All about birthstones
What are birthstones?
You've probably heard of birthstones, and perhaps you even own one or more. Birthstones are incredibly popular. They come in the most beautiful colors and look incredibly chic and elegant in jewelry. But what exactly are birthstones ?
The origin of birthstones
Birthstones are a selection of different gemstones associated with the month in which you were born. Which stone corresponds to which month is derived, among other things, from the biblical story of the Exodus. It describes how the high priest Aaron wore a breastplate adorned with 12 different gemstones.
Later, these gemstones were associated with the zodiac signs, as they were believed to offer extra strength to the person who wore them during a particular time. Other religions, cultures, and medieval stories also tell of birthstones being worn in jewelry for protection, luck, and wisdom.
Mostly, of course, by the richest and most important people in society, as the gemstones were very expensive.
What does a birthstone do?
Today, birthstones are associated with the 12 months of the year. And just like in the Middle Ages, the gemstones are set in the most beautiful settings, so you can always keep your birthstone close to you.
Each gemstone has its own unique set of properties. For example, one birthstone will contribute to creativity and expression, while another is more focused on strength and protection. You can read more about the properties associated with your birthstone below.
Birthstone by month
What is my birthstone?
You might be wondering, "What's my birthstone?" And if you search online, you might even find multiple gemstones associated with your birth month. This can sometimes be confusing.
There are several reasons for these differences. The main difference is that birthstones are common in multiple cultures, and therefore their use can sometimes even vary from country to country. The differences in birthstones by month also arise because not every gemstone is found everywhere in the world and because not every gemstone is considered equally important in every culture.
Some gemstones are very difficult to find and therefore too valuable to simply incorporate into a piece of jewelry, which is why zirconia is often used to make birthstone earrings affordable for everyone.
Below is a detailed breakdown of birthstones by month, with each stone revealed with its unique properties and meanings:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Pearl
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot
- September: Sapphire
- October: Opal
- November: Topaz
- December: Turquoise
The colors of a birthstone
Their most striking characteristic (as you've probably noticed) is their bright, or sometimes characteristic, colors. Besides looking beautiful in jewelry, these colored gemstones can also, in some cases, contribute to the stone's natural powers.
For example, the color red can increase energy and passion. These qualities contribute to a greater sense of self-confidence.
Orange brings peace and makes it easier to let things go.
A yellow gemstone can enhance your positivity. The color has a warming quality and evokes a sense of wealth.
The color green is known for its ability to bring balance. It has a calming effect, allowing you to better reflect within yourself and make well-considered decisions.
Blue has a positive effect on intuition and ensures that your emotions and thoughts are in balance.
These properties of colours are also found in the seven chakras, the most important energy centres of our body.
Each color is associated with one of the chakras in your body, and birthstones can also be linked to this. A blue birthstone, like the one for March, for example, helps with communication, a quality also associated with the throat chakra.
Which birthstone corresponds to my birth month?
So, every month has its own birthstone. These are the birthstones associated with your birth month:
January – Garnet
It's no wonder that garnet is the birthstone for January . This dark red gemstone is known to instill faith and energy, and to increase self-confidence and steadfastness. Perfect for the start of a new year.
February Birthstone – Amethyst
February's birthstone is amethyst . A gemstone with illuminating powers, it provides wisdom and self-awareness. Purple birthstones help you look at yourself honestly and thus reach your full potential.
March – Aquamarine
You can recognize the March birthstone by its light blue color. One of aquamarine's most important properties is its calming effect. It not only enhances your creativity but also helps you express yourself, facilitating effective communication.
Birthday stone April – Diamond
Diamond is the birthstone for April , and because this gemstone is usually white or colorless, it's no surprise that it's one of the purest and most versatile birthstones. Diamonds can help you clearly see your deepest desires and give you the courage to act wisely with this knowledge. Besides diamonds, rock crystal and clear cubic zirconia are also considered April's birthstones .
May – Emerald
The birthstone for May is emerald. This gemstone has a unique green hue and is known to give you a positive outlook on life and a sense of hope. Because of its healing properties, emeralds are also associated with immortality and rebirth.
June – Moonstone
The birthstone for June is moonstone or pearl . This gemstone comes in several colors, but you'll most often see it as a white stone with a blue , satiny glow, reminiscent of the moonlight. These birthstones support feminine energy and can help with fertility, hormonal fluctuations, and menopause.
July – Ruby Red
With its radiant red color, the ruby, the July birthstone , is one that gives you energy and strength. Rubies have an activating effect, especially noticeable in love, where you feel more passionate. These birthstones also impart life force and vitality. Pearl and alexandrite are also considered July birthstones.
August – Peridot
Peridot is a green gemstone also known as Olivine. It's the birthstone for August . The stone has a protective and purifying effect, teaching you to look at yourself more clearly and thus acknowledge your mistakes. The birthstone Peridot also helps you release repressed negative emotions, such as guilt and jealousy, and thus experience greater self-confidence and positivity.
September – Sapphire
The birthstone for September is sapphire . This gemstone is a deep blue and promotes mental peace and clarity. Sapphire helps you concentrate better and see things more clearly. The main benefit is that your emotions and thoughts are more aligned and you gain better control over your fears or phobias.
October – Tourmaline
The October birthstone is the gemstone tourmaline. This stone comes in various colors, but pink tourmaline is most often used in birthstone jewelry . Tourmaline helps ward off negative energy or transform it into positive energy, which in turn promotes a relaxed mindset and perseverance in difficult situations. Besides tourmaline, opal is also sometimes mentioned as an October birthstone.
November – Citrine
Citrine, the birthstone for November , has the primary power of uplifting energy, allowing you to move through life with joy and confidence.
The gemstone citrine has a yellow color and therefore has a warming and positive aura. This birthstone always gives you a cheerful feeling. Topaz is also considered the birthstone for November .
December – Turquoise
Turquoise is a blue-green gemstone and is the birthstone for December . This stone brings balance to your emotions and thoughts, providing insight into your own behavior.
The birthstone turquoise is therefore considered a gemstone that aids in spiritual development. The gemstones tanzanite and topaz are also considered birthstones for December.
Birthstone in a piece of jewelry
Because it can be very comforting to wear a birthstone as much as possible, the gemstones are often incorporated into jewelry . And because cubic zirconia stones usually have a bright and distinctive color, they're the ideal adornment for any piece of jewelry. This could be a beautiful steel ring , birthstone stud earrings , or a delicate necklace, for example.
Earrings are also a great way to incorporate birthstones. Aramat Jewels' birthstone earrings are available in both gold and silver and are set with the birthstone zirconia of your birth month.
This way you can always carry your personal birthstone with you and still look stylish and elegant.
A piece of jewelry with a birthstone is not only beautiful to wear yourself, it also makes a unique and deeply personal gift for someone you care about. With a birthstone, you give your mother, sister, or friend so much more than just a beautiful stud or necklace . You also let them know how much you care.
Aramat Jewels has a wide collection of birthstone jewelry , what is your birthstone and what are its properties?
- January: Garnet - energy and self-confidence
- February: Amethyst - wisdom and self-awareness
- March: Aquamarine - tranquility and creativity
- April: Diamond - clarity and courage
- May: Emerald - positivity and hope
- June: Pearl or Moonstone - feminine energy
- July: Ruby - energy and life force
- August: Peridot - protection and self-awareness
- September: Sapphire - mental peace and clarity
- October: Tourmaline or Opal - defense against negative energy
- November: Citrine or Topaz - cheerfulness and self-confidence
- December: Turquoise, Tanzanite or Topaz - balance and spiritual development
Order your birthstone jewelry at Aramat Jewels