What you should know about birthstones

If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking to find out more about birthstones. It’s likely you’ve heard of birthstones before. They often feature in jewelry, like a birthstone Claddagh ring, and carry a deep significance and meaning for the wearer.

Here is everything that you should know about birthstones:

What is a birthstone?

A birthstone is a gem that has been assigned to a month of the year. Each stone has a different meaning and unique characteristics.

Where did they originate from?

Birthstones can be traced as far back as the old testament of the bible. Moses’ brother, Aaron, became the first high priest of the Israelites. Aaron wore a special breastplate that contained 12 unique stones, each one representing the 12 tribes of Isreal.

From here, things get a bit foggy until the first century AD. At this time the stones were assigned to the various zodiac signs and the connection between stone and month of birth was made. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the list we use today was widely accepted.

The Birthstones and their meaning:

January: Garnet

Garnet comes in a variety of colors but is most commonly a deep red. It is associated with friendship and protection for travelers.

February: Amethyst

Amethyst is renowned for its purple color. It is said to encourage wisdom and wit, and ward of drunkenness.

March: Aquamarine

Aquamarine comes in various shades of blue, which has led to its association with the sea. It’s said to bring calmness and harmony to marriage.

April: Diamond

We’re sure familiar with diamonds. A diamond represents purity and faithfulness – a fitting stone for an engagement ring.

May: Emerald

Emeralds are famous for their deep green color. They are said to bring the wearer youth and intelligence.

June: Pearl

Pearl’s are another widely common stone in jewelry. They are typically white in color. Pearls represent purity.

July: Ruby

Rubies are popular stones that are red in color. Due to their resemblance to blood, Rubies symbolize health, vitality, and strength.  Some ancient cultures believed they would protect them from evil.

August: Peridot

Peridot is lime green in color. It is associated with beauty and is said to ward off nightmares.

September: Saphie

Sapphires are famous for their rich blue color and are regarded as highly valuable stones. They are thought to protect the wearer’s loved ones from harm and represent trust.

October: Opal

Opal’s are beautiful stones that come in a range of color mixes. This variety has led to the belief that Opal’s can possess the traits of the other stones. They are also thought to bring confidence.

November: Citrine and Topaz

November has two birthstones; the dark yellow citrine and the lighter, orange topaz. These stones are associated with health, joy, and energy.

December: Turquoise and Tanzanite

Both of these stones come in various shades of blue. Turquoise is said to bring luck and success, and Tanzanite is thought to bring about an open mind.

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