Jewellery made from birthstones is a popular and meaningful gift for any occasion, as each birthstone is believed to have its own unique properties and symbolic meanings. If you're considering buying a piece of birthstone jewellery, here is everything you need to know.
First, let's take a look at the different birthstones and their meanings.
Garnet
Johanes Minawan Laksana / Beautiful Pyrope garnet ring
Garnet is the birthstone of January, and is believed to represent stability, strength, and protection. It is also associated with good fortune and prosperity. Garnet is a red or dark red gemstone that is often associated with passion and love. It is also believed to have healing properties, and is thought to help with emotional and physical health issues.
Aside from their metaphysical properties, garnet’s continue to be prized today due to its beauty and durability. Because of this, it is a perfect choice for jewellery making. Due to its wonderful colour, it is a popular choice for people who want to make their money go further with their engagement rings, as well as jewellery that is worn as more everyday pieces.
Amethyst
London DE / Princess Madeleine of Sweden, wearing a set of beautiful Amethyst jewellery
Amethyst is the birthstone for February, and is believed to represent peace, calm, and clarity of mind. It is also associated with love and relationships. Amethyst is a purple gemstone that is often associated with spirituality and wisdom. The stone is also said to have calming properties, easing your anxiety and stress when you wear Amethyst or have it nearby.
Amethyst jewellery was originally prized due to its purple colour, which was associated with the Church, but now they are just brilliant gemstones for jewellery. Whether you choose a dazzling pair of drop earrings, a princess necklace or amethyst pendants; they will be a gorgeous addition to liven up whatever you are wearing or whatever occasion you are attending.
Aquamarine
March’s birthstone is Aquamarine, which is believed to represent hope, courage, and purification. It is also associated with youth and good health. Aquamarine is a light blue or pale green gemstone that is often associated with the sea and water.
Luxury Commentator / Princess Diana and Meghan Markle’s Aquamarine rings
Aquamarine is a brilliant alternative to other blue gemstones like Sapphire, and is a great stone for jewellery making. Princess Diana chose to do exactly this, replacing her famous sapphire engagement ring with a sparkling Aquamarine number. People have been reminded of the spectacular ring after it was worn by Meghan Markle, seen publicly when The Duchess of Sussex wore it to her evening wedding celebrations.
Aquamarine and Diamond Halo Ring
Aquamarine is a good choice for subtle jewellery, because the pale blue is less striking than ruby red or a deep emerald green. Whilst it is a lovely vintage style ring, this aquamarine halo ring doesn’t demand people’s immediate attention.
Diamond
Diamond is the birthstone for April, and is believed to represent eternal love and commitment.
In 1977 De Beers became famous for their advertising campaigns where they blasted the tagline, “A diamond is forever” against the visuals of a beautiful woman being passionately embraced by a man. They tapped into the two things that Diamonds are associated with, love and wealth.
More than just signs of romance or financial status, they have also become tied with womanhood more directly. Ever since Marilyn Monroe sang “Diamonds are a girl's best friend”, women have clamoured for stunning pieces of diamond jewellery to adorn themselves with.
Girls now grow up dreaming about the first diamond piece of jewellery that they will own and treasure for the rest of their lives. Because of their classic status they will also last forever in a different sense, these first diamond pieces of jewellery are often passed down the generations as heirlooms, never going out of style.
Emerald
Emerald and Diamond Vintage Necklace
Emerald is the birthstone for May, and is believed to represent growth, abundance, and fertility. It is also associated with wisdom and good fortune. Emerald is a green gemstone that is often associated with nature and the outdoors.
When it comes to Emerald jewellery, they can be used in a variety of ways, but emerald rings have a certain allure.
Flowering emerald and diamond ring
This flowering emerald and diamond ring is a perfect dainty piece of emerald jewellery. The brilliant emerald centre stone is flanked by diamonds which provide a flower like effect, which really helps highlight the wonderful emerald when the sparkling diamonds catch the light. Its timeless design means that it would make a lovely heirloom that could be passed down and treasured by many generations.
Pearl
Pearl is the birthstone for June, and is believed to represent innocence, purity, and tranquillity. It is also associated with beauty and femininity. Pearl is a white gemstone that is often associated with elegance and sophistication.
Pair of Mother of Pearl cufflinks
As well as being a birthstone, Pearls are also associated with Chinese New Year and Chinese New Year jewellery. In China, pearls are considered to be symbols of purity, innocence, and elegance. Pearl jewellery, such as pearl necklaces and earrings, are often given as gifts during Chinese New Year and are cherished for their beauty and meaning.
Ruby
Ruby is the birthstone for July, and is believed to represent passion, energy, and strength. It is also associated with love and prosperity.
When used in jewellery, ruby has been said to grant its wearer both protection and prosperity. Whereas in Ancient Burmese culture, where the stone was first discovered, the Ruby was reserved as the gem stone of the soldiers. In Hindu culture, it is prized above any other gemstone. This is partly because of the mythical stories behind the stone, where some argue that it is not a stone; but hardened fire with the power to set hearts aflame.
Ruby has continued to hold great meaning, even if it is no longer reserved for honourable warriors.
You can read all about the wide variety of Ruby jewellery here, in our article on the wonder of rubies.
Peridot
Peridot is the birthstone for August, and is believed to represent prosperity, abundance, and good fortune. It is also associated with health and well-being. Peridot is a green gemstone that is often associated with growth and renewal.
Sapphire
Sapphire is September’s birthstone, and is believed to represent wisdom, nobility, and loyalty. It is also associated with truth, honesty, calmness and clarity.
It is also a great gemstone for making jewellery, such as this sapphire tennis bracelet.
If you are looking to add some wonderful sapphire pieces of jewellery to celebrate your birthstone, there are some especially beautiful rings that have been created from the iconic stone.
This timeless Ceylon Sapphire ring is a beautiful example of jewellery at its best. A stunning stone, wonderful diamonds and well made setting.
Opal
Opal is the birthstone for October, and is believed to represent creativity, intuition, and change. It is also associated with hope and good luck. Opal is a gemstone that comes in a range of colours, including white, black, and rainbow. Opal jewellery has always been popular, due to the stunning iridescent colours that Opal has. It is also traditionally the gift given for your 14th wedding anniversary.
Topaz
Topaz is the birthstone for November, and is believed to represent love, friendship, and success. It is supposed to grant its wearer strength and confidence when used in a piece of jewellery. Topaz is a gemstone that comes in a range of colours, including yellow, orange, and blue; which lead it to signify warmth and positivity.
Turquoise
Finally, Turquoise is the birthstone for December, and is believed to represent communication, creativity, and good fortune. Turquoise is a blue-green gemstone that is often associated with nature and the outdoors.
Now that we've covered the different birthstones and their meanings, let's take a look at some of the different types of birthstone jewellery available.
Rings
Birthstone rings are a popular choice for birthstone jewellery, and are available in a wide range of styles and settings. You can choose a simple band with a single birthstone, or opt for a more elaborate design with multiple stones. Birthstone rings make a great gift for any occasion, and can be worn every day or saved for special occasions.
Necklaces
Birthstone necklaces are another popular choice for birthstone jewellery, and are available in a range of styles and lengths. You can choose a simple pendant with a single birthstone, or opt for a more elaborate design with multiple stones. Birthstone necklaces make a great gift for any occasion, and can be worn every day or saved for special occasions.
Bracelets
Birthstone bracelets are another popular choice for birthstone jewellery, and are available in a range of styles and sizes. You can choose a simple bracelet with a single birthstone, or opt for a more elaborate design with multiple stones. Birthstone bracelets make a great gift for any occasion, and can be worn every day or saved for special occasions.
Earrings
Birthstone earrings are a great choice for birthstone jewellery, and are available in a range of styles and sizes. You can choose simple studs with a single birthstone, or opt for a more elaborate design with multiple stones. Birthstone earrings make a great gift for any occasion, and can be worn every day or saved for special occasions.
Other pieces
In addition to rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, there are many other types of birthstone jewellery available. You can find birthstone pendants, brooches, pins, and more. You can also find birthstone-adorned watches, cufflinks, and other accessories. Birthstone jewellery can be found in a range of price points, from affordable pieces to high-end designer items.
Things to consider when buying jewellery made from birthstones
When shopping for birthstone jewellery, it's important to consider the quality of the stone and the craftsmanship of the piece. Look for pieces made with genuine, high-quality gemstones, and choose a reputable jeweller or retailer to ensure that you are getting a quality product. You may also want to consider purchasing a piece with a certified gemstone, which means that it has been independently evaluated and verified by a gemological laboratory.
Birthstone jewellery can make a thoughtful and meaningful gift for any occasion, whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or just because. It's a great way to celebrate someone's unique personality and characteristics, and can be a cherished and enduring piece that is passed down through the generations. Whether you choose a simple piece or a more elaborate design, birthstone jewellery is a timeless and enduring choice that is sure to be appreciated.
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