Birthstones

Sentimental jewellery has always been around. In fact there is even a reference to specific gemstones being used for specific birth months in the Bible. So this really is a very old tradition. It is one I am particularly fond of.

As an October baby, I have always grown up loving Opals. I am most definitely drawn to them and tend to lean towards them and now my children's birthstones for my jewellery. 

Whether you choose to wear your own or a loved ones birthstone, they are such a lovely way to remember a person or time. 

Fast forward some time from the Bible, in 18th century Poland, the Jewish traders marketed the stones for each month. This is when the birthstones, as we know them today were born. 

Below I will talk you through each stone and why they are so special. 

January - Garnet 

Garnet is such a beautiful stone. I mostly think of garnet in red, I suppose because that is the colour it tends typically be. The name itself is originates from the word 'Gernet' which meant deep red. 

Garnet also can be found in brown, black, green, yellow, orange, pink, white, and colorless. It can even be in very rare cases be blue. 

Garnet also has the meaning of strength and safety. It brings hope and courage. 

February - Amethyst

Amethyst is a gorgeous variety of quartz. It can come in purple or violet. In ancient Greece they really believed that if you wore Amethyst it would protect you from getting drunk. 

Amethyst has the meaning of both sincerity and passion. It is also believed to bring calm to it's owner. 

March - Aquamarine

The word aquamarine is a combination of two words, aqua meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. I just think the name sums the stone up so well. I can't help but think of the sea when I look at this stone. 

In fact back when sailors used to go on long voyages, their loved ones would give them Aquamarine to protect them. 

You can mostly find this stone in blue, green, colourless but also can be found in pink, yellow and very rarely other colours. 

April - Diamond

You lucky April babies, get one of the rarest stones in the world for your month. One of the reasons that diamonds have always been so popular, is because of their beauty. 

They do come in many colours. Typically yellow, brown, or gray to colorless. Rarely a diamond can be blue, green, black, translucent white, pink, violet, orange, purple, or red.

The diamond is a symbol of purity and innocence, of love and fidelity.

May - Emerald

Emeralds are such a stunning stone. The word emerald is derived from the Greek word smaragdus which translates to green.

Emeralds are known to be calming and balancing, promoting creativity and eloquence and restoring faith and hope. The are believed to bring good fortune and are used to kindle kindness and sympathy.

They are found in a variety of green to colourless. The most desirable emerald colors are bluish green to pure green, with vivid color saturation and tone that's not too dark. The most-prized emeralds are highly transparent.

June - Pearl 

The name of my store, may give a little clue to the fact that I am a fan of pearls. The word pearl comes from the French word perle which means led. 

This absolutely incredible gemstone comes in white, pink, silver, cream, brown, green, blue, black, yellow, orange, gold, purple, or iridescent. 

Whilst all of the gemstones are formed naturally, I feel that the way pearls are made, is something truly special. Made by many layers forming in an oyster, deep within the sea, how special. 

July - Ruby

Usually anything from pink to red, the ruby is such a classic stone. I have always thought of rubies as royal and very special indeed. 

The ruby is known as a protective stone that can bring happiness and passion into the life of the wearer. 

Ruby is mentioned throughout the Bible and has often been used as a symbol of life, possibly due to its color similarity to blood.

August - Peridot 

The colour of peridot is almost piercing and most certainly stunning. They are most commonly found in a pale but striking green.

Peridots increase strength and vitality in people. They increase strength in people and reduce anxiety.

Peridot is the gem form of Olivine, the reason it has such strong green tones, is down to the amount of iron present.

September - Sapphire

Again the sapphire is very royal. Although I must say I love the most thought of blue, but the coloured sapphires you can find are truly incredible too. Along with the classic blue they come in pink, purple, orange, green, yellow, colourless and even black! In fact there is even a very rare type of sapphire which mixes pink and orange, the padparadscha sapphire, such a unique and wonderful stone.

Sapphires are believed to symbolise wisdom, virtue, good fortune, and holiness for royals. Sapphires have always been a popular choice for engagement rings and in this context they also give the meaning of faithfulness and sincerity, too.

October - Opal 

I am a little biased about opals, as they are my birthstone but wow, what an incredible stone. Opals literally look like magic. 

Opal has always been associated with love and passion. Wearing an opal is said to bring about loyalty and faithfulness.

In terms of colour, well where do you start with this. They are usually a dominant colour but with their iridescent look, you will see many colours, also in a rainbow form. 

With regards to the main colouring there are many types. Black opal, white opal, crystal opal, jelly opal, fire opal, hyalite, water opal, hydrophane and honey opal. All in my opinion equally beautiful. Black opal tends to be the rarest and most valuable.

November - Citrine 

Citrine is a gorgeous happy stone. Full of a sunshine like lemon yellow, Citrine, finds it's name from the French citron, meaning lemon.

Throughout history, citrines have been valued for their beauty and brilliance. They remind us of the bright, warm sun and the vitality of life. Their vibrant yellow color and shining clarity often represent a healthy mind and body as well as happiness and success.

The colour can vary slightly from yellow, greenish-yellow, brownish yellow or orange.

December - Turquoise

The color turquoise is associated with meanings of refreshing, feminine, calming, sophisticated, energy, wisdom, serenity, wholeness, creativity, emotional balance, good luck, spiritual grounding, friendship, love, joy, tranquility, patience, intuition, and loyalty.

The stone itself has been popular for many years. You may associate it with the ancient Egyptians, who saw it as a very sacred stone. I also think to Greece for this stone, where it is very popular to this day. 

It is typically opaque and of a greenish-blue or sky-blue colour. Turquoise is said to possess many powers. It is considered a healing and protective stone that enhances courage in the wearer. It is also said to attract love, friendship, money and luck.

__________________________________________________________________

I hope you enjoyed reading about your birthstone and loved ones stones also. Many of the stones mentioned are listed on the site in various special pieces. You will find a bar at the top of each section that allows you to search by stone. Please get in touch if you are after something specific as I can keep an eye out. 

Jessica x