One of the best things about birthstone jewelry is that it never goes out of style. While jewelry trends may come and go, birthstones have staying power that defy the fashion world. Wondering why that is? There are a few reasons.
1. The 12 main birthstones are comprised of some of the world’s most beautiful and coveted gems, which makes them timeless.
2. Birthstones are colorful, covering a wide spectrum of shades. That variety ensures that their precious hues will always be featured in the designs of jewelry makers.
3. Birthstones are personal, which makes them meaningful. There is a birthstone associated with each month in a year. So, if you were born during a particular month – and that includes each one of us – there is a birthstone that is for you.
For the same reasons, birthstone jewelry becomes a wonderful choice when shopping for gifts. Birthstone necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings are beautiful, colorful, and personal. That’s why we’ve put together The Ultimate Guide for Birthstone Jewelry so you can shop with confidence – whether it is for you, or for a thoughtful gift. Keep reading to discover each month’s birthstone and a few facts about why they are special.
Table of Contents
January’s Birthstone: Garnet
While garnets can be found in several colors, its most prominent hue is dark red. Its name is derived from the word for the fruit pomegranate, which makes a lot of sense given its natural color. It is a stone of beauty and passion and is thought to bring energy to life and success to business ventures.
February’s Birthstone: Amethyst
The vibrant purple color of amethyst is instantly calming. The word was derived from the Greek word amethystos, which could be translated as “not drunken,” as the ancient Greeks used it as an antidote against intoxication. Amethyst is thought to enable and enhance the properties of intuition and also grant protection and inspiration.
March’s Birthstone: Aquamarine
Aquamarine is both tranquil and invigorating, with a mesmerizing color like sea water. In fact, its name is derived from the word beryl, which translates “precious blue-green color-of-the-sea stone.” Legend says this nautical gem was beloved by mermaids and would bring good luck and smooth sailing to ancient sailors.
April’s Birthstone: Diamond
What can be said about diamonds? They are a girl’s best friend. They sparkle with extraordinary brilliance. They are the most recognized gem in the entire world. Noted for their crystal-clear clarity, diamonds are a symbol of purity, strength and invincibility. It’s no wonder they are at once the most durable of stones and the most beautiful.
May’s Birthstone: Emerald
Emeralds are so connected with their distinct color that their name actually is color. Imbued with the rich green hues associated with spring, lush grass, and new blooms, emeralds are truly the perfect birthstone for May. Believed to hold healing properties, these verdant gems symbolize rebirth, love, and good fortune.
June’s Birthstone: Pearl
Ancient royalty revered it. Mermaids’ tears were said to be made of it. Only the oyster can create it. And it begins with just a single grain of sand. Pearls were originally worn to represent wealth and social status, but their universal beauty has help them evolve into elegant symbols of wisdom, purity, and enlightenment.
July’s Birthstone: Ruby
While rubies have many shades, they are iconic because of their striking blood-red color. An ideal symbol of passion, there have been many prominent examples of this radiant stone in history, literature, and contemporary culture. Warriors trusted it for its protection. Royalty embraced its beauty. Societies trusted its good fortune. And it is believed to promote health, wisdom and love.
August’s Birthstone: Peridot
Peridots are one of the few birthstones created in a singular color: olive green. This distinction has made them more coveted over the course of history, with some believing the gem would protect them against nightmares and make them fearless. In the present society, peridots are recognized for having protective qualities and they symbolize growth, renewal, and peace.
September’s Birthstone: Sapphire
Blue is the color most associated with sapphire, although it can occur in many different varieties. In ancient times, sapphire was used to protect a wearer from evil. In modern times, royal family members have worn sapphires to captivate the world. Sapphires are known to represent nobility, truth, and faithfulness.
October’s Birthstone: Opal
Opals are the most colorful of all gemstones. Usually milky white, they contain properties that give off a play of rainbow hues. It all starts with rain. Rain seeps into the crevices of the earth. Once the water evaporates, the deposits left behind harden over millions of years and produce rock formations with brilliant colors and patterns: the opal, thought to generate hope, luck and prosperity.
November’s Birthstone: Topaz
The topaz has a lot in common with the opal. Birthed in a crystallizing hue of golden brown, the topaz can be transformed into an entire spectrum of intoxicating colors, created organically by its imperfections. The word is related to a Sanskrit word meaning heat or fire, and it lives up to this connection. Certainly, the topaz is a beautiful symbol of love, affection and forgiveness.
December’s Birthstone: Turquoise
Although it has historical roots all over the world, turquoise is geographically recognized for its association with the southwest portion of the United States. Though it is comprised of a spectrum of colors, the ones that truly stand out are the rich hues of opaque blue and green. Turquoise has long been thought to contain healing properties and symbolizes calmness, clarity and spirituality.
If you are shopping for a piece of birthstone jewelry for yourself or a gift for someone special, we hope this guide helps navigate the process a little. Birthstones certainly have fascinating histories, meanings, and symbolism associated with them and it’s always fun to have a little of this knowledge when shopping. Don’t forget that The Bradford Exchange has an amazing selection of birthstone jewelry to choose from.
The Ultimate Guide for Birthstone Jewelry by The Bradford Exchange
About The Bradford Exchange
The Gift Advisors @The Bradford Exchange are thrilled to help you discover a wealth of artistic treasures, all of which began with passion. Whether you are looking for that perfect personalized gift or a unique collection for yourself, we are driven to make your shopping experience as joyful as possible and hope you are surprised and delighted with what you find. Thank you for your continued support.
