Birthstone Jewelry Guide

Dazzling and breath-taking, birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each month of the year. Each birthstone has its own special meaning and unique attribute. Birthstones originated from a breastplate worn by Aaron, a high priest during the time of Moses  that was embellished with twelve gemstones. These twelve gemstones represented the twelve tribes of Israel, but over time came to symbolize the twelve months of the year.

There are many legends about birthstone’s healing powers and therapeutic influences. According to these legends, wearing the birthstone during its assigned month heightens its healing powers. Traditionally each month is associated with a single birthstone, but today there are a few months that are associated with more than one birthstone.

The gift of jewelry featuring birthstones is not only personal and meaningful but also steeped in history and tradition. Whether you’re looking for a birthstone ring, birthstone necklace, or birthstone earring, we’re here to help!  A gallery of our unique custom jewelry designs is also helpful if you’re considering a one-of-a-kind custom design birthstone jewelry gift.

February – Amethyst

The color of royalty, amethyst’s deep purple color has been prized for centuries. Amethyst is a variety of quartz and comes in a spectacular range from a deep violet to a light lilac hue.  According to ancient Greek legend wearing amethyst prevented intoxication and is said to keep the wearer clear headed and quick-witted.

January – Garnet

Garnet is a name for a group of minerals that comes in a rainbow of colors. From the lively green color of Tsavorite to the brilliant orange color of Spessartite, the color you desire is yours to explore. However no garnet color is better known than the deep red color of Pyrope Garnet – the color most associated with January’s birthstone. Garnet signifies eternal friendship and trust.

April – Diamond

Its timeless beauty and captivating glow make diamonds the perfect gift for your loved one. Made of pure carbon, diamonds are the hardest known natural substance on Earth and were formed up to 3 billion years ago. While white diamonds are the most well known fancy colored diamonds such as pink, yellow, blue (as well as others) can be admired and appreciated for generations to come.

March – Aquamarine

Given its pale blue color it’s no surprise that the word aquamarine is derived from “aqua” meaning water and “marina” meaning sea. Aquamarine ranges in intensity from the palest pastel blue to greenish blue and even into intense vibrant blue in larger sizes. This gemstone is believed to protect sailors at sea and its calming blue color is believed to keeps its wearers level-headed. Aquamarine’s neutral color makes it ideal to wear year round with many wardrobes.

June –Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone

Those born in June have three gemstones associated with their birth month. The only gemstone formed within a living organism, pearls have been prized and coveted for centuries. The relatively new gemstone - alexandrite was first discovered in Russia in 1831. Alexandrite enchants their beholders by changing from a deep green color in daylight to a purplish red color in incandescent lighting. The ancient Romans theorized that moonstone, with its unearthly shimmer, was formed from frozen moonlight. The shimmer, which is called adularescence, is caused by intergrowth within the gem.

May – Emerald

Emeralds rich green color evokes images of a lush forest or a blooming spring. In fact, emeralds are considered a sign of rebirth and bring good fortune to its wearers. Prized by many ancient civilizations including the Egyptians, Aztecs, and Incas emeralds are one of the rarest gemstones and are typically only mined in Brazil, Columbia, Afghanistan and Zambia.

August – Peridot

The fresh lime green color of peridot, the birthstone for August, is its distinctive feature. Although it is mined in several places throughout the world including China, Myanmar and Pakistan the gemstones largest supply comes from within the United States in Arizona. Peridot is believed to protect against nightmares and bring power, influence, and a fortuitous year ahead to its wearer.

July – Ruby

The king of all gems ruby represents wisdom and wealth. Its intense red color is the perfect gift for representing passion and eternal love. Fine-quality ruby is extremely rare and the color of the gem is most important to its value.

October – Tourmaline and Opal

Both Tourmaline and Opal are associated with October birthdays. For centuries tourmalines have adorned the jewelry of royalty. Not only is tourmaline available in a rainbow of colors but it also can display two or even three different colors within the same gem. These bi-color and tri-color gemstones such as watermelon tourmaline make beautiful and unique gifts. Opal is revered as a symbol of hope, fidelity and purity. Its eye-catching flashes of color are caused by closely packed spherical arrangements giving each gem its own one-of-a-kind color combination.

September – Sapphire

A gift of a sapphire symbolizes a pledge of trust and loyalty, which is why sapphire has long been a popular choice for engagement rings. While sapphires come in a variety of colors including pink, orange, yellow, blue, and purple the pure blue variety of sapphire is best associated with September’s birthstone

December – Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise

The three birthstones associated with December are Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise. Tanzanite is found in only one part of the world Tanzania and is admired for its exotic violet blue color. Zircon is said to relieve pain and aid in a peaceful night’s sleep. While zircon comes in many colors it is best known for its tantalizing blue color. Turquoise is among the oldest known gemstone. Its robin-egg blue hue has been attributed with protection from evil and bringing good luck to its wearer.   

November – Citrine and Topaz

 November is another month associated with two birthstones. Citrine with its golden yellow-orange color is said to be a healing stone and support vitality and health. Topaz is a gemstone available in a rich rainbow of colors. The most prized color of topaz is Imperial topaz, which displays a magnificent orange pink color.