Birthstone Guide
Jewellery featuring a loved one's birthstone has continued to grow in popularity as an ideal gift. Throughout history, birthstones have been believed to hold a unique meaning and embody certain powers such as protection, good health, and fortune. Traditionally, most months feature only one gemstone, however, there are a few that have multiple. Gift a significant person in your life a dainty bracelet or gorgeous gemstone fashion rings adorned with their birthstone.
January | Garnet
The January birthstone, garnet, is mined in a multitude of colours, allowing for a variety of gemstone jewelry to feature different hues. Garnet ranges from a rich green found in tsavorite garnet to the flame-like orange of mandarin garnet. However, when most think of garnets they imagine the deep blood-red colour of pyrope garnets. A symbol of friendship and trust, garnet jewellery has also become a favoured gift exchanged between sweethearts on the 16th or 19th anniversary of their wedding.
February | Amethyst
February's birthstone is amethyst, a quartz gemstone that embodies wisdom, calmness, and spiritual healing. From their embellishment upon the crowns of European royals throughout history, the deep purple stone has also become associated with royalty. Amethyst's colour ranges from a beautiful blend of violet and red hues to a delicate lilac hue, which can fluctuate in intensity, creating a unique appearance.
March | Aquamarine
Aquamarine can be found all over the world and is the ideal complement to March's spring wardrobe and bright colours. It's no wonder that the precious stone received its name from the latin phrase aqua marinus, which translates to water of the sea, with its mesmerizing hues of pale to deep blue. Complete with such a lively colour, aquamarine has been a symbol of youth, hope, and health.
April | Diamond
Since the early 20th century, brilliant colourless diamonds have been the choice stone displayed in engagement rings. This timeless gemstone is a symbol of love and can be found in an assortment of colours, including pink, blue, yellow, and many more.
May | Emerald
Rich, vibrant green emerald is the birthstone for the month of May. Commonly mined in Brazil, Colombia, Zambia, and Afghanistan, emeralds are amongst the rarest of gemstones. Associated with the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, emeralds have been considered a symbol of love and rebirth. Throughout the ages, emeralds have been praised for their stunning colour and rarity. The Egyptian Queen Cleopatra is known to have had such a deep infatuation with the precious stone that she had mines dedicated to supplying her emeralds.
June | Pearl and Alexandrite
The month of June has the honor of claiming two birthstones pearl and Alexandrite. Often recognized for its natural beauty, pearl jewellery has been widely sought-after for centuries. Sophisticated and elegant, the pearl comes in several shades, like a blush pink Akoya pearl or a black Tahitian pearl. Alternatively, the Alexandrite stone is popular for its dynamic nature. The colour-changing precious stone becomes a kaleidoscope of colours based on the lighting.
July | Ruby
July's birthstone is a ruby. Rubies are a regal gem, representing wisdom, health, and love. With an ever-increasing value based on colour and quality, ruby is the most valuable gemstone. A ruby-encrusted necklace or ring expresses passion and devotion when gifted to a loved one.
August | Peridot
The month of August has the peridot as its birthstone. The peridot features a vivid lime green colour and represents power and influence. This yellow-green gem is found in lava, meteorites, and deep within the earth's mantle. Amongst the Egyptians, this extreme gem was referred to as the gem of the sun. Reminiscent of meadows and lush grass, peridot jewellery blends seamlessly with the summer months.
September | Sapphire
Sapphire is the birthstone of September. While the sapphire is most coveted in its pure, rich blue colour, the stone can also be found in pink, green, yellow, and more. Another noteworthy characteristic of the gem is its durability, making it great for everyday wear. Not only are sapphires a representation of trust and loyalty, but during the Middle Ages, it was believed to protect the people close to you from harm.
October | Tourmaline and Opal
October is another month with two birthstones. The first being tourmaline, favoured for its rainbow of extravagant colours in virtually every hue, and the second is opal, representing light, purity, and hope.
November | Citrine and Topaz
Citrine and topaz are associated with November birthdays. Citrine is characterized by a warm yellow-orange colour and was once said to be a gift from the sun with healing powers. Found in a range of shades from blue to yellow, topaz symbolizes love and affection and is believed to grant strength and intelligence.
December | Zircon, Tanzanite and Turquoise
The month of December boasts three alluring gemstones. These include zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise, and each one has a distinct blue tone. Although zircon is found in several colours, blue remains the favourite amongst many. Because of its striking colour, tanzanite is one of today's most sought-after blue gemstones. Its velvety blue hue is enriched with an overtone of purple. The last gemstone, turquoise, is a semi-translucent to opaque gem with a spirited blue-green colour and veins created by remnants of the rock it was formed within.
