We’ve all had a time in life where we’re in a jewellery store admiring the variety of different beautiful gemstones on rings and necklaces; whether you’re male or female, you’ve definitely had a look at a few different ones! But have you ever wondered what your gemstone is and what each stone means? Below, we’ve shared a short meaning behind different gemstones associated with each birth month.
January: Garnet
If your birthday is in January, your birth gemstone is a garnet; this is also the stone associated with the 2nd anniversary of marriage. The word garnet comes from the Latin word “Garanatus” meaning seed-like referring to the seeds of a pomegranate; in Greek mythology, a pomegranate was referred to as the gift of love. These associations make perfect sense considering smaller garnet stones look very similar to the shiny red seeds inside a pomegranate. It’s thought that garnets can heal the broken bond of two lovers which is why it’s sometimes given as a gift before a partner goes away somewhere. A garnet is a fairly durable stone and is best known for having a deep red colour.
February: Amethyst
In addition to being the birthstone of February, Amethysts are also associated with the 6th anniversary of marriage. Amethysts are commonly used in royal collections across the globe such as in Ancient Egypt or the British crown jewels. The word amethyst derives from the Greek word “amethustos” meaning sober. It was believed that if you were wearing an amethyst, you would not get excessively drunk or if you drank from a cup made of amethyst then you would not get drunk at all. Amethysts are known for their rich violet colour and are quite a durable gemstone.
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine stones are known for their beautiful seawater colour and are the gemstone of March. It’s believed that aquamarine stones have healing powers; people have believed that if you drink water when an aquamarine has been immersed, it can aid physical health. There are also beliefs that the stone can benefit mental health too. It is also quite a durable stone.
April: Diamond
Diamonds are known for their representation of eternal love. It was also once thought that they could bring courage. Ancient Greeks referred to diamonds as “adamas” meaning “invincible” due to them being one of the hardest substances in the world; there’s a reason for the saying ‘diamonds are forever’. It’s believed that diamonds can improve energy and bring peace. They’ve become very popular as a gemstone for engagement rings.
May: Emerald
May’s stone is an emerald. Emeralds are widely known for their rich green colour and are one of the most valuable stones; in fact, a fine emerald can be 2 to 3 times more valuable than a diamond. Aristotle said that he believed emeralds increase the owner’s importance during business, with reference to both speech and presence. Many cultures see this gemstone as powerful and it’s believed that it can bring good luck.
June: Pearl
June’s gemstone is a pearl (alexandrites are also associated with June). Many gemstones are discovered in the earth, however pearls are found in mollusks under water; they're also measured in grains rather than carats. It's believed that pearls represent wisdom and can provide you with protection; it's also said that they can attract good luck and wealth. Pearls are soft stones that can be scratched if not treated well.
July: Ruby
If you were born in July, your stone is a ruby (July is also associated with black onyx). The word ruby comes from the Latin word “ruber” meaning red. In The Orient, a ruby is referred to as “a drop of the heart’s blood of Mother Earth”. Hindus also believe that a ruby is the king of precious stones and leader of gems. Rubies are associated with power and love and are thought to inspire more emotion than other stones. They are a hard and durable gemstone.
August: Peridot
Peridot comes from the French word “peritot” meaning gold, as this gemstone leans towards this colour. As well as being the birthstone of August, it’s also associated with the 16th anniversary of marriage. Ancient Egyptians referred to peridots as the “gem of the sun”. They are a relatively soft stone and are known for their light yellow-green colour.
September: Sapphire
September’s gemstone is sapphire. The word derives from the Latin word “saphirus” and the Greek word “sapherios” which both mean blue. The Catholic Church and Ancient Persians see blue sapphires as a holy stone. Kings often wore them round their necks as they are thought to defend harm. Sapphires became a lot more popular when Prince Charles gave Lady Diana a sapphire engagement ring. It’s a very durable stone.
October: Opal
The birthstone of October is Opal (pink tourmaline is also associated with this month). Opal comes from the Greek word “Opallios” which means “to see a change of colour”. Opals are associated with love and passion, in addition to representing loyalty. It’s believed that they can enhance confidence and promote self-worth. Opals are a delicate and soft gemstone.
November: Citrine
Citrine is a fairly durable gemstone, associated with November (topaz is also associated with November). Years ago, citrine was extremely popular for its rarity, however it’s not as rare as it used to be nowadays. People have believed that citrine can aid physical health such as kidney and digestive problems. It’s also thought that they can bring energy and cleanse your body from negativity.
December: Tanzanite
December’s gemstone, Tanzanite, is extremely popular for its beautiful colour and rarity. It’s a soft to durable stone but is very resistant to scratches. When Tanzanite stones were discovered and word started to get about, Henry Platt from Tiffany & Co. gave the stones the name it has today. It’s believed that this stone can turn negativity into positivity.
If you’d like to find out more about different gemstones or other pieces of jewellery, get in touch with the team at Michael Jones Jeweller. Visit one of our showrooms or call our head office on 01604 632 548.
