Birthstone Jewelry Guide
Learn About Your Birthstone
Traditionally, a birthstone is associated with each month of the year. For example, the birthstone for January is a radiant garnet, while those lucky enough to be born in April get a diamond as their birthstone. You’ll find, there are a few months that have multiple birthstones. The origin and history of birthstones are a bit cryptic, however, some believe the idea originated with the breastplate worn by Aaron in the book of Exodus. It was set with 12 stones that were said to correspond to the 12 tribes of Israel, or possibly the 12 months and zodiac signs.
The modern concept of wearing a gem that represents your birth month can be traced back to 16th-century Poland. The current list of birthstone gems dates back to 1912 with only one addition since then – the tanzanite was added in December.
Birthstone Legend & Lore
There are numerous legends and myths about birthstone healing powers and their therapeutic influence. According to these legends, wearing a gemstone during its assigned month heightened its healing powers. Like a medieval mage, individuals needed to own all twelve and alternate them monthly in order to realize their full effect. Gittelson Jewelers’ list of birthstones below represents the modern birthstone list endorsed by the American Gem Society.
January
Garnet, the birthstone of January, is naturally mined in a rainbow of colors. From the fiery orange of Mandarin Garnet to the rich green of Tsavorite Garnet and to the most widely recognized color of Pyrope Garnet, it is considered a special and intimate gift for friends or significant others.
February
Amethyst, the birthstone of February, is a variety of Quartz that showcases a radiant purple color that ranges from deep violets and reds to a lighter lilac hue. Ancient Greeks believed that the stone protected the wearer from drunkenness and enabled them to keep a balanced mindset. A true asset to the February birthday celebrator.
February
Amethyst, the birthstone of February, is a variety of Quartz that showcases a radiant purple color that ranges from deep violets and reds to a lighter lilac hue. Ancient Greeks believed that the stone protected the wearer from drunkenness and enabled them to keep a balanced mindset. A true asset to the February birthday celebrator.
March
Aquamarine, the birthstone of March, has an extremely rich color and has long symbolized hope, health, and youth. Its mesmerizing color ranges from pale to deep blue and is reminiscent of the depths of the sea. The Aquamarine creates an ironic accent to spring and summer wardrobes, making it the perfect birthstone for March.
April
If you’re lucky enough to be born in April… Diamonds, the birthstone of April, is typically associated with love (and also marriage), which makes it the perfect gift for that special loved one. While white diamonds are most common, fancy-colored diamonds can be found in various colors including yellow, blue, pink, red, and a variety of others as well.
April
If you’re lucky enough to be born in April… Diamonds, the birthstone of April, is typically associated with love (and also marriage), which makes it the perfect gift for that special loved one. While white diamonds are most common, fancy-colored diamonds can be found in various colors including yellow, blue, pink, red, and a variety of others as well.
May
Emerald is the birthstone of May. It carries the rich green color of Spring and radiates a glamorous, beautiful tone. They are considered to be a symbol of rebirth and love. Emeralds are the rarest and most fragile gemstones and are typically mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia
May
Emerald is the birthstone of May. It carries the rich green color of Spring and radiates a glamorous, beautiful tone. They are considered to be a symbol of rebirth and love. Emeralds are the rarest and most fragile gemstones and are typically mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia
June
June birthdays have two birthstones; Pearl and Alexandrite. Pearls are naturally beautiful and have been a jewelry focal piece for centuries. Alexandrite gemstones change color based on their lighting environment and are extremely rare, making them the most desirable.
June
June birthdays have two birthstones; Pearl and Alexandrite. Pearls are naturally beautiful and have been a jewelry focal piece for centuries. Alexandrite gemstones change color based on their lighting environment and are extremely rare, making them the most desirable.
July
Rubies are the birthstone of July. They are considered the royalty of gems and represent love, health, and wisdom. It was believed in past times, that wearing a fine red Ruby bestowed good fortune on its owner. A Ruby is the most valuable of gemstones and its value increases based on its color and quality. much like a diamond.
August
Peridot, the birthstone of August, showcases a lime green color. It is one of the only gemstones that exist in only one single color. Peridot is unique in its legend; it is believed to instill power and influence upon the wearer, as well as bring magical powers and properties that protect against nightmares.
August
Peridot, the birthstone of August, showcases a lime green color. It is one of the only gemstones that exist in only one single color. Peridot is unique in its legend; it is believed to instill power and influence upon the wearer, as well as bring magical powers and properties that protect against nightmares.
September
Sapphire is the birthstone of September. Sapphire can be found in almost every color including pink, yellow, green, etc but it is most desirable in its pure, rich blue color. In the Middle Ages, the gem was believed to protect those close to you from harm and also represented loyalty and trust.
October
October – a two-birthstone month represented by Tourmaline and Opal. Tourmaline is available in a rainbow of gorgeous colors, making it a favorite in the gem world. Opal gemstones are truly unique because each individual gem is adorned with a one-of-a-kind color combination, crafted by mother nature and unlike any other gem or stone on earth.
October
October – a two-birthstone month represented by Tourmaline and Opal. Tourmaline is available in a rainbow of gorgeous colors, making it a favorite in the gem world. Opal gemstones are truly unique because each individual gem is adorned with a one-of-a-kind color combination, crafted by mother nature and unlike any other gem or stone on earth.
November
Those born in November are also lucky enough to choose from two gems; Citrine and Topaz. The warming color of Citrine is said to be a gift from the sun and it’s believed to be a healing gemstone. Topaz is most sought after in its rich orange Imperial Topaz color but it can also be found in other inspiring colors like blue, pink, and yellow.
December
If you’re fortunate enough to be born in December, you have a claim to three gemstones; Zircon, Tanzanite, and Turquoise. Each of these gemstones is striking in characteristics and carries a unique blue tone, giving them a subdued and unexpected beauty. December birthstones are also a wonderful compliment to winter fashion trends. Zircon can be found in a variety of colors, but blue is an overwhelming favorite.
December
If you’re fortunate enough to be born in December, you have a claim to three gemstones; Zircon, Tanzanite, and Turquoise. Each of these gemstones is striking in characteristics and carries a unique blue tone, giving them a subdued and unexpected beauty. December birthstones are also a wonderful compliment to winter fashion trends. Zircon can be found in a variety of colors, but blue is an overwhelming favorite.