Birthstones and their vivid colors have always been a special way to associate one’s birth month with rare gemstones. They have long been considered a meaningful gift for loved ones during special occasions.
The origin of Birthstones have been traced back to the book of Exodus in the Bible, embellished on the breastplate of Aaron. The breastplate was said to be inlaid with 12 gemstones, each gem specifically represents the twelve tribes of Israel at the time. In the 1st and 5th century AD, the two scholars, Flavius Josephus and St. Jerome equated the 12 breastplate gems with the 12 signs of the zodiac. Initially the norm was that each person would own all the 12 gemstones and wear them corresponding to their specific months. However in the 18th century, Jewish gem traders in Poland started selling each gem based on a person’s birth month. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers of the United States solidified the practice and introduced a new list.
We will cover the origins, meaning and the uses of these stones.
January : Garnet
Garnet is known to be the birthstone for those that are born in the month of January. It is said to bring love, health, luck, loyalty and friendship. Traditionally it is also a gem that married people can gift on their 2nd and 18th wedding anniversary. Garnets are believed to cure blood deficiency and related diseases.
Check out our Vintage Garnet and Diamond Geneva Ring
February : Amethyst
Amethyst is known to be the birthstone for the people who are born in February. Amethyst is a powerful and protective stone as it bestows many healing properties on the wearer , it is helpful in purifying the mind and clearing it of negative thoughts. This includes the negativity of stress and anxiety, which is why many meditate with amethyst so as to rid themselves of that darkness.
Check out our Riovella Cluster Ring
March : Aquamarine
Popular as the birthstone for the people who are born in the month of March, Aquamarines have been long associated with water. It was treasured to be the talisman by ancient seafaring people. The cool hues of the gemstone is known to have a calming effect on the wearer.
Check out our 14kt Moissanite, Rainbow Moonstone and Aquamarine Lugano Ring
April : Diamond
April is indeed the winner for the birthstone lottery- diamonds! Treasured for their rarity and brilliance, diamonds have always been prized for centuries. Known to be the symbol of eternal love, diamonds also signify strength, balance, and courage and are highly durable.
Check out our 14kt Gold Diamond Diaz Pendant
May : Emerald
Held in high esteem across many cultures around the world, Emeralds are popular as the birthstone for the people who are born in May. Emerald is known to be the gemstone for unconditional love, purity and promoting relationships and friendships. It also has a healing effect on the heart by saving one from emotional scars.
Check out our 14kt Rose Gold Emerald & Diamond Mysterieux Ring
June : Pearl
Pearls are known to symbolize faith and innocence. Pearls had been famous in history across many civilizations and countries.. Many healers and practitioners use pearls as they believe that it aligns the mind and the body with the natural world around us. Pearls are also believed to increase fertility and ease the childbirth process of the wearer.
Check out our 10kt Mother Of Pearl Butterfly Bracelet
July : Ruby
Ruby is derived from the Latin word ‘rubinius’ which means red. It has been a pride possession of many royal houses and is considered to be a precious stone. Ruby is a powerful stone and bestows courage and passion on its wearer. It is said to increase concentration, loyalty and to achieve a healthy and successful life. Ruby also cures problems related to blood circulation and detoxifies the body.
August : Peridot
Peridot is the August birthstone and can be worn by zodiac signs like Leo. It was once believed that the peridot crystals found in the volcanic ashes are the tears of the volcanic goddess Pele. It is said that it protects the wearer from negative thoughts and also bestows calming effects. It is said that peridots have magical and mystical properties. They reduce stress and anxiety on the wearer and provide improvement in health and spirituality.
Check out our Vintage Peridot & Diamond Locarno Ring
September : Sapphire
Sapphires are known to be the harbinger of luck and good fortune. Sapphire is also majorly known as a ‘wisdom stone’. It is also believed to be a healing stone as it releases the mind of mental tensions like depression, unwanted thoughts and makes the wearer closer to the spiritual plane.
Check out our 14kt Teal Sapphire & Diamond Fleurette Ring
October : Opal
Opal is known to be the birthstone for the month of October. It is said to enhance the cosmic consciousness and induces psychic and mystical visions. It also stimulates originality and creativity in the wearer.
Check out our Opal & Diamond Doublet Studs
November : Citrine
Citrine has been popular for thousands of years and it was once revered for its rarity although it has changed now. Citrine has been used as a symbol to represent a healthy body and mind as well as happiness and success. It helps in overcoming fear of responsibilities, stops anger and destructive tendencies.
Check out our Vintage 14kt Citrine & Diamond St. Moritz Ring
December : Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is considered to heal, soothe, recharge and stimulate the energies of the body. It is also believed that blue topaz also enhances joy, happiness, forgiveness, truth, psychic abilities and generosity on the wearer. Blue topaz is also known as a harbinger of love, luck and wealth.
Check out our London Blue Topaz & Diamond Calypso Ring
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