A tradition held for many years is the gifting of birthstone jewelry. Whether it be a gift for a graduation, a sweet sixteen, or a quinceañera, birthstones will always make a memorable gift. The day you were born is something to remember forever, why not wear a birthstone to make sure you never forget that special day
Birthstones, not to be mistaken for zodiac astral stones, are unique gemstones centered around your calendar birth month. However, like astral stones, birthstones have similar gemstones and even have some overlapping themes. Though, this article is all about birthstone jewelry and interesting ways you can show off your birth month pride. If you are looking to learn about astrology jewelry stones check out this article here. Otherwise, continue on to learn everything you need to know about wearing your birthstone. With that let's get to the stones!
Why wear birthstones?
- They look super unique and have many different ways to implement them into your wardrobe.
- Any type of jewelry can have a birthstone implemented somehow
- Birthstone jewelry is a part of your identity; thus it grounds you and others with your same birth month in a comradery that is unwavering.
- Wearing your birthstone is supposed to guide you in all aspects of life, the mental, the physical, and even the spiritual.
Why gift birthstone jewelry?
For children: Gifting a child a birthstone ring or pendant is a great way for them to discover more about themselves. In your youth, you spent years coming into and discovering your identity. Growing up, personality conflicts, and differences probably made it hard to fit in and be the best you that you could be. Giving a child a birthstone will remind them to stay true to themselves and to have unwavering confidence no matter what others may say. It's also a way of showing them that you love them for who they are.
For adults: Birthstones also make wonderful gifts for adults. Birthstones make excellent promise rings, necklaces, and even high-end earrings. We've even seen the most wonderful wedding ring sets done by partnering the bride and the groom's birthstones together.
When did the birthstone tradition start?
Around the 16th century, birthstones would eventually get their debut as acceptable jewelry to wear. But who thought of the idea? Well, the origins of birthstones can be traced back to the Bible. In the book of exodus, a man by the name of Aaron, who was a high-ranking priest, adorned a breastplate with 12 glorious stones. Each stone represented the 12 tribes of Israel. Then as time passed through the generations the meaning behind the stones changed due to differing interpretations of the biblical story. This is where we get our understanding of the birthstones today.
Birthstone vs Zodiac Stones
If you were like us, you probably thought birthstones and zodiac stones were the same things just with different names. While they do have some overlapping characteristics and stones, they are different in their meaning and what they represent when you wear them. Put simply, your birthstone is supposed to celebrate and represent the month you were born. While, on the other hand, zodiac stones are supposed to reflect the personality traits that are described in the characteristics of your astrological sign.
The 12 Birthstones
January (Garnet)
What is Garnet:
Garnets, or the Garnet family of gemstones, are made of silicate minerals and come in many different colors. The most common version of garnet is the reddish-orange color referred to as almandine.
If you think you understand garnets think again, garnets have one of the most complex and intricate gemstone classification systems ever. There are many different families of garnet, and each family has different species. Plus, these stones date back to 3500BC and have been used for Egyptian pharaohs and other royalty as one of the most highly traded gems.
Fun Fact: The word garnet comes from the Latin word “gratanus” which means seed or grain. The name was used for the garnet gemstone because the color resembled that of a pomegranate seed
Birthstone Meaning:
Garnet represents friendship and love and has for centuries. It also has been said that garnets can stimulate the heart to promote heart health. Some also claim that wearing the stone aids in fertility.
Wearing January:
Garnet is a beautiful stone with many different colors, but for each color there are also an equal number of ways to wear them. You can put garnet on wedding rings, table decor, bracelets, etc. Even though there are so many ways to wear garnet the most popular way to wear garnet is around the neck. Necklaces and pendants are a great way to show off this vibrant gemstone as it is front and center on your body and everyone will be able to see its allure. Additionally, because garnets promote heart health it has been said that pendants are the best way to wear garnet because the gemstone will reside close to the heart.
February (Amethyst)
What is Amethyst:
Amethyst, as one of the 5 cardinal gemstones, is a glorious purple stone with absolutely beautiful facets and saturated hues. These stones are made out of quarts, specifically when it forms with silicon dioxide. These rare and precious stones are formed in lava and look like it too. The immensely purple hue of the amethyst is what makes it super popular amongst jewelry collectors and purple connoisseurs.
Birthstone Meaning:
But what does it mean if this extremely purple gemstone is your birthstone? Well, if amethyst is your birthstone you are said to be courageous and to have strong relationships. Wearing amethyst as a February baby will strengthen those attributes even more and it's even said that it will help you stay sober. The name Amethyst actually stems from the Greek word, amethystos which means the remedy against drunkenness. This is probably due to its resemblance to grape wine.
Wearing February:
Wearing amethyst as your birthstone might be a little more complicated than the other stones. The color is just so vibrant and eye-catching that it will almost always get people talking. For most people this is not a problem as showing off jewelry can be super fun! However, if you were looking for a more subtle way to show off your February pride wearing large amounts of the stone might not be a good idea, it's just too gorgeous. However, that doesn't mean there aren't subtler options. Instead of large amethyst pendants and bracelets, opt for a ring or earrings made out of amethyst. These methods secure a more subtle and quiet approach to February pride. Although, you can completely ignore the fact that amethyst is so flashy and just opt to get the biggest and most impressive amethyst pendant on the market. We wouldn't stop or judge you, amethyst is one of our favorite stones after all.
March (Aquamarine)
What is aquamarine:
Aquamarine is a super clean, blue, and clear gemstone. It is formed out of beryl much like an emerald but is created with much fewer inclusions. Its color is that of a crystal clear blue ocean and sometimes has hints of green that can show up in untreated stones. Interestingly, aquamarine can come in massive gemstone deposits and can weigh over 100 pounds and tower up to 3-4 feet. But don’t worry obviously you won't have a 100-pound gemstone on your body. Similar to other stones aquamarine is cut and treated to fit jewelry of any kind.
Birthstone Meaning:
aquamarine is associated with clarity, peacefulness, and tranquility like the ocean. It’s often referred to as the “sailor’s gemstone” as it supposedly brings good luck to a sea-bearing crew. Often you will see fishermen on long voyages across the ocean throw aquamarine into the ocean to grant them safe passage through Poseidon’s waters.
Wearing March:
Wearing aquamarine is a super cool privilege. It's one of those gemstones that looks great with everything and is super amazing to look at. I mean who doesn't want to stare at a gorgeous blue ocean. Aquamarine rings are quite popular due to their rarity and their astoundingly clean quality. They make amazing engagement rings as they are usually free of inclusions for a less expensive price than some stones like Diamond.
April (Diamond)
What an exquisite month to be born in because a diamond is your special birthstone! You are super lucky to have the hardest and the most sought-after stone in the world.
What is a Diamond:
Diamonds are stones made out of highly pressurized carbon atoms over thousands of years. They are the hardest stone on the jewelry market with a Mohs hardness rating of 10. These magnificent stones top the charts as the best and most popular option for any occasion, especially weddings.
Birthstone Meaning:
The name Diamond stems from the Greek word “Adamas” which means unconquerable and indestructible. These stones remain the most popular and hardest stones on the market. The unbreakable nature of diamonds translates to those born in April giving April babies stronger grit and determination. The stone is also a symbol of everlasting love and compassion and wearing this stone when it's your birthstone is said to enhance both of those things.
Wearing April:
As you already know diamonds are so versatile. Even though they are usually associated with wedding rings and engagement rings they are used in so many different places. For example, if you want to show off your April diamond pride but don't have anyone planning on popping the question you can opt for necklaces, promise rings, bracelets, and even teeth implants if you want to get fun with it. As we said before diamonds are super sought-after and used everywhere. Truly, you will have a hard time not fitting these stones into your life.
If you want to get started on your diamond buying journey, check out the thousands of options that Dunkin’s Diamonds has for you. Our online website makes it easy to find something that you will want to wear forever.
May (Emerald)
As a highly coveted gemstone Emerald has been used for centuries in so many wonderful pieces. If you were born in May you are one of the lucky individuals who have already reached the emerald city! Dorothy would be jealous. Emerald birthstones make for a gorgeous accent to anyone's jewelry collection and it's one of the coolest birthstones to have.
What is an Emerald:
Emerald is a wonderful and vibrant green gemstone. It is made when trace amounts of chromium, vanadium, and iron are present in the mineral beryl. It has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
Birthstone Meaning:
When emerald is your birthstone, it becomes a symbol of rebirth. Supposedly May babies are said to have greater fortune and youth because of this.
Wearing May:
So, what are the best ways to show off your May pride with emerald? Well, emeralds have surprisingly more jewelry options than you might think. Emerald pendants and rings are nice and all, but have you ever seen an emerald bracelet? Bracelets can fit many of those emeralds in one piece allowing you to show off to the fullest how much you love your birth month.
June(Pearl)
What is a pearl:
Unlike most gemstones pearl is created in the sea through a natural process that occurs in mollusk shells. Pearls can form inside any mollusk with a shell in our world's oceans, such as Clams, Mussels, and even Oysters to name a few. These creatures make pearls with a substance called nacre, a.k.a “the mother of pearls”. Nacre is the same glossy hard material that forms that shiny inside of mollusk shells. Nacre is a mixture of calcium carbonate and protein and is essential to the formation of pearls. Surprisingly nacre is both lighter and stronger than hard materials like concrete. However, for a mollusk to form layers and layers of nacre is a very rare phenomenon only occurring in 1 in 10,000 shells.
Birthstone Meaning:
If the pearl is your birthstone, you are a very lucky and unique individual. It is also said that pearl enhances creativity and exploration for those who have it as their birthstone. This may stem from the act of searching and “exploring” the surface of the ocean for mollusk shells that have pearls. You are also very lucky with a pearl on your finger because the gemstone requires a lot of luck to find. Additionally, the stone itself is often regarded as the stone of purity, delicacy, and innocence.
Wearing June:
If you are a June baby you might find that it's super expensive to get many high-quality pearls. But like many of the other birthstones, pearls come in different rarities and at different price points. The good thing is you can most likely get any style or type of jewelry with any classification of pearl. You can even opt to purchase a cultured pearl that sells at a significantly smaller price range. But what are the most popular ways to show off your pearl birthstone? Most people opt to wear pearl necklaces and earrings, they are the best way to draw attention to both the stone and the wearer. However, pearls are unfortunately seen as a more feminine stone so what do you do if you are a male and your birthstone is a pearl. Well for starters, you can choose to ignore stereotypes and societal constructs and wear pearls regardless of gender. But if you are stubborn and won't put on a pearl, June has two more birthstones that lean towards that masculine side a little more, such as alexandrite and moonstone.
July (Ruby)
What is a Ruby:
Ruby is a stone in the corundum family, the same family as sapphire. Although built very similar to the equally famous sapphire it is classified as a completely different stone. They get their natural red hue from trace elements of chromium in the stone that have embedded themselves into the stone's crystalline structure during its formation process. Rubies are coveted by many for their sunset red hues, their royal aura, and their rarity.
Birthstone Meaning:
So, you are lucky enough to have ruby as your birthstone, but what does this mean. Well, if ruby is your birthstone you are said to have increased longevity and youth. Those that wear ruby and were born in July are said to be highly protected from evil and even are said to age slower. Believe in the magic of the stone or not, we would still be proud to call ruby our birthstone if born in July.
Wearing July:
Ruby is immensely popular everywhere. You see it on the red carpet, on popular celebrities, and at weddings. The stone is just one of those things that everyone can agree looks extravagant, even if you don't like the color red! This makes it hard to casualty wear jewelry as your birthstone. It's such a rare and flashy stone that it will certainly turn heads. To solve the unwanted attention, you can get ruby jewelry that is more subtle. Subtle options include stud earrings, single stone bracelets, and even pendants with smaller stones. However, we by no means want to deter you from getting the largest ruby possible, if you are an extremely proud July baby go for it!
August (Peridot)
What is a Peridot:
peridot is a wonderful green gemstone that is formed in the same place diamond is formed, in the earth's upper mantle. Peridot is made from the mineral Olivine or Chrysolite. When these minerals are introduced to iron in their formation, they become this beautiful grassy green color. Even though peridot is formed in the same palace as a diamond it isn't as hard as a diamond by any means. Still, this stone is fairly hard scoring a 6.5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale. As a readily available and affordable gemstone, peridot is an amazing gemstone for all types of birthstone jewelry. As one of the few gemstones that have actually been found in meteorites, you can rest assured that this stone is not only interesting but also “out of this world”
Birthstone Meaning:
peridot is the gemstone of blissful sleep and peacefulness, when wearing peridot, you are less likely to get angry or aggravated. If Peridot is your birthstone, you might be a heavy sleeper or someone who enjoys a lot of naps. If you are an August baby and wear peridot it is said to decrease unhealthy envy within one's soul.
Wearing August:
Wearing peridot is super easy and fun. As a readily accessible and stylish stone, you can get it in any setting and in any style. Peridot rings and necklaces look exceptional and look even better with people who have red hair. There is something so clean about the leafy green hues of peridot. If you are trying to show off that August pride peridot will certainly not disappoint as it looks good with practically any outfit.
September (Sapphire)
What is a sapphire:
If you are a September baby you are in luck because you probably landed the most versatile and customizable birthstone out there. Sapphires are one of the most amazing gemstones because they come in practically any color, are very hard, and are super rare! Made out of the mineral corundum one of the hardest known substances after diamond, these gemstones can take a beating.
Birthstone Meaning:
When you are a September baby you are supposed to wear sapphire to aid in your sincerity and truthfulness. Wearing sapphire supposedly makes September babies both better friends and honest people.
Wearing September:
Sapphire is one of, if not, the easiest gemstone varieties out there to wear. There are so many different ways you can customize the different shades of sapphire with different metals and settings, and there are even more ways to match them with outfits. September babies really landed a great stone for every jewelry type, style, and mood.
Fun fact: If you ever forget what your birthstone is you can just remember the letter “s” for September and “s” for a sapphire.
October (Opal)
What is Opal:
Often referred to as the “Queen of Gems”, opal is an amazing gemstone filled with a galaxy of colors. In fact, the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder claimed that opal is the “refulgent fire of ruby, the glorious purple of amethyst, the sea-green of emerald and all those colors glittering together, mixed in an incredible way.”
At its core opal is made out of many tiny spheres of silica dioxide. Its multitude of glittering hues come from white light refracting off these silica spheres and back into your eye. Opals look like they harbor dancing paint splotches suspended in time and are certainly anything but boring to look at.
Birthstone Meaning:
Opal is a birthstone of confidence, faith, and loyalty. It is believed to have been imbued with the ability to grant the wearer increased vision, both in foresight and clarity of mind. The way the gemstone seems to entrance you is almost intoxicating but while wearing it it's said to help you stay sober.
Wearing October:
Opal is one of those gemstones that works with everything. Because it has so many different colors in one stone it works in every scenario. Opal rings have become increasingly popular nowadays for wedding rings in their milky white variety. Additionally, they have so many different formations and shapes that you can even use opal for things outside of jewelry such as decorations and novelty items.
November (Topaz)
What is Topaz:
Topaz is an aluminum silicate with fluorine crystal, its forms in a tower-like structure with trapezoidal shapes at its bases. When cut and refined into gemstones topaz has this regal and crystal clear gemstone quality that contains many facets. Topaz comes in a variety of colors such as blue, yellow, and colorless. Scoring an astounding 8 on the Mohs hardness scale topaz is a strong and durable gemstone.
Birthstone Meaning:
It is said that topaz brings a wide array of metaphysical properties such as joy, good health, abundance, and generosity. If topaz is your birthstone you are said to be a loving and affectionate person.
Wearing November:
Wearing topaz is actually a lot easier than one might think. Their colors come in a few different varieties that make it fairly easy to find the hue that works for you. Recently the more uncommon colors such as red and purple topaz have begun to gain some traction in the jewelry industry. The rarest and most sought-after topaz is Imperial Topaz it has a gorgeous peachy hue that is popular for engagement rings and anniversary rings.
December (Turquoise)
What is Turquoise:
If you are a December baby you probably already know that you have not one, not two, but 4 birthstones! However, of the 4 options, turquoise is recognized today as being the most popular option for the month of December. This smooth sky-blue gemstone is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. The stone without any hydration treatment is a very porous and even brittle material. After water treatment, it scores around a 5.5 to a 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness making it a fairly softer gemstone. Because of its softer nature, it's a very easy gemstone to work with.
Birthstone Meaning:
Turquoise is often seen as the stone of good faith and fortune. Additionally, a lesser-known attribute of the stone is that it's actually considered a love stone, although not anywhere near a fiery red or purple, this blue gemstone is said to radiate warm feelings. Those who are born in December and wear the stone are said to have a lot of opportunities in life and chances to start a new path.
Wearing December:
Turquoise jewelry shows off its remarkable beauty in both necklaces and earrings. Though they have been used for rings in the past they definitely shine in places where they can be front and center and loud. Large turquoise beaded necklaces are the way to go if you want to show your December pride.
Go on the gemstone hunt!
Now that you know more about the birthstones you can either purchase one for yourself or for a loved one that you know will appreciate it! Thank you for reading up on one of the most interesting topics that surround gemstone jewelry.