The name amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethystos," which roughly translates to "intoxication." It is believed that the amethyst is connected to the idea of sobriety, not only to protect one from physical drunkenness but from internal struggles of the mind. It can also be a stone representing passion and intoxication in love, making it a great Valentine's Day gift.
Aquamarine for March
Not many months have more than one birthstone, but those born in March can enjoy their selection of either aquamarine (modern) or bloodstone (traditional) for their preferred birthstone. Aquamarine is a healing and heart-opening stone, while bloodstone is a grounding stone that stabilizes moods and turmoil in one's life.
Aquamarine is the birthstone for the Zodiac signs of Pisces and Aries. It is the traditional wedding gift for a 19th anniversary. Aquamarine symbolizes faithfulness, courage, and friendship.
These breath-taking sea blue hues are the perfect way to accent everyday outfits and compliment any skin tone.
Diamond for April
Diamonds aren't just a girl's best friend. They are also one of the most common gemstones in modern jewelry making and are the lucky birthstones of those born in April. Diamond directly translates to "indestructible," which can help someone feel strong through challenging times or remind them of how resilient they are. Diamonds also make great accents for other birthstone jewelry pieces.
Lab created and eco-friendly or mined from the Earth—you have a choice of quality diamonds.
Emerald for May
Emeralds are some of the rarest gems on Earth. With deep rich green shades, emeralds stand for fidelity, rebirth, good fortune, and foresight. Try emeralds for a look that's both lush and luxurious.
Emeralds are commonly believed to aid in fertility. They ensure physical, emotional & mental equilibrium. Emerald gemstones have been used to treat disorders of the heart, lungs, spine & muscular system. Whether set in silver or gold, it's a wonderful choice for everyday wear.
Pearl for June
June boasts a plethora of birthstones, offering a diverse range for gift shoppers. The classic pearl signifies deep wisdom, whereas the contemporary Alexandrite embodies love, romance, and the inherent goodness of women. With diamond accents, Alexandrite makes for an ideal focal point. Additionally, pearls are timeless accessories suitable for any event, transcending beyond birthdays.
Cultured pearls come in white, black, and every shade in between. Some cultured pearls also have a subtle iridescence, called "orient." This shimmering effect creates a rainbow of colors on the pearl's surface.
Ruby for July
With their bright and succulent red tones, rubies are cherished as symbols of love, wisdom, integrity, devotion, and happiness. In addition, the ruby is a rare and expensive birthstone, which makes its gifting even more meaningful.
Rubies are believed to open one's heart and heal emotional and spiritual wounds. Wearing ruby jewelry promotes positive dreams and stimulates the pineal gland. This birthstone fights exhaustion and lethargy and imparts potency and vigor.
Peridot for August
Cherished for their light, crisp green color, peridot gemstones represent power, youthfulness, and good fortune. Wear peridot to add a fresh and playful color to your outfit. Spinel—another modern birthstone for August—is a revitalizing stone that lifts the spirits and restores energy. Their complementary colors make these a perfect pairing for August birthday jewelry.
August's birthstone is a symbol of fame, dignity, and protection. Often called the evening emerald, the shimmering, pale green peridot is commonly associated with spirituality and self-expression.
Sapphire for September
September's birthstone is believed to protect from evil and sickness. Considered the "stone of wisdom." It liberates mental tension and depression, brings serenity and peace of mind, and stimulates concentration.
While they are known for their true blue hue, this gemstone also dazzles in shades of pink, yellow, green, and orange. Sapphires come in every color of the rainbow except red, and are one of the hardest stones on the hardness scale.
Opal for October
October's traditional stone and famous for its milky white base and fiery flecks of color, opals represent hope and good fortune. Many different kinds of opal are used for birthstones, but Australian and Ethiopian opals typically have the most brilliant colors. Tourmaline (October's modern birthstone), too, has many colors, likening it to the rainbow. It is often associated with clarity, intelligence, and creativity.
Citrine for November
The name is derived from the Latin 'citrina' which means 'yellow' and is also the origin of the word "citron." Related to the French word citron meaning lemon, it has been called the "sun stone" and is thought to be capable of holding sunlight.
Citrine energizes and cleanses. November's birthstone is believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and success, boost self-confidence, stimulate the brain, strengthen the intellect, and promote creativity. The bright yellow also brings joy to the wearer.
Blue Topaz for December
December also has several different stones associated with it. Believed to come from the Sanskrit word "tapas" meaning fire, and the Greek word "topazion", is an old name for an island in the Red Sea. It is often associated with "seek". This often makes Topaz an excellent stone for the spiritual traveler or someone seeking a new path in life.
Turquoise (traditional) is connected to the throat chakra and is considered a calming stone. A relatively new addition to the December list, tanzanite (also modern) is associated with a psychic and spiritual connection.
Birthstones by Astrological Sign
Through their ancient origins, birthstones have developed significant meaning at the personal level and the spiritual level. Birthstones are said to protect the wearer from specific obstacles they are likely to face based on their astrology and can help them discover what they need to cultivate in their lives for greater happiness.
Those who use astrology to learn about themselves, whether for fun or meaningful insight, often use the astrological birthstones to help them heal from past hurts or help guide them on their spiritual journey. The list of Vedic birthstones specifically correlates to your astrological sign instead of your birth month and are as follows:
Astrology Sign
- Aquarius: Garnet
- Pisces: Amethyst
- Aries: Bloodstone
- Taurus: Sapphire
- Gemini: Agate
- Cancer: Emerald
- Leo: Onyx
- Virgo: Carnelian
- Libra: Peridot
- Scorpio: Beryl
- Sagittarius: Topaz
- Capricorn: Ruby
Why Wear Birthstone Jewelry?
Your birthday marks the one day each year solely dedicated to you, evoking a natural inclination to embrace your birthstone as a symbol of celebration. Birthstones not only reflect personal identity but also serve as poignant reminders or tributes to cherished individuals. Adorning one's birthstone fosters a unique bond, allowing for fond reminiscences throughout the day.
Moreover, gemstones encompass profound significance, making them exceptional gifts for commemorating various life milestones. Donning an opal on an anniversary enhances mindfulness while wearing diamonds during times of grief serves as a testament to resilience. Even personal interpretations of birthstone meanings hold significance, adding layers of depth and remembrance to special occasions.
Collecting all 12 birthstones is also considered beneficial for healing and grounding. Even if you do not wear them all every day, having different gemstones for different occasions can help you choose accessories based on the day ahead. For example, wearing a grounding stone can help you get through a hectic day, while a more expensive and decorative stone can be worn to help you feel more confident for a big night out or a special occasion.
Gifting Birthstone Jewelry
Birthstone jewelry is the perfect gift for a birthday, holiday, or anniversary as it shows how much you care for and acknowledges the light that a particular person brings to the world. While choosing the correct birthstone is simple, choosing the right piece and setting can be more complex.
Does the recipient wear multiple rings, or are their jewelry choices more subtle? Do they like large statement necklaces or more delicate pieces? And what about the setting—do they have a majority of silver or gold pieces in their collection? Thinking about these preferences and options can help you determine the right birthstone piece for your loved one. By selecting a piece that not only has their birthstone but reflects their style, you will make their special occasion even more memorable.
- Bracelets are perfect gifts for women who wear jewelry regularly and want something to liven up their look. They can also be great gifts for young women, as bracelets can be more durable than delicate items like rings.
- Necklaces are statement pieces of jewelry, so it's essential to choose them wisely. Necklace styles can range from the petite to the extravagant, so scope out your recipient's current jewelry collection before choosing a necklace for their birthday.
- Earrings are beautiful gifts that come in a variety of fun styles to show off the recipient's personality. If you're unsure of what they might like, choose a design that reflects their interests, or go subtle with a simple pair of studs.
- Rings are a beautiful gift for someone special in your life. They are often gifts to intimate partners but can be equally memorable given between friends or loved ones for a woman who loves wearing stately jewelry pieces.
Birthstone Jewelry Care and Handling
Because birthstones are such a meaningful gift, they should be taken care of throughout your ownership to ensure they last for decades. This includes care while wearing, storing, and cleaning the jewelry piece to prevent fading and damage.
- When in use: Be careful to remove jewelry while swimming, bathing or showering, cleaning, washing hands, working outside, or doing any activity that may cause you to sweat heavily. Exposure to water, dirt, grease, and cleaning products can damage your jewelry over time, so the best practice is to avoid all potential causes of corrosion.
- When storing: Be sure to keep your jewelry in a jewelry box to prevent damage over time. Exposure to excess sunlight or chemicals in the air of your home may cause tarnishing and fade to your jewelry. It can also prevent you from losing your jewelry piece if you store it in the same place every night.
- When cleaning: Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals on your birthstone jewelry. Instead, simply wipe off the residue with a soft cloth and wash with soap and water when needed. In general, the less exposure your jewelry has to water and soaps, the better, but these can be used if you get grease, perfume, or other hard-to-remove contaminants from your jewelry.
