Jewellery makes a fantastic birthday present, but if you’re looking for something truly special, you might want to consider birthstone jewellery. The history of birthstone jewellery is thought to date back to ancient times; scholars have even found a reference to it in the bible, where in the book of Exodus, a high priest named Aaron had a breastplate with twelve stones. Birthstones have evolved since, with each one coming to represent the month in which a person was born, and they make a unique and sentimental gift for that special someone in your life.
What are the birthstones for each month?
Each month has a gemstone attached to it, and if you’re born in this month, the gemstone is said to be your birthstone. Here are all the birthstones for each month, along with some top suggestions for gift ideas.
January
January’s gemstone is garnet, which is thought to have protective properties and can be gifted in all sorts of ways, from a garnet necklace to a keyring.
February
The birthstone for February is amethyst. This popular purple stone looks stunning on rings and can also be gifted as a standalone crystal, thought to promote spiritual clarity and mental healing.
March
As the name suggests, aquamarine is a sea blue-green gemstone that is modestly priced and looks stunning, set in both gold and silver jewellery.
April
Those born in April have the most famous gemstone of all for their birthstone – the diamond! Diamonds are associated with strength and love, which explains why diamond rings make popular engagement or wedding rings.
May
May’s birthstone is the emerald, a vivid green stone that has been associated with intelligence, healing, and even predicting the future! Emeralds are bold stones that look good in any jewellery, from earrings and bracelets to rings and pendant necklaces.
June
June’s gemstone, the pearl, is the only one of the gems to be found within a living creature. However, since natural pearls are rare, most these days are cultivated or cultured. Pearl necklaces and earrings are a classic.
July
If you’re born in July, the ruby is your birthstone. Always red, rubies were the chosen gemstone of warriors and are still a popular choice today. Rubies are one of the most expensive and sought-after gemstones and even feature in the Crown Jewels.
August
August’s birthstone, the peridot, is a vivid green with yellowish tones and is thought to offer nighttime protection to its wearer and is also associated with prosperity. Peridot pairs well with either silver or gold jewellery and is often gifted as a necklace, bracelet, or earrings.
September
Sapphires are the birthstone of September, and though typically blue, they do come in other colours too. Sapphire jewellery makes a stunning birthday gift.
October
October has two birthstones associated with it, the classic opal and the modern alternative, tourmaline, both of which come in a variety of colours, lending themselves to a wide range of gifting possibilities from jewellery to brooches and hair accessories.
November
Citrine is the birthstone of November, a yellow-orange gemstone that is associated with healing and success and can be worn on the body as jewellery or gifted as a crystal.
December
December’s birthstone is turquoise or blue topaz, both similar shades of vivid blue stone Turquoise is thought to give the wearer peace and luck, while topaz is also associated with wealth and love.
Why are birthstones a good gift idea?
Birthstones make such great gifts because they’re personal to the wearer and show that you’ve put a lot of thought into your gift. They’re also thought to have additional qualities, whether that’s for healing, luck or protection.
Not only that, but birthstones look great, too and can make a stylish addition to any outfit, adding a splash of colour and sparkle.
In summary, birthstone gifting is a thoughtful way to celebrate someone special in your life, especially on their birthday.
Images: Unsplash
