Everything You Need to Know About Birthstones

Have you ever pondered the significance of birthstones linked to various birth months? The captivating colors and meanings of birthstones come with an intriguing history dating back to ancient times, with each culture adding its unique traditions and beliefs over the centuries.

Today, birthstones are popular choices for jewelry and thoughtful gifts, offering a deeply personal way to commemorate a special occasion. But what exactly is the significance behind them? Do they possess any extraordinary powers or benefits? And how can you go about selecting the perfect birthstone, whether for yourself or a loved one? This comprehensive guide is your one-stop source for everything you need to know about birthstones.

History of Birthstones

Birthstones can be traced back to biblical times and the Book of Exodus. In the Book of Exodus, Aaron, the first high priest of the Israelites, is described as wearing a breastplate adorned with 12 different stones, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. These stones were believed to possess special powers and were said to improve various aspects of one’s life.

The stones mentioned in the breastplate of Aaron included carnelian, chrysolite, and beryl in the 1st row, jacinth, agate, and amethyst in the 2nd row, and topaz, onyx, and jasper in the 3rd row. Only around the 1st century AD, approximately 500 years after the description of Aaron's breastplate, the historian Joseph connected these 12 stones to the 12 months of the year, and the 12 zodiac signs. The idea gained prominence with the support of historian St. Jerome in the 5th century, who encouraged Christians to use these stones - marking the beginning of a tradition in which people would collect all 12 stones and wear them as belts, bracelets, and other forms of jewelry.

A sculpture of Aaron wearing his breastplate - sculpted by Giovanni Maria Morlaiter

By the 8th and 9th centuries, this tradition evolved, and people began to wear only the stone associated with their birth month, as it was believed that wearing the stone of one's birth month would be enough to harness the powers of the cosmos. The modern birthstone tradition, where individuals wear a specific stone corresponding to their birth month, began in the 16th century, and its origin is often attributed to either Germany or Poland.

In Eastern cultures, gemstone selection is often influenced by astrology and birth charts, such as Hinduism's Navratnas, associating 9 gemstones with celestial forces. The Hindu Ratna Pariksha text from the 5th century delves into gemstone connections with deities, celestial bodies, and days of the week.

Symbolism of Birthstones

Birthstones are gemstones that hold symbolic meanings and are associated with each month of the year. These gems are traditionally used in jewelry and have a rich history in various cultures. Their association with personal identity and life experiences sets birthstones apart from other gemstones. They serve as a reminder of our roots, our strengths, and our aspirations, and are believed to bring various benefits, such as protection, healing, and good luck.

The widespread allure and popularity of birthstones can be traced to their profound personal and emotional significance. Frequently, individuals select jewelry adorned with their corresponding birthstone to commemorate their month of birth or as a thoughtful token of affection for cherished ones. Birthstones often symbolize the essence of an individual's identity and their life's odyssey. Their enduring popularity is underpinned by the tapestry of history that envelops them and the perceived astrological blessings they bring.

List of Birthstones by Month

List of Birthstones by Month

The following is an exhaustive list of all birthstones by month, as well as their unique characteristics and healing properties.

• 1. January - Garnet: Garnet‘s color palette ranges from red and orange to purple. It is not only visually captivating but also holds significant symbolic value. Representing protection and strength, garnet is an ideal choice to welcome the new year, embodying qualities of friendship and trust. In Vedic astrology, the orange-red variety of grossular garnet, referred to as Gomed in India, is part of the famed Navratna stones and is highly recommended for its believed ability to enhance concentration, improve focus, and provide clear direction. Many believe wearing the jewelry of this stone instils a sense of security and fosters confidence.
• 2. February - Amethyst: Amethyst, which belongs to the quartz family, stands out with its captivating purple color. This gemstone is a symbol of tranquillity, stability, and inner fortitude. This gemstone lends clarity to one’s thoughts, improves decision-making abilities, and promotes a profound sense of calm and equilibrium in life.
• 3. March - Aquamarine & Bloodstone: Aquamarine is a sea-blue colored variety of the mineral Beryl. This gem is emblematic of courage and serenity, and it is renowned for its calming influence, fostering harmony in relationships and offering a profound sense of peace and clarity. Bloodstone is green with red specks, symbolizing courage, healing, protection, spirituality, and balance.
• 4. April - Diamond: Diamonds, the cherished birthstone for April, are celebrated for their dazzling brilliance and unparalleled hardness. They symbolize enduring love, strength, and invincibility. Beyond their role in engagement rings, diamonds are believed to bring clarity and amplify inner strength and resilience. Jewelry crafted with diamonds exudes elegance and ranks among the most expensive jewellery options.
• 5. May - Emerald: Emerald, with its lush green color, represents the birth month of May. Wearing jewelry made of Emerald can be beneficial because it embodies themes of rebirth and love and is believed to usher in harmony, growth, and the ability to glimpse the future. Known as the panna stone in India, this gemstone is a powerful symbol of hope and renewal and has been cherished for centuries for its vibrant and lustrous hue.
• 6. June - Pearl, Moonstone, & Alexandrite: June stands out with the distinction of 3 birthstones – pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. Pearls come in various colors, such as white, cream colors, black, and even gray. Pearl jewelry can be highly beneficial because it symbolizes purity and wisdom. Moonstones are popularly gray and blue, are linked to emotional balance and intuition. Alexandrite, a rare and mystical gem, is seen as a harbinger of good fortune and self-esteem, uniquely changing color from green in daylight to red under incandescent light.
• 7. July - Ruby: The fiery red gemstone, the ruby, is the birthstone for July and symbolizes love and passion. Rubies are the central part of the Navratna gemstones, are associated with the Sun, and are believed to improve health and serve as protective talismans. Many ancient crowns featured ruby adornments as they symbolized fortune and courage.
• 8. August - Peridot, Sardonyx, & Spinel: Peridot is characterized by its light-green and olive-green colours. Jewelry made of Peridot can be helpful as it represents strength and is believed to repel negative energy. Sardonyx, a type of microcrystalline quartz, displays various colors, from white to orange and red to black. It symbolizes courage and happiness and is often worn to boost self-confidence. Spinel gems offer a rich spectrum of colors, including intense red, vibrant pink, and orange. Wearing Spinel jewelry can be helpful as they are believed to help keep illnesses at bay.
• 9. September - Sapphire: Sapphires occur in a rainbow of colors; however, the most popular variety is the blue sapphire. Believed to protect loved ones, sapphires are known to bring inner peace and clarity. Sapphire has also been a symbol of royalty and has graced the garments of clergy for countless centuries.
• 10. October - Opal & Tourmaline: Opals are known for their vibrant play of color, which is an optical phenomenon in opal that produces changing colors that seem to float and billow within the stone. Opal symbolizes inspiration and creativity. Tourmalines also come in various colors, each carrying unique properties, but all, in general, are believed to enhance inner strength and balance.
• 11. November - Topaz & Citrine: November's birthstones include Topaz with a rainbow of hues and Citrine with a bright yellow or orange color. If you want to attract more love and affection, you should wear jewelry made of Topaz stone. Not only that, Topaz also encourages you to be grateful in your life. Citrine is known for its healing properties and is believed to bring prosperity, success, and energy to the wearer.
• 12. December - Turquoise, Zircon, & Tanzanite: December offers a trio of birthstones. Turquoise signifies good fortune and protection, making it a popular choice for amulets and talismans. Zircon is believed to provide mental clarity and guidance, and Tanzanite, a striking blue gem, promotes insight and spiritual awareness.

List of All Birthstones by Month

Conclusive Thoughts

Birthstones have held a timeless allure, captivating admirers for centuries with their intrinsic beauty, symbolism, and healing properties. They uniquely celebrate our birth with a profound connection to the natural world, symbolizing enduring luck, health, and prosperity. These gemstones possess an enduring charm that transcends generations, making them a popular choice for jewelry designs that carry personal meaning and sentiment.

At Precious Earth, our distinguished assortment of gemstone jewelry stands ready to elevate your life experiences or bestow meaningful gifts. Within our curated selection of gemstones, you'll discover a range of exquisite pieces meticulously crafted to align with your birth month and individual tastes. Each item in our collection epitomizes an exceptional standard of quality and artisanal craftsmanship. If you’re looking to buy a birthstone online, we invite you to browse through our collection of these gemstones – where you can make a purchase without a worry, with our lab-certified guarantees of authenticity and lifetime returns policy.