A Guide to Birthstones - Each month's birthstone and its meaning and symbolism
Birthstones are gemstones associated with specific months of the year. The stones are believed to have symbolic properties making them a wonderfully unique gift that combines personalization with a deeper meaning. Understanding the characteristics and history of each gem can add another layer of sentimentality to a gift but don’t be shy about treating yourself because who isn't just a little bit curious about their own birthstone's story?
January: Garnet
With a rich deep-red tone, garnet is often associated with passion and energy and it's believed to inspire love and devotion. The name "garnet" comes from the Latin word granatum, meaning pomegranate, due to its resemblance to the crimson seeds of the fruit. Garnets have also been linked to friendship and loyalty.
Symbolism - Protection, strength and vitality
February: Amethyst
Amethyst has a lovely violet hue and is known for its calming energy that helps soothe the mind. It's prized for its tranquil and meditative properties and associated with spiritual growth. Amethyst is also believed to guard against intoxication, stress, and negative thoughts.
Symbolism: Wisdom, peace and clarity
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a beautiful light blue stone reminiscent of calm clear waters. Fittingly the stone is associated with serenity and it's believed to soothe fears while promoting clear communication. Wearing aquamarine is said to promote self-expression and courage and it was once thought to protect seafarers.
Symbolism: Tranquility, courage and clarity
April: Diamond
Boasting a brilliant sparkle, diamonds are made of pure carbon (the hardest naturally occurring substance) and are coveted for both their beauty and their durability. Diamonds have long been associated with love, faithfulness, and commitment which makes them an excellent choice for engagement rings. Diamonds are also thought to protect against negative energies and to promote a positive mental attitude.
Symbolism: Strength, purity and eternal love
May: Emerald
Emeralds are a rich, vibrant green and they are often linked to rebirth, renewal and new beginnings. They're also thought to bring harmony and balance to the wearer. In Hindu culture emeralds are associated with the heart chakra while ancient Egyptians were known to use emeralds in burials to accompany and protect the dead in the afterlife.
Symbolism: Love, loyalty and growth
June: Pearl
Beautiful, luminous pearls are June's birthstone (though they’re not actually a stone of course!). White pearls are the most popular and they're linked to innocence, resilience and transformation. It’s said that pearls promote a sense of calm and will protect against anxious thoughts. Pearls are formed from the defense response of an oyster when it detects a foreign object. The oyster secrets layers of nacre around the object to protect itself and over time these layers build up to eventually form a beautiful pearl.
Symbolism: Purity, wisdom and wealth
July: Ruby
Rubies boast a gorgeous fiery red hue and these stones are associated with love and intense emotions. Many cultures consider rubies the gem of kings and royalty and historically rubies were considered a stone of protection against negative energy. Rubies are also linked to vitality and are believed to promote spiritual growth.
Symbolism: Passion, energy and courage
August: Peridot
Peridot has a fresh light green color and it's associated with emotional healing and a sense of positivity. Peridot is another stone with protective properties and it's believed to guard against negative energy. Legend has it that peridot was one of Cleopatra's favorite gemstones as she thought the stone could protect her against dark spirits. Peridot is also believed to bring good health and fortune to the wearer.
Symbolism: Strength, prosperity and emotional balance
September: Sapphire
Sapphires come in a variety of colors but most people probably associate the stone with a rich deep blue. Sapphires are considered a lucky stone that attracts positivity and abundance while protecting from harm and infidelity. The gems are also linked to mental clarity and calmness. For centuries sapphires have decorated the robes of clergy and adorned the garments of royalty.
Symbolism: Wisdom, loyalty and integrity
October: Opal and Tourmaline
Opals (my favorite!) come in a variety of shades but the most beautiful possess a fiery and vibrant color play. Opals are said to enhance imagination and emotion and they’re believed to be a stone of positive transformation. The name opal is derived from the Latin word ‘Opalus’’ meaning ‘precious stone’.
Symbolism: Creativity, purity and hope
Tourmaline
Pink tourmaline is a lovely blush hue and is connected to the heart chakra which is the center of emotional balance and self-love. Tourmaline is believed to offer balance and help calm emotions while also encouraging expression. A few fun facts about tourmaline; Brazil is the biggest producer of the stone, pink tourmaline can become electrically charged when heated or rubbed and tourmaline is the stone associated with the 8th wedding anniversary.
Symbolism: Empathy, compassion and love
November: Topaz and Citrine
Topaz
Topaz comes in a variety of colors but the one most associated with November is a gorgeous golden hue. The stone is said to promote strength and healing and it's believed to foster mental clarity and manifestation. Topaz is found in Russia, Pakistan, Brazil and the U.S. and it's formed within igneous rocks.
Symbolism: Joy, abundance and good health
Citrine
Citrine is a vibrant sunny yellow and it's associated with happiness, optimism and generosity. It’s known as the money or abundance stone as it's believed to attract wealth and prosperity. Citrine is also associated with the chakra solar plexus which is linked to self-esteem and confidence.
Symbolism: Positive energy, good fortune and success
December: Turquoise
Zircon and Tanzanite are also December's birthstones but I'm going to highlight the one that's probably the most well-known which is turquoise. Featuring a beautiful mix of blue and green, turquoise is thought to be a balancing and protection stone and it's believed to enhance intuition and self-expression. Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones dating back over 5,000 years and in Native American culture, turquoise is seen as a "living stone" representing life and a connection to the water and sky.
Symbolism: Luck, wisdom and spiritual enlightenment
Choosing Your Birthstone
Which one is your favorite? My birthstone is emerald but I’m drawn to opals and would never say no to a diamond. :) I do love the stories behind the stone and whether you're celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or marking a special moment, birthstones are a beautiful and meaningful way to personalize a jewelry gift.
Explore dainty birthstone necklaces.