Month Birthstones

Birthstones are cherished and valued by people around the world, and make for wonderful gifts for loved ones in your life. However, there is a deeper history associated with birthstones, and it goes back to biblical times. According to legend (and the American Gem Society), Aaron wore a breastplate “which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel”.

Luckily for us, we can don these beautiful jewels in more subtle ways, such as in rings, earrings, and necklaces, with no breastplate required. Although some are considered “more valuable” than others, each birthstone is unique and carries a history and charm unto itself.

Although everyone has a birthstone associated with their birth month, not everyone has an alluring way to display it. Here at Gemdelux, we craft special, timeless pieces of art you will be proud to wear as a reflection of your soul and personality.

Read on to learn more about each Birthstone, and be forewarned: you may want more than just one!

Garnet. The deep red of the garnet is the chosen birthstone for January. As with most stones, there are different origin stories to its first use but it has been known to be associated with ancient Egyptians as a symbol of life. The garnet was valued for its protective qualities, and used as a symbol of protection and as a form of healing injuries. It also has historical context amongst ancient Romans, as well. Like most gemstones, it has been favored by nobility over the years, but you do not need a crown to enjoy its beauty. Garnets are great for bracelets, whether in their traditional dark red, or in their more rare forms of green and blue.

Amethyst.  One of the most wonderful qualities of amethyst is its range of purples, from light lilac, to a darker plum. February claims the amethyst as its birthstone, and there is a lot to love about this gem. Amethyst has been prized for centuries across the globe for its properties that are said to clear the mind, keeping it rid of anxiety and stress.  Even today, alternative medicine practitioners utilize amethyst crystals in the home or on the body to assist with keeping calm. This gem has also been associated with clergy and as a symbol for Christ, and for many years was considered rare. Today, however, there are enough amethysts to go around, and people of all birth months and skin tones can enjoy the spectrum of purple beauty it has to offer.

Aquamarine & Bloodstone.  If you are fortunate enough to be born in March, you get to choose two birthstones to compliment your birth month. Whether you like the water-like blue of Aquamarine or the darker Bloodstone, both have great properties that make them stand out as great options. Aquamarine is aptly named due to its range of blues, with the darker stones being more valuable. Bloodstone, however, is named due to the iron oxide that reflects red, appearing as blood. This has historically been tied to the crucifixion of Christ, but it also turns red in certain angles of the sun’s reflection. Either gem you pick is sure to be a meaningful selection for others to admire!

Diamond.  One of the most popular birthstones is the diamond, which represents the month of April. This timeless, classic choice is also popular based on its cultural representation of marriage, but whether you are engaged, or just looking to treat yourself, you cannot go wrong with a diamond. While many people mistakenly assume diamonds are only clear, that is not the case, and you can find a variety of colors in the cut and clarity of your choice. Diamonds are also the hardest gemstone, and their resiliency contributes to their popularity, as they do not scratch as easily as others. Diamonds are some of the most versatile options when choosing a gemstone for someone you love...even yourself!

Emerald.  The month of May is represented by the emerald, in all of its lovely, green glory. Very similar to the aquamarine of March, the emerald is classified as a beryl, as well. Fit for a queen, emeralds were a popular choice amongst royalty such as Cleopatra, and were valued in death as much as in life. They were also a popular choice amongst Hollywood “royalty”, also, with Elizabeth Taylor having a prized (and famous) emerald necklace in the 1960’s. Emeralds are still a classy choice today, and their size and shape make for great solitaire pieces, or even surrounded by diamonds.

Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone.  June provides three options with Pearl, Alexandrite, or Moonstone. The most common birthstone would be the pearl, which is renowned worldwide, and can be developed naturally, or with a little bit of human assistance. Pearls are created when bivalve mollusks (such as clams) deposit calcium carbonate around a grain of sand. The more natural ones are harder to find, but these are often found in the waters of Asia. Alexandrite (named after Czar Alexander II) is more modern, and is the current contemporary choice for June. However, this is one of the most valued gemstones, due to its color changing qualities that make it rare. If you’re looking for something soft and shimmery, look no further than the moonstone. Although more delicate than alexandrite, its white appearance is a great choice for something more subtle. If you can’t decide on which of the three suit you best, we suggest one of each!

Ruby.  Not to be confused with the garnet of January, the ruby is very different, but a great choice for July. The redness of a ruby is not as dark, and it is classified as one of the four precious stones, along with diamond, sapphire, and emerald. The qualities of the ruby make it stand out, as it is hard and durable. Plain and simple, the ruby is a timeless piece that can be loved for years to come. Rubies do well by themselves in pendants, or surrounded by smaller diamonds, as you would find in a brooch or earrings. They are also said to improve energy and creativity. These superb stones have a range of shades, but no matter which shade of red you choose, it is sure to look great.

Peridot, Sardonyx and Spinel. Just like June, August has three options for beautiful stones, as well, so you’re sure to find the perfect one! Peridot is currently the most popular choice for the month of August, and with good reason - its bright green hue. Although it does have shades that range from yellowish to brownish, green is the dominant color. Due to its reflectivity, it also is unique in that it does not require a lot of light to really pop, and looks good across skin tones. Sardonyx is rather unique, with layers of sard and onyx, meaning it is difficult to find two pieces exactly alike. This is a great option for those wishing to have something that stands out from the crowd. Much like the moonstone of March, sardonyx is solid and doesn’t allow light to filter, however, it is still a quality stone with a more down to earth appeal. And if you need a third option, consider Spinel, which is bound to be a conversation starter with its range of colors from blue, pink and orange. Although these can also be confused with rubies, they are molecularly different and have what is known as single refraction. But, this is not to take away from its unique color and appearance.

Sapphire.  This next birthstone needs no introduction, as it is unparalleled in richness and its deep, blue beauty. The sapphire represents September, but this stone is for everyone. The sapphire is very similar to a ruby in composition, but is classified separately due to color. Just like a ruby, it is hard and durable, and makes for beautiful pieces, whether by itself as a center stone or surrounded by diamonds for contrast. These are known as symbols of loyalty, and can be found in many places the world over, although they are still considered rare, which increases their value. However, even smaller, quality stones are valued as an alternative to the diamond engagement ring and are a great way to express adoration.

Opal and Tourmaline.  October is represented by two different gemstones, as well. Opals make a very fun option for birthstones, as their changes in color and reflection provide for eye catching pieces that can be casual or formal. Although rather sensitive to temperature and direct light, it is still a beautiful choice as a solitaire ring. Although opals are the more traditional option for October, you can also consider tourmaline for a different look. Tourmalines can be displayed in a very wide range of colors, some with multiple colors within the same stone, such as pink and green (which is also known as “watermelon tourmaline”). These make for great pendants and rings, and anything else that allows for their colors to sparkle.

Topaz and Citrine.  Nothing compliments the golden colors of Autumn like the two stones that represent November. Topaz is usually a deep orange, but can also be other colors, such as blue and brown. Topaz is often confused with citrine, which is the second birthstone for November. Citrine is usually more pale in color than the topaz, but is just as pretty, especially in the right cut. Both topaz and citrine are affordable, so no matter which month your birthday stands, add a fun shade of yellow to your collection!

Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise.  Three shades of blue make perfect options for the month of December. Only recently discovered, Tanzanite (named for the only region in which it’s found, in Tanzania) offers a unique blue-violet shade with brown undertones. It is rather sensitive, so it is best chosen for pieces that receive less wear and tear, such as earrings. Zircon, another option for December, comes in a variety of colors and is most common as a brownish red. This makes for a great pairing with clothing or accessories that also reflect earth tones. For a more natural looking stone, you may want to consider turquoise as an option, that contains ranges of blues interlaced with copper. This is most common in desert-like regions, but still makes great options for casual wear. It is rather soft, so choosing options such as pendants or other types of necklaces make for the best options.

We implore you to explore the many options gemstones have to offer, whether it is your birthstone, or you’ve just fallen in love with its beauty. We would love to help you find the perfect piece for you or someone you love! Contact us today to learn more about our collections here at Gemdelux!

Resources:

gemdelux.com

www.americangemsociety.org

www.gemsociety.org