What does your birthstone say about you?
During the Middle Ages, ancient healers believed all gemstones had special powers; the precious stones either had the ability to assist with health, wealth or luck. However, during this time the value of the gemstone didn’t play an important role, but rather the colour. Today, the tradition behind gemstones continue to fascinate many cultures worldwide. Not only do the gemstones have a lot of historical background, but they all consist of a lot of symbolism. Find out what your unique birthstone says about you:
JANUARY’S BIRTHSTONE IS A GARNET
The garnet symbolises friendship, love and passion
The garnet is truly a fascinating gemstone. But what makes the unique birthstone so remarkable? The precious and radiant stone was used to make jewellery items over 5000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Soon after, the garnet became widely popular all across the world, especially in Sweden and in Europe. Even though the gemstone is known for its reddish to brown colour it can also be found in orange, yellow, green, violet, purple and pink. Besides its beauty, the garnet has a lot of meaning. The gemstone represents passion, friendship, health, love, strong feelings and emotions.
FEBRUARY’S BIRTHSTONE IS AN AMETHYST
The amethyst is often associated with royalty and nobility
The beautiful dark violet to pale lavender colour gemstone is often associated with royalty and nobility. About 3000 B.C. wealthy Egyptian’s were seen wearing the amethyst gemstone in bracelets, crowns and pendants. The reason? During those times an amethyst gemstone was considered to be just as valuable as a diamond. Today, the unique gemstone can still be seen on the crown jewels. The precious gemstone symbolises security, sincerity, spirituality and true happiness.
MARCH’S BIRTHSTONE IS AN AQUAMARINE
Ancient healers used the stone as a calming mechanism
Before the aquamarine became the birthstone of March, ancient believers used the gemstone to protect sailors and wish them a safe voyage. Early healers also believed the stone had the ability to calm the wearer and help them during a difficult time. Romans, on the other hand, used the gemstone to make new friends or reconcile old relationships. Today, the blue-green gemstone symbolises health, honesty, loyalty, hope and youth. The word aquamarine comes from the Latin word, ‘water’ and ‘sea’ describing the mesmerising colour of the gemstone.
APRIL’S BIRTHSTONE IS A DIAMOND
A diamond is one of the most valuable gemstones to date
April’s birthstone is considered to be one of the most beloved gemstones of all time, a diamond. But what makes the gemstone so popular? Not only was a diamond formed more than 3.3 billion years ago, but is was also created 150km-200km below the earth’s crust; making the gemstone truly one of a kind. A diamond is also considered to be extremely strong and perfect for jewellery making. Even though a diamond is usually considered to be colourless, you can also find a rare fancy colour diamond in nature; these precious gemstones come in yellow, brown, green, grey, black, pink, blue, red and purple. But what does a diamond symbolise? The stone symbolises love – making it the perfect gift for anniversaries, birthdays and general celebrations. Associated with purity, openheartedness and unity.
MAY’S BIRTHSTONE IS AN EMERALD
An emerald gemstone symbolises rebirth, wisdom, and success in love
What’s not to love about an emerald? The precious gemstone, also known as the birthstone of May, was mined around 2000 B.C. in Upper Egypt; during this time Cleopatra was known for wearing a lot emerald as it was her favourite. Today, most emerald gemstones are mined in Columbia, Zambia and Brazil. An emerald is known for its beautiful and mesmerising green colour, which varies from light green to a deeper rare intense green-blue. The meaning behind the emerald? The gemstone symbolises youth, rebirth, wisdom, success in love and good fortune.
JUNE’S BIRTHSTONE IS A PEARL
A pearl symbolises multiple things such as success, happiness and love
Instead of the month, June being another gemstone, the birthstone is a beautiful pearl. Just like diamonds, pearls are considered to be a beautiful wonder from nature. Unlike a diamond, a pearl is not mined but rather found inside a saltwater oyster or a freshwater clam. The word ‘pearl’ comes from the French word, ‘perle’, which means leg – describing the mollusc shell shape in which you can find a pearl. But what is the meaning behind a pearl? A pearl symbolises success, happiness and love.
JULY’S BIRTHSTONE IS A RUBY
A ruby is often referred to as the king of all gemstones
Did you know a ruby was once considered to be the king of all gemstones? The deep red colour gemstone was previously used by Ancient Hindus to protect their souls from evil spirits. Ancient Chinese warrior, on the other hand, were seen wearing the gemstone on their armour to showcase their dedication. Today, the beautiful stone symbolises wisdom, health and love. Where could you find a ruby? A ruby can be found in areas such as Southeast Asia and Africa. The largest ruby ever to be mined was the Liberty Bell Ruby, which weighed a whopping 1.8 kilograms. Unfortunately, the one of a kind gemstone was stolen from in a heist in 2011.
AUGUST’S BIRTHSTONE IS A PERIDOT
A peridot gemstone represents good fortune
The beautiful peridot gemstone is truly mesmerising and therefore it’s considered to be the birthstone for August. But what makes the gemstone so special? A peridot is known for its beautiful olive-green colour and giving the wearer of the stone a great deal of power. Even though the origin of the name is unclear, researchers believe the name, ‘peridot’ comes from the Greek word, ‘peridona’, which means ‘giving plenty’; another reason why the gemstone symbolises good fortune to the person who wears it. The beautiful stone can be found in areas such as Arizona, China, Pakistan, Africa and Myanmar.
SEPTEMBER’S BIRTHSTONE IS A SAPPHIRE
A sapphire gemstone represents serenity, peace and calmness
A Sapphire is a beautiful gemstone that comes in different colours such as pink, green, white and yellow; the most popular Sapphire colour is a rich blue. The fascinating stone represents serenity, peace and calmness. Ancient religions used the stone as an example when writing about faith, trust, wisdom, purity and loyalty. During the Middle Ages, the gemstone was used to protect loved ones from any harm. The precious gemstone can be mined is areas such as Africa, Asia, Australia and the US. It’s also considered to be just as special as a ruby, emerald and diamond.
OCTOBER’S BIRTHSTONE IS AN OPAL
The opal gemstone has the characteristics of a rainbow
The fascinating opal gemstone is known for having the characteristics of a rainbow. The reason? The gemstone has a magical way of playing with a variety of colours. The word, ‘opal’ comes from the Greek word, ‘opallios’ meaning a changing in colour. In Latin, the word means ‘to see a possible change in colour’. Each opal gemstone consists of its very own colour combination making it truly unique. The gemstone represents good luck, especially to a person who is born in October. The wonderful opal gemstone can be found in areas such as Brazil, Mexico, Ethiopia, the Czech Republic and parts of the US.
NOVEMBER’S BIRTHSTONE IS A TOPAZ
A topaz symbolises wisdom, friendship and longevity
The topaz gemstone is known for its beautiful orange hues but can be found in a variety of colours such as, blue, pink and yellow. The gemstone was named after the island, Topazos where it was first found by ancient Romans; a topaz symbolises wisdom, friendship and longevity. African shamans are known for using the one of a kind gemstone during healing rituals. Topaz gemstones are widely available worldwide, but huge stones are known to be found in Brazil.
DECEMBER’S BIRTHSTONE IS A TANZANITE
A beautiful tanzanite gemstone represents fidelity, love and confidence
The birthstone for December is the beautiful and well-known gemstone, tanzanite. The one of a kind gemstone is known for its mesmerising blue shades and attractive violet hues. Tanzanite was named after, Tanzania which is still known as the limited origins of the spectacular blue gemstone. The birthstone represents fidelity, love and confidence.
BIRTHSTONES BY MONTH
| MONTH | GEMSTONE | MEANING |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Passion, friendship, health, love, strong feelings and emotions |
| February | Amethyst | Security, sincerity, spirituality and true happiness |
| March | Aquamarine | Health, honesty, loyalty, hope and youth |
| April | Diamond | Love, purity, openheartedness and unity |
| May | Emerald | Youth, rebirth, wisdom, success in love and good fortune |
| June | Pearl | Success, happiness and love |
| July | Ruby | Wisdom, health and love |
| August | Peridot | Good fortune |
| September | Sapphire | Serenity, peace and calmness |
| October | Opal | Good luck |
| November | Topaz | Wisdom, friendship and longevity |
| December | Tanzanite | Fidelity, love and confidence |
Each and every birthstone truly has a unique characteristic, history and meaning. Another reason why we simply can’t get enough of the variety of gorgeous gemstones we find in nature. Definitely, a gift worth giving the next time you’re planning to surprise a loved one on their birthday.
