12 Birthday Gemstones and their Meanings

Birthday Gemstones

Birthday gemstones; also known as birthstones are associated with a person’s birth month. Each stone has a unique meaning and significance; just like horoscope signs.

Today, you’ll commonly see birthstones in jewellery pieces like necklaces, bracelets, rings, or earrings, as reminders to celebrate your birth month all year long. Besides jewellery, birthstones or the colour symbolizing the stones, show up in many other types of gifts and keepsakes. Thus, making birthday shopping easy and exciting.

While most of us probably think that our own personal gemstone is pretty, and might even own a piece of jewellery or two, many of us still have no idea what our birthstone really means.

People still believe certain birthstones assigned to an individual’s birth month, can have a whole host of qualities that affect their destiny. So, whether you’re just curious about what your birthstone’s significance is or you simply just want to start adding it to your crystal collection, it could be in your best interest to know.

Hence, we have put together a list of what the 12 birthstones mean and their significance.

1. January – Garnet

Traditionally a symbol of faith, love, and constancy; Garnets are a blend of mineral species with many commonalities. The deep red variety is most associated with January, although garnets range in colour from; deep red, to dark purple/pink, to yellow, orange, and several shades of green. You might even find an incredibly rare blue garnet!

Because of this, it’s held that garnets prevent nightmares and provide a sense of directional guidance in darkness. Hence, it is traditionally believed that travellers who carried garnets with them were kept safe.

Due to their hardness and durability, garnets make excellent stones for jewellery intended for daily wear.

2. February – Amethyst

Most likely a calming and mellow presence, the amethyst birthstone tends to go with deeply spiritual people as they are gentle souls who project peace. You can find amethysts in a wide range of violet colors; from pale lavender to deep, rich purple. While deeper hues typically draw higher values, your choice should ultimately depend on your color preference.

Amethysts symbolize strong relationships, wisdom, and courage; they speak of peace, temperance, serenity, and royalty. At one time, only royalty could wear the gem, perhaps because ancient Greeks thought that amethysts guarded against intoxication.

Additionally, the amethyst is a symbol of protection and has the power to overcome difficulty. It encourages self-control and strengthens the bonds in relationships. It is also believed that amethysts help to steady a restless mind, bringing mental and emotional well-being.

With good hardness and no cleavage, amethysts are ideal for everyday wear.

3. March – Aquamarine

As you may have guessed from its name, this birthstone is closely associated with the ocean. It is held that aquamarines possess a powerful purifying presence.

Early sailors believed that aquamarines helped keep them safe when at sea. Pale blue in colour, aquamarines are associated with youth, good health, love, and hope. Wearing this gem is thought to reawaken married love, build courage and elevate happiness.

Additionally, aquamarine’s soothing blue colour is believed to bring mental clarity and release any negative energy from the wearer.

Coming in a wide range of blue and blue-green shades, you can find deep, pastel, or crystal clear blue aquamarines. Darker aquamarines typically have greater value. However, many consumers prefer the lighter, clearer aquamarines in their jewellery.

Exhibiting good hardness, excellent clarity, and transparency; aquamarines do not have any cleavage or inclusions. Thus, making them strong and durable gemstones for jewellery.

4. April – Diamond

Most of us already know that diamonds symbolize everlasting love, but do you know why. This is because diamonds are highly durable and hard to damage.

Besides that, diamonds are a symbol of purity, innocence, eternity, and courage. Hence, they are often chosen for engagement and wedding rings.

You can find diamonds in just about any shade imaginable; with colours ranging from clear to black and every colour of the rainbow. Although clear diamonds are the more popular choices, other colours such as champagne, yellow, and brown, are starting to gain ground.

The beauty and brilliance of a diamond is unparalleled and is suitable for almost anyone to wear given its simplicity and sophistication.

5. May – Emerald

One of Cleopatra’s favourite gems, the emerald has been long associated with fertility, rebirth, and love. Today, it is held that emeralds signify growth and patience.

Soothing to the eyes and thus improving vision, this green birthstone is believed to bring foresight, youth, and good fortune to its owner.

6. June – Pearl

Historically associated with innocence, pearls symbolize chastity, stability, and modesty; they have long been a symbol of purity.

Pearls are often worn to calm a restless mind and control anger. It is believed that people who wore pearls, excelled in creative work and had successful marriages.

7. July – Ruby

Tokens of harmony and peace, this birthstone’s many symbolic associations include love, passion, wealth, and peace. Their beauty speaks of strength and nobility of character.

In ancient times, people wore rubies as a form of protection against evil and harm.

An exceptionally hard stone, medium to medium-dark red rubies with little to no purple or orange generally demand the highest prices. Rubies belong to the corundum family; they are the red variety of this mineral. All other colours, including pinks, are considered sapphires.

You may have a difficult time purchasing fine quality rubies; however, you can find rubies of acceptable quality in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Their durability and hardness make rubies exceptional jewellery gemstones.

8. August – Peridot

Symbolizing strength, peridots are sometimes called “The Evening Emerald” for their light green colour and were used as a ward against nightmares, enchantments, and evil.

You can find this gemstone in colours ranging from yellow-green to brown. However, the light green or lime green variety has the strongest popular connection to August.

9. September – Sapphire

Once thought to guard against evil and poisoning, it was believed that a venomous snake would die if placed in a vessel made of sapphires. Traditionally a favourite gemstone of kings and priests, sapphires symbolize purity, dignity, loyalty, wisdom, and faith.

Sapphires can occur in every colour except red; however, it is mostly associated with blue.

Typically, pure blue sapphires with a green or purple tint rank as the most valuable. However, you can also choose beautiful pink, purple, orange, green, yellow, and clear sapphires as well.

Due to their durability, sapphires make great gemstones for daily jewellery wear.

10. October – Opal

Opals symbolize faithfulness and confidence. These gemstones are well known for their play of colours and have their own unique gem grading system.

On top of that, opals have one of the most divergent sets of symbolic associations; you can choose to believe they’re the luckiest or unluckiest gemstones in the world.

Coming in a variety of colours, including beautiful multicoloured stones, opals are perfect for you if you want something different that stands out.

11. November – Topaz

Symbolizing love and affection, it is believed that the topaz gave increased strength and intellect to its wearer. However, topazes are also linked to wisdom, courage, and serenity; offering protection to travellers and support good mental health.

Topaz gemstones generally come in yellow colours. However, they are also available in blue, pink, and purple.

The most common choice would be topaz of citrine shades; an attractive golden/yellow gem that is believed to attract wealth.

12. December – Turquoise

Traditionally regarded as a love charm, turquoises are a symbol of good fortune and success. It is held that turquoises helped to relax the mind and protect its wearer from harm.

When shopping for these turquoises, look for clear stones with few to no flaws and consistent colour throughout.