stand-out pieces of jewellery. In the Middle Ages, opals were thought to be good luck until a novel in 1829 depicted them as bad luck and death. Opal is now known for being a powerful gemstone and a symbol of love and it is even believed to create romance and passion. It symbolises hope, purity, and truth creating reassurance for the wearer.
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November – Topaz/ Citrine
November also has two birthstones – Topaz and Citrine. Topaz has a grade of 8 on the Mohs scale making it a great choice for everyday or occasion wear. Pure topaz can be found in brown, yellow, or colourless and can be confused with a diamond when brilliant-cut. Topaz supports creativity and concentration and has been used to prolong death. Citrine is a yellow variety of quartz. It is said to have been a gift from the sun and has been used as a decorative gemstone for a very long time. Citrine will bring the wearer happy energy and fill you with positivity and confidence.
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December – Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a deep blue with variations into a warm purple. Discovered in Tanzania, this very rare gemstone is in short supply and could run out making it a must-have. Tanzanite is associated with friendship and is said to help the wearer overcome change and create a soothing presence. This unique gemstone is highly valued for its rarity and symbolism of the transformation of people and makes a wonderful gift for someone born in the month of December.
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Birthstone Jewellery at Yorkshire Jewellery Company
We offer a wide range of birthstone earrings, pendants, bracelets, rings, and more in-store and online. Explore our whole range of handcrafted birthstone jewellery at Yorkshire Jewellery Company and find the perfect gift today!
