Birthstones

A birthstone is a gemstone that represents a person’s month of birth. Rooted in history, each birthstone possesses unique properties and specific powers. The origin of birthstones is traced back to the Breastplate of Aaron, in the Book of Exodus in the Bible. The Breastplate had 12 unique gemstones that represented the 12 tribes of Israel. It wasn’t until the 18th century that gemstones began to be assigned according to birth month. As of 1912, the National Association of Jewelers formalized the modern day list of birthstones. It has been accepted worldwide and since remained unchanged. Discover what makes your birthstone a powerful statement of your finest qualities by reading about the month you were born in below. 

January

Garnet is one of the most diverse gemstones, as it comes in an extraordinary range of colors. The name “garnet” originates from the medieval Latin “granatus“, meaning “pomegranate”, in reference of its red color. Most common garnets are red but also found in a range of beautiful colors, including orange, yellow, purple, pink and vibrant green. Some believe the true value of the garnet birthstone is its power to bring the wearer good health, wealth and happiness. 

February

March

Aquamarine and Bloodstone are the two birthstones for March. One represents blue skies and calming waters, while the other represents health and strength. 
Aquamarine’s name comes from the Latin word “aqua marinus”, meaning “seawater”. Aquamarine ranges from deep green-blue to light and slightly greenish blue hues. The ancient mariners believed the gem would calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. Most aquamarines are free from inclusions and as clear as water, symbolizing purity of spirit and soul.
Bloodstone is typically a dark-green cabochon that contains red spots of iron oxide, the “blood” that brings health and strength to the wearer. Bloodstone’s alternate name heliotrope comes from the ancient Greek word that means “to turn the sun.” 

April

Diamond is the birthstone for the month of April. Diamond is one of the world’s most sought-after and adored gemstones, sparkling with an internal fire. Diamond’s name comes from the Greek word “adamas”, which means “invincible” or “unbreakable.” Diamonds were coveted by royalty and the wealthy, as early as the fourth century BCE. Those born in April are lucky enough to call this scintillating gem their birthstone, a symbol of clarity and strength.

May

Emerald, the birthstone for May, has captured the hearts and minds through the ages. The word emerald comes from an ancient Greek “smaragdos”, meaning a “green gem”. Emerald is the perfect color for spring, evoking rebirth and renewal. Legend has it that emerald has the power to make its wearer more intelligent and quick-witted. Cleopatra was known to have a passion for emerald and used it in her royal adornments. The finest of emeralds have been sourced from Colombia for more than 500 years. 

June

If you were born in the month of June, you are lucky enough to have three birthstones to call your own. 
Pearls are organic gems that grow inside the tissue of a living saltwater or freshwater mollusk. Pearls have long been associated with purity, humility and innocence. Ancients from the Middle East believed that pearls were teardrops fallen from heaven. Pearls are a timeless wardrobe staple, beloved by women of all ages. 
Alexandrite is the rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that changes color in different lighting. The most valuable and the rarest of alexandrite’s are those that show a vivid green to bluish green in daylight or fluorescent light, and an intense red to purplish red in incandescent light. The alexandrite was first discovered in 1830 in Russia’s Ural Mountains and named after the young Alexander II. Fine-quality alexandrite is one of the most expensive colored gems out there. 
Moonstone is often associated with love, passion, fertility and is believed to bring great luck. The finest moonstones show a blue sheen against a colorless background. The moonstone birthstone came to the forefront during the 1960’s and with New Age designers of the 1990s. The most common world locations for the moonstone is India and Sri Lanka. 

July

Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July and one of the most coveted gems in the world, representing love and passion. The name is derived from the Latin word “ruber”, meaning “red”. The finest and most desired ruby has a deep red color with a hint of purple, also known as “pigeon’s blood”. In ancient India, ruby was named the “king of precious stones” for its rarity, hardness, beauty and mystical powers. It’s associated with objects of power and desire like fast cars and red roses.

August

Peridot and spinel are the birthstones for those born in August. 
Peridot is a greenish-yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. The word peridot comes from the Arabic “faridat”, meaning “gem”. The peridot birthstone is known for being formed under extreme conditions, as it can be found in the hardened lava that carried it from deep within Earth’s mantle as well as in meteorites that traveled from outer space. The peridot birthstone has also been used for centuries as a protective talisman, shielding the owner from evil spirits and “terrors of the night.”
Spinel is an alternative birthstone option for the month of August. The name “spinel” comes from the Latin word “spina”, which means thorn, in reference to the shape of spinel crystals. This gem is available in a variety of colors ranging from intense red, vibrant pink, orange, purple, violet, blue to bluish green. 

September

Sapphire is the birthstone for September – a gem that’s been cherished for thousands of years. The name sapphire is derived from the Latin word ““saphirus” and the Greek word “sapheiros,” both meaning blue. September gemstone is available in all the colors of the rainbow – except red. Sapphires have been long associated with royalty and romance. The September birthstone has traditionally symbolized sincerity, truth, faithfulness and nobility.

October

Opal and Tourmaline are the two birthstones for October.  
Opal is believed to have originated in India where in Sanskrit it was called “upala”, a “precious stone.” The October birthstone’s dramatic play-of-color has inspired writers to compare it to fireworks, galaxies and volcanoes. Ancient Greeks thought opals bestowed the gift of prophesy and protection from disease. Europeans believed opal to be a symbol of purity, hope and truth. The fields of Australia are the most productive in the world for the October birthstone.
Tourmaline’s name comes from the Sinhalese word “toramalli”, which means “stone with mixed colors,” because it often has multiple colors in one crystal. Ancient mystics believed tourmaline could inspire artistic expression because it has a color palette for every mood. Different colors of tourmaline are thought to have their own healing properties. Black tourmaline is believed to protect the wearer and give a sense of self-confidence. Pink tourmaline embodies love and is associated with compassion and gentleness. Green tourmaline promotes courage, strength and stamina. 
Both of these gemstones are known for their endless color combinations and are believed to have been created from rainbows.

November

Topaz and Citrine are the two birthstones for November. 
Topaz’s name comes from the Sanskrit word “tapas”, which means “fire.” Topaz comes in a rainbow of colors including colorless, light blue, yellow, orange, pink, violet, brown and very rarely red. For centuries, many people in India have believed that topaz worn above the heart assures long life, beauty and intelligence. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave them strength.
Citrine is believed to derive from the French word “citron” meaning lemon. This November birthstone is the transparent yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz. It was particularly popular in colorful Scottish jewelry from the Victorian era. They believed the citrine birthstone could soothe tempers and calm the wearer. 

December

Tanzanite, Turquoise and Zircon are the three birthstones for December. If blue is what you’re looking for, all three December birthstones have their own unique take on this favorite hue. 
Tanzanite is found in only one place on earth, near majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and named in honor of its country of origin, Tanzania. December’s birthstone is often described as “velvety,” mostly because of its deep and saturated color, which ranges from a pure rich blue to violet, with the blue considered most valuable. In 1968, Tiffany & Co. believed that tanzanite had international appeal and became its main distributor. 
Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem that ranges from blue to green and often has veins of matrix. The turquoise birthstone was thought to possess many beneficial powers, like guaranteeing health and good fortune. From the 13th century on, it was believed to protect the wearer from falling and would break into several pieces at the approach of disaster. Native Americans believed that attaching the December birthstone to a bow or firearm made one’s aim more accurate. Turquoise has been mined in the Nishapur, district of Iran for more than 1,000 years. 
Zircon’s name comes from the Persian word zargun, meaning gold colored. This December birthstone has a broad color palette that includes red, orange, yellow, brown, green and blue hues. During the Middle Ages, zircon was thought to lull one into a deep sleep and scare off evil spirits. Victorians had a fondness for blue zircon and can be found in English estate jewelry from the 1880s.