What are Birthstones ?
Birthstones are gemstones that are related to your birth month. Each birthstone represents specific meanings and qualities . Birthstones can be both precious gems like – ruby and sapphire or semi-precious gems such as amethyst or citrine. Every month symbolizes a specific gem with its various healing, spiritual or astrological abilities.
Some ancient civilizations believed them as a symbol of health, luck, and prosperity in the life of the wearer. While, in the modern era birthstones are both worn and gifted to loved ones as a symbol of love and respect toward each other. Birthstones are mostly worn as rings, necklaces or bracelets, according to personal choice.
History of Birthstones
The idea of birthstones is very old. Many people believe that it has originated from the Breastplate of Aaron, mentioned in the Bible’s book of Exodus. This breastplate was decorated with 12 gemstones, each gemstone representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
Later, in the 1st and 5th centuries AD, some scholars assigned these 12 gems to both different zodiac signs and 12 months of the year. The main reason for this classification was that each person should own 12 gemstones and wear them according to the corresponding month.
Over time various cultures linked specific stones to each month, believing that wearing a birthstone would bring good luck and protection in one’s life.
Later in 1912, the National Association of Jewelers (currently Jewelers of America), created a modern list of birthstones, which is widely accepted till today. But still various cultural variations exist.
Birthstones by Month
1. January – Garnet
If you’re a January born then Garnet is your luckystone. It represents love, loyalty and passion, representing emotional bonds and friendships. In Indian astrology, garnet is believed to help in relieving mental stress and staying away from negative feelings. In ancient periods it was considered as a symbol of protection and was carried by ancient travelers as a symbol of protection.
The name Garnet is named from a Latin word ‘Pomegranate seed’ referring to its red hue color. Usually, the main color of garnet is deep or blood-red, but it also comes in a variety of colors including yellow, green, orange and purple.
2. February – Amethyst
If you are born in February then Amethyst is your birthstone. It is related to mental clarity, peace and spirituality. Ancient Greeks believed that amethyst could prevent intoxication. It is famous for its purple color.
It is also assumed that it offers calming energy and protection from negative energy to the wearer.
3. March – Aquamarine and Bloodstone
March enjoys two birthstones. The modern and widely recognized birthstone is Aquamarine, which is known for its exceptional sea-like colors. Ranging from light to blue and a little bit of green color. It represents harmony, youth and courage. It is also assumed that it historically protected sailors from the sea.
Bloodstone is the traditional birthstone for march which is known for its dark green color with its different red spots. It symbolizes health, strength and emotional balance in the life of the wearer.
4. April – Diamond
Diamond is April’s Birthstone. It represents strength, clarity and never-ending love. It is admired for its exceptional hardness and sparkle. In ancient times, diamonds were seen as a protection against illness, evil and poison and also provide beauty and happiness.
Diamonds are considered as the most popular and loved choice for engagement rings(even my father’s engagement ring is made up of diamond) and necklaces made up from diamonds. Jewelries made from diamonds are considered as the best option to gift someone on their marriage or on anniversaries and sometimes even on birthdays.
5. May – Emerald
If you are born in May then Emerald is your birthstone . It symbolizes harmony, rebirth, prosperity and wisdom. It is also known as ‘Panna’ in Hindi, famous for its forest’s deep green color.
According to the ancient period, it is believed that the emeralds were adorned by Cleopatra and were used by her to decorate the palace with emeralds to showcase their real beauty.
6. June – Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone
June offers three options, pearl, alexandrite and moonstone. Each birthstone symbolises different attributes. June is one of only three months that celebrates three birthstones, the others are August and December.
Pearl is an organic gemstone that represents peace, innocence and purity.
Alexandrite is a unique and rare gemstone. It is rare due to its color changing effect, in daylight it looks emerald and looks like ruby in lamplight. It represents adaptability and balance in life
Moonstone is related to bringing inner clarity and emotional balance in one’s life. It is famous for its milky and blueish glow, which resembles moonlight.
7. July – Ruby
Ruby is a precious gemstone that embodies love, strength and vitality. It is also known as ‘King of Gems’. It is famous for its deep blood red color which makes it a most favourite and elegant choice for jewelry.
8. August – Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx
August has three types of birthstone: peridot, spinel and sardonyx.
Peridot is a lime-green semi-precious gemstone that is associated with bringing strength, good luck and protection from evils and illusions.
Spinel is a gemstone that symbolizes energy and helping in easing anger. It offers a variety of colours like red, pink, blue and black,
Sardonyx is considered as the oldest ancient birthstone of August even before peridot and spinel. It is a stripped gemstone with a mix of red, brown and white. It symbolizes strength, courage and protection.
9. September – Sapphire
Sapphire is the birthstone that expresses royalty, wisdom and truth. Its blue color is admired all over the world and makes every jewelry mesmerizing. It is considered as the birthstone for the people born in September.
Sapphire usually comes in various colors such as pink, yellow, green and more and are priced for their royalty and exceptional healing abilities.
10. October – Opal and Tourmaline
October celebrates two birthstones; opal and tourmaline. Opal is called the traditional birthstone, while tourmaline was added later on as an alternative for the month of October.
Opal is the traditional birthstone for the people born in the month of October and is famous for its play of color. It symbolizes creativity, hope and love.
Tourmaline is a gemstone that symbolizes balance and protection and also boosts creativity and self-confidence. It is famous for its varieties of colors from pink and red to green.
11. November – Topaz and Citrine
People born in November have two choices of birthstones. The first one is Topaz that symbolizes warmth and strength. It is famous for its varieties of colors like blue, pink, white and brown,
Citrine was added later on as a modern birthstone known for its deep yellow color. It symbolizes joy and prosperity. It is also known as ‘Stone of Success’ and ‘Merchant’s Stone’.
12. December – Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon
At last, for people born in the month of December. Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon are their birthstones.
Turquoise is considered as the most traditional birthstone for December and was cherished by people for centuries. It symbolizes protection, self-realization and friendship. It is famous for its blue-green hue.
Tanzanite is a new gemstone that was founded in Tanzania in the 1960s and got famous for its deep intense blue color resembling blue sapphire. It symbolizes transformation and wisdom.
Zircon is a birthstone that is often colorless or blue in color but is also found in yellow, purple, bright red and green. It symbolizes new beginnings, wisdom and wealth.
