Birthstone Guide
Birthstones explained
Birthstone gifts are a beautiful and sentimental way to celebrate a special day with a loved one, not only that each stone and colour has a unique meaning and signifcance behind it, making the gift both personal and thoughful.
Birthstones have been around for many, many years. It is believed that there is a connection between the 12 jewels on the breastplate worn by Aaron, the High Priest of the Israelites and the 12 months of the year. It is also thought that if you wear the gemstone during the associated month, it will bring you good luck and the qualities associated with the stone are heightened.
You will see a range of birthstone gifts in the form of jewellery or ornaments nowadays, making it fun and easy to find a meaningful gift that can be cherished for life.
What is my birthstone/birthcolour?
Are you unsure which colour/gem is associated with your birth month? Take a look at our list below.
- January – Garnet
- February – Amethsyt
- March – Aquamarine
- April – Diamond
- May – Emerald
- June – Pearl
- July – Ruby
- August – Peridot
- September – Sapphire
- October – Tourmaline
- November – Topaz
- December – Turquoise
Would you like to know the meaning behind your birthstone and birth colour and it's qualities? Let's take a look.
January – Garnet
The garnet is a deep red colour similar to a pomegranate seed which stands true to it's Latin meaning for seed. It is believed that garnet can protect your home and ward of negativity.
Qualities of garnet: Safety & love, peace, prosperity, good health, faith and courage
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February – Amethsyt
The birthstone/birthcolour for February is amethyst which can range from a light lilac colour to a dark rich purple colour. Saint Valentine wore an amethsyt ring and it is believed to have been his favourite gem. Amethsyt has also been a popular choice within royalty for years. It is thought that amethyst can strengthen relationships.
Qualities of Amethyst: Peace, courage and stability, wisdom, safety.
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March – Aquamarine
It's no coincidence that aquamarine is named after the colour of seawater as the colours can from a pale blue to a blue-green which resemble the colours of the sea. It is thought that sailors believed that aquamarine protected them against the dangers of the sea. It is also believed that prophets used the stone for fortune telling.
Qualities of Aquamarine: Serenity, youth, health, hope, safety, bravery & creativity
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April – Diamond
True to the fact that the diamond is the hardest mineral on earth, it symbolises courage and everlasting love. It is rare and pure. This stone is a popular jewellery stone and has become a status symbol in the modern world. It is believed that it can ward of evil.
Qualities of Diamond: Peace, protection & positivity
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May – Emerald
The birthstone/birthcolour for May is emerald which is a rich green colour. It is believed that this gem was one of Cleopatra's favourite. Emerald has been associated with fertility, rebirth and love. The Ancient Romans dedicated this stone to Venus, the goddess of love.
Qualities of Emerald: Wisdom, growth, fortune, youth, foresight, loyalty, friendship & patience
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June – Pearl
The word pearl comes from the Latin meaning for pear, which stands true to it's shape. Pearls are the only gems that are found in living creatures such as oysters and mussels. It is believed that the Ancient Greeks thought that pearls were the hardened tears of joy from Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
Qualities of Pearl: Purity, love & calmness
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July – Ruby
The birthstone/birthcolour for July is ruby which can range from a pale rose red colour to a deep red colour. The Ancient Hindus considered ruby to be the king of gems. It is believed that it can protect its wearer from evil. It is also said that rubies had prophetic properties in Middle Ages, it could warn its wearer by deepening in colour.
Qualities of Ruby:Love, devotion, protection, passion, vitality, health & courage
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August – Peridot
Peridot has been a highly valued stone since ancient times. The Hawaiians believed that peridot symbolises the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. It is said that the 11th century philosopher, Marbodus believed that peridot should be set in gold a metal associated with the sun, to cure the fear of the dark. It is also believed that it can conquer timidity, strengthen nerves and protect its wearer from bad dreams. It can also ward off evil.
Qualities of Peridot: Strength, serenity, trust & love
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September – Sapphire
The birthstone/birthcolour for September is sapphire which is distinct for it's blue colour which can range from pale blue to a deep violet blue colour, having said that, sapphire can also be found in many other colours including green, purple, orange, yellow, pink, black and more. Sapphire is considered to be the most spiritual gem. The Ancients believed that sapphire could ward off any malicious behaviour. It is also said that in India, sapphire can protect its wearer from evil spirits. The sapphire has been favoured by royalty for over the years. Princess Diana's engagement which has now been passed down to the Duchess of Cambridge features a stunning 12 carat blue sapphire gem.
Qualities of Sapphire: Love, loyalty and trust, purity, protection & wisdom
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October – Tourmaline
October has two birthstones/birthcolours, opal which the traditional birthstone & tourmaline which is the modern birthstone. Tourmaline is commonly known for being black but it can also be found in red, pink, brown, orange, yellow, blue and more. Tourmaline was discovered by Dutch traders during the late 1600's in the West Coast of Italy. Accoridng to an Ancient Eygptian legend, tourmaline travelled over a rainbow and that's why it can be found in all colours. It is believed that this stone is connected to the philospher's stone and can protect its wearer from danger. It is considered that pink tourmaline attracts love.
Qualities of Tourmaline: Love, compassion, serenity, healing & wisdom
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November – Topaz
Like October November also has 2 birthstones/birthcolours, citrine is the modern birthstone and topaz is the traditional birthstone. The common colour for topaz is golden yellow, but it can be found it other colours such as pink and red which is rare to find or blue which has become increasingly popular and the colour that topaz is often associated with. It is said that the Greeks associated this stone to increase strength and make you invisable. The Egyptians associated topaz with the sun god. It is believed that during the Ancient times topaz warded off ailments suchs as asthma and epilepsy, it cured insomnia and eliminated sadness, nighttime fears and anger. It is also believed that it can provide its wearer with intellect.
Qualities of Topaz: Love, affection, healing, strength & intelligence
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December – Turquoise
December has 3 birthstones/birthcolours, turquoise, zircon and tanzanite, zircon and tanzanite are considered to be more modern while turquoise is more traditional. Turquoise was discovered in Sinai Penisula and it is said that it is one of the earliest stones to be mined. It is believed that this stone is a lucky charm especially for horsemen as it prevented injuries by absorbing the fall. The Ancient Persians believed that turquoise can protect your from the evil eye. It is also said that turquoise has been known to cure depression and provide its wearer with confidence. Turquoise is known as the love charm. Like pearls, turquoise is a timeless classic that is just as fashionable in the modern world as it was years back.
Qualities of Turqouise: Love, fortune, friendship, success, health, serenity & happiness
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