Birthstones: Every Month's A Gem | Custom Made Jewellery

Birthstones carry a unique charm, each representing a different month and offering a personal touch to jewellery collections. In Australia and beyond, these gems are not just decorative; they hold deep symbolic meanings and are often chosen to celebrate personal milestones such as birthdays and Mother’s Day. The tradition of gifting specific stones for each month adds a thoughtful layer to gift-giving, especially with custom pieces like the Mother’s Ring, where each gem can represent a loved one’s birth month. This article delves into the vibrant world of birthstones, exploring their historical roots, cultural significance, and the joy they bring to everyday life. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, understanding the story behind each month’s gem can enhance your appreciation and make your jewellery choices more meaningful.

The Rich Tapestry of History Behind Birthstones

The history of birthstones is a fascinating journey through time and culture, weaving together ancient beliefs and modern traditions. These gemstones, each linked to a specific month, have roots that stretch back to the breastplate of Aaron, as described in the Bible. This garment, worn by the Jewish high priest, contained twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel. The idea that these stones possessed unique powers carried into other cultures, where they were believed to bring luck, health, and protection.

The concept of assigning a gem to each month evolved over centuries, with the Eastern tradition of wearing a different stone for each month being one approach. However, the modern practice of wearing one’s birthstone throughout the year was popularised in Poland in the 18th century and became widespread in Western culture by the 20th century. The current list of modern birthstones was established in 1912 by the American National Retail Jeweler’s Association, now known as Jewelers of America. This list was adapted to include gems suitable for commercial jewellery making, focusing on those that were transparent and durable enough to be worn regularly.

This rich history highlights not just the beauty of these gems but also their cultural significance, embodying traditions that combine astrological beliefs with the human love for storytelling and ornamentation. Understanding this history enhances the personal connection to these stones, making them more than just accessories. They are a link to the past, carrying stories and meanings that are as colourful as the stones themselves.

Your Monthly Guide to Birthstones

Each month is represented by one or more gemstones, each with unique properties, lore, and history. Here’s a detailed guide to the birthstones by month, their significance, and characteristics:

January – Garnet

Garnet, the birthstone for January, is traditionally believed to protect its wearer during travel. The stone ranges in colour from deep red to vibrant green but is most commonly seen in its rich, fiery red form. Garnet symbolises friendship and trust, making it a perfect gift to start the new year.

February – Amethyst

Amethyst, a striking purple stone, represents February. Known for its calming properties, amethyst is said to bring clarity of mind and to help the bearer with decision-making. Its regal hue has been favoured by royalty throughout the ages and is often associated with spirituality and sobriety.

March – Aquamarine

Aquamarine, with its oceanic hues, represents those born in March. This gemstone ranges from light blue to deep azure and is believed to soothe and calm the wearer, which is why sailors historically favoured it for safe passage across stormy seas.

April – Diamond

Diamonds, the birthstone of April, are prized for their unmatched hardness and brilliance. Symbolising enduring love, they are a popular choice for engagement rings. Diamonds are believed to provide the wearer with better relationships and increased inner strength.

May – Emerald

Emeralds are celebrated for their rich green colour and are the birthstones for May. Historically, emeralds are associated with fertility, rebirth, and love. They are thought to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth.

June – Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone

June is one of the few months represented by multiple stones: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. Pearls suggest purity and are traditionally given as a wedding gift. Alexandrite changes colour under different lighting, symbolising adaptability. Moonstone is known for its calming effects and mystical look.

July – Ruby

Ruby, the birthstone for July, is considered the king of gems and represents love, health, and wisdom. It is one of the most coveted gemstones in the world, prized for its vivid red colour.

August – Peridot, Spinel

August celebrants have peridot and spinel as their birthstones. Peridot, with its signature lime green colour, is said to host magical powers and healing properties. Spinel is available in a variety of colours, though perhaps most striking when it appears as a deep red.

September – Sapphire

Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is most desired in its deep blue form but comes in various colours. It symbolises purity and wisdom and was a favourite of priests and kings.

October – Opal, Tourmaline

Opal and tourmaline represent October. Opal is known for its fiery range of colours, with each stone unique in its iridescence. Tourmaline is appreciated for its broader spectrum of colours and is believed to foster artistic expression.

November – Topaz, Citrine

November claims topaz and citrine as its birthstones, both known for their calming energies. Topaz can be found in a variety of colours, but the golden hue is the most popular. Citrine is prized for its charming yellow and orange shades and is thought to be a gift from the sun.

December – Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite

December is another month with multiple birthstones: turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Each of these stones is known for its unique blue tone. Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones and is considered a love charm. Zircon can range in colours, but blue zircon is especially popular in December. Tanzanite, discovered in Tanzania, is a recent addition and is valued for its extraordinary blue and violet hues.

This guide to birthstones not only enriches your knowledge about these beautiful gems but also helps in selecting meaningful gifts for loved ones, or even yourself, tailored to specific months and their unique properties.

Gillian’s Jewellery’s Advice on Buying Birthstones

Purchasing a birthstone is more than just selecting a piece of jewellery; it’s an investment in a symbol that carries personal or familial significance. When buying birthstones, whether for a personal collection or as a gift like a Mother’s Ring, it is crucial to approach the process with knowledge and care. Here are some expert tips to guide you:

Understand the Properties of Gemstones

Each type of birthstone has different physical and chemical properties that affect its durability and care. Hardness, for instance, is a critical factor; gems like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are suitable for everyday wear due to their resilience, while softer stones like opals require more careful handling. Familiarise yourself with the Mohs Hardness Scale, which can help guide your decision based on how frequently the jewellery will be worn.

Consider the Quality and Authenticity

Quality is paramount in gemstones. Clarity, colour, cut, and carat weight are all essential factors that determine a gem’s value and beauty. Seek out reputable dealers who offer certification for their gemstones, ensuring that what you’re purchasing is authentic and fairly valued. This is particularly important with gems like diamonds and sapphires, which are often treated to enhance colour and clarity.

Colour Variations and Treatments

Many gemstones come in a variety of colours, and understanding these can greatly affect your choice. For instance, while most people recognise sapphires as blue, they also come in pink, yellow, and other hues. Additionally, some stones may be treated to enhance their appearance. Disclosure of such treatments by the seller is essential, as it affects the stone’s value and care requirements.

Setting and Style

The setting of a birthstone in jewellery should not only be beautiful but also functional, protecting the gem from everyday wear and tear. Consider the lifestyle of the wearer; active individuals might benefit from a more secure setting like a bezel, which encases the stone. The style of the setting should also reflect the wearer’s taste, whether it’s modern, traditional, or bespoke.

Long-Term Care and Maintenance

Understanding the care required to maintain the beauty and longevity of the stone is crucial. Some stones, like pearls and opals, are particularly delicate and require specific care routines to prevent damage.

Consider the Symbolic Meaning

Lastly, consider the symbolic meaning of the stone. Birthstones carry rich symbolism and often personal significance to the wearer. This aspect can make the gift of a birthstone deeply meaningful, especially when incorporated into pieces like Mother’s Rings, which may combine the birthstones of all family members.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can make informed decisions that result in the purchase of a birthstone that not only looks beautiful but also holds enduring value and meaning.

Care and Maintenance for Birthstone Jewellery

Proper care is crucial to maintaining the beauty and longevity of birthstone jewellery. Simple steps include regular cleaning with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals, and storing jewellery in a soft, lined box away from other pieces to prevent scratches.

Final Thoughts

Birthstones offer a unique blend of personal and historical significance, making them a timeless choice in the world of jewellery. Whether you’re choosing a stone for a Mother’s Ring, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself, the right birthstone can carry a lifetime of memories. As we celebrate these gems, let’s embrace the beauty and individuality they bring to our lives.

Gillian's Jewellery

See all author post

Birthstones: Every Month’s A Gem | Custom Made Jewellery