Birthstones Guide

January: Garnet
If you are born in January, your birthstone is garnet, a stunning, colorful gem which is believed to symbolize deep-rooted trust and enduring companionship. Historically, garnets have been worn by soldiers, traders, and travelers who used the stone as protection against accidents while away from home. While the name derives from the Latin root word for pomegranate, representing the deep red color of the popular gemstone, garnets can also be found in a multitude of other colors including the vibrant green of tsavorite, a purple hue found in rhodolite, and finally, the warm orange shade of spessartite and mandarin garnets. The various colors give you plentiful options for finding the perfect jewelry piece of your favorite birthstone!

February: Amethyst
Beloved for its rich purple color, amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February. In ancient Roman mythology, amethyst is believed to protect against the intoxicating powers of Bacchus, the god of wine, promoting rationality and clear-mindedness. In addition to encouraging mental health, the stone has historically been known for its “healing powers” which aids with insomnia, arthritis, and pain relief. With a special hue that looks grand set on both gold and silver metals, you are sure to find a piece of amethyst gemstone jewelry which will look great and give you its healing energy for a lifetime.

March: Aquamarine
Derived from the Latin words for water and sea, aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March and holds a deep connection to the ocean in many aspects. The aquamarine was considered a sacred stone for Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. As a result, aquamarines are a special gem for sailors who believe the gem has the powers to provide protection against the dangers of the sea. This birthstone is believed to bring inner tranquility and calmness, while also helping with physical ailments of the stomach, liver, and jaw. The cool hue of aquamarine gems look wonderful on rings and earrings and brightens up any outfit.

April: Diamond
Arguably the world’s most admired and popular gem, the diamond is truly special in all aspects ranging from its beauty to its symbolic meaning. As the birthstone for the month of April, diamonds hold especially great importance for those born in the month. Throughout history the diamond has been associated with love and relationships, thought to promote eternal love and strong commitment. This meaning is believed to have come from the strong fire that burns while diamonds are created, as well as the gem’s everlasting durability. In gemstone meanings of the zodiac, the diamond is considered to bring clarity and vision to Aries. The unparalleled brilliance of any diamond, whether colorless or in one of the rare pink, yellow, blue, or black hues, in addition to the ideas about love diamonds symbolize, make the diamond one of the most special gifts for a loved one.

May: Emerald
Getting its name from the Greek word smaragdus which translates to green stones and later the French word esmeraude which means the same, emerald is the beautiful birthstone for the month of May. With its radiant green color, emeralds are surely considered one of the most beautiful gems in the world, as well as one of the rarest. The green of the emerald is thought to symbolize the rebirth of life during the Spring season. Throughout ancient history, emeralds have been worn by royalty including Cleopatra as they were believed to bring good fortune and vision. As a symbol of vision, the emerald stone is believed to aid with physical issues of eyes and sight as well as bring mental clarity and awareness. This is especially true for the zodiac sign of Taurus which emerald is the birthstone for, as it is thought to promote reflection, memory, faith, and loyalty.

June: Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone
For the month of June, there are three special birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone. While all three are equally beautiful, each have unique physical characteristics and cosmological meanings which set them apart from one another.

Pearls are the definition of natural beauties; they are formed in living creatures and require no cutting or polishing to get to their magnificent final color and shape. Believed in Greek mythology to come from the tears of joy from the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite, pearls are said to promote purity, integrity, and modesty. Today, the pearl necklace or bracelet is considered one of the most classic and timeless pieces of jewelry available. Named after Czar Alexander II of Russia, where this gem was first found high in the Ural Mountains, Alexandrite is another birthstone for the month of June. Alexandrite is a special color-changing gem which transforms from a radiant green color in natural light to a rich red color under a lamp, known as “the Alexandrite effect”. The final birthstone for the month of June is the enchanting moonstone, whose name derives after the ancient Roman belief that this gemstone came from frozen moonlight based on its milky appearance. One common belief is that moonstones carry a healing energy which brings about peace and balance, and this is especially true for women during pregnancy or childbirth.

July: Ruby
Ruby, the birthstone for the month of July, is one of the most precious and beautiful gems known to exist, as well as one of the rarest. In ancient Eastern mythology, the vivid red color of the ruby was believed to be a symbolic drop of blood from the heart of the earth and was known as the “King of Gems,” thought to bring protection against evils. Whether set on a necklace, ring, or earrings, a piece of ruby jewelry is a one-of-a-kind treasure which you will cherish for a lifetime.

August: Peridot
Peridot, the charming gemstone of a soft and lush green color, is your birthstone if you are born in the month of August. As the zodiac stone for Virgo, it is believed to provide protection to the wearer from forces of darkness and evil, as well as bring peace and and prosperity. Peridots have a long history throughout the course of time, having been found buried with ancient Egyptian royalty, as well as referenced to in the Bible, and finally in ancient Hawaiian legend; in which peridots are believed to be tears of Pele the Goddess of fire. With its special green glow that seems to spread positive energy, a peridot can immediately brighten your day and also your next outfit.

September: Sapphire
As the birthstone for the month of September, Sapphire has a long history as one of the most treasured and mystical gems ever. Throughout the Middle Ages, sapphires were commonly worn by priests who believed the precious gem was a symbol of heaven, due to its rich and deep blue color. They believed sapphire encouraged the purity of the soul and helped against negative thoughts. Sapphire is also the birthstone of Virgo, and are suggested to be symbols which promote trust and loyalty.

October: Opal, Tourmaline
The month of October has two birthstones. Both offer some of the most brilliant displays of color in their own unique way. Known for its magical play of colors that shines the different colors of the rainbow, Opal is a gemstone with great importance in various ancient cultures. The radiant colors of Opal were considered to be a symbol of love and hope for the ancient Romans. The gemstone is also considered by believers of crystal healing to garner high spirits that enhance creativity, as well as promote optimism during periods of change or hardship. Tourmaline is the alternate birthstone for the month of October. It is available in nearly all the colors of the rainbow and can feature two or three colors in one stone! Ancient Indian culture found tourmaline to promote insight and help bring about new discovery and enlightenment. This is one reason Tourmaline is considered by many to be the stone of philosophers, stimulating communication between the conscious and subconscious.

November: Citrine
While Citrine translates to “lemon” in French, the yellow-based gem is certainly one of the more beautiful, vividly colors stones found. In many various ancient cultures including ancient Chinese belief, Citrine was thought to be a stone which brought health and wealth. People believed that the stone’s powers encouraged prosperity in business affairs and brought an abundance of wealth to the wearer. Whether or not this stone will indeed bring success is not guaranteed, but what is guaranteed is that it’s a beautiful piece of jewelry that you will cherish for a lifetime.

December: Tanzanite, Zircon, Turquoise
The month of December is lucky enough to have three different birthstones assigned to it, with each stone having unique physical characteristics and and “healing abilities”. Tanzanite, named after the country of Tanzania which the stone is often found in, is believed to be a spiritual stone, bringing vision into the spiritual realm and allowing for deep, meaningful meditation. Known for its radiant blue-purple color which has the ability to make any piece of jewelry look brilliant, tanzanite is surely a special stone which promotes inner exploration that is eye-opening, yet also quite calming. Zircon is the second birthstone for the month of December, and has a long-rooted history with mankind. In Jewish legend, an angel by the name of Zircon was sent to the Garden of Eden to watch over Adam and Eve. As a result, this birthstone is believed to help promote purity and chastity. Often found in a cool blue hue despite available in other colors as well, a piece of zircon jewelry undoubtedly makes a great gift for your significant other.The final birthstone for the month of December is turquoise, the ever-enchanting gemstone which is known throughout the world for its one-of-a-kind light blue color. As a special stone for Native Americans, turquoise was thought to have great psychological healing powers. Native Americans believed turquoise to ward off evils and bring good luck. Turquoise has also been found in the tombs of Egyptians pharaohs who believed the stone to ensure a smooth transition into the afterlife. With its warm color, a turquoise piece of jewelry can be perfect for putting the final touch on any outfit and brightening up the most somber of days.