By: Diane Nicole Go, GIA Graduate Gemologist
When shopping for jewelry, you sometimes get this unexplainable feeling that draws you to a certain piece. There are many reasons behind it—the design, the color of stones that adorn it, the memory it evokes, or perhaps simply because it’s your birthstone.
Everyone knows what birthstones are or have at least heard about them. The April babies get Diamond— a timeless classic— while the July babies get the passionate red hues of Ruby, and so on. Each month features a stone or two (some even have three!) that best represents the month you were born in.
Where did Birthstones Come From?
There are two reasons behind having birthstones. The first is more biblical in nature. Aaron, the High Priest of the Hebrews, was given a breastplate by Moses with twelve precious gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These stones eventually became the basis for the birthstones of today.
The second reason is more relatable. People believe that your birth month influences your temperament, personality and the traits that you show to the world. To concretize this abstract concept, people used both astrological signs and birthstones. What’s special about birthstones, however, is that having them with you brings good luck and good health, along with the special properties unique to each stone.
Why Wear Your Birthstone?
Legends say that each birthstone comes with healing and therapeutic properties that can help the wearer. The birthstone for November, which is Citrine, is said to bring in wealth and happiness. Garnet, the birthstone for January, helps harness creative energy. By wearing your birthstone, you can heighten its healing powers! That’s essentially why wearing birthstone jewelry increased in popularity.
Because each birthstone comes with its own set of physical and spiritual properties, birthstone jewelry is a highly personalized piece that carries both sentimental and emotional value, whether it was given to you or you bought it for yourself. This explains why you feel an affinity towards a piece of jewelry— it represents the month you were born in and aligns with you so well! This is especially true since birthstones focus on chakras in your body and can balance or heal them. For example, Amethyst, which is the birthstone for February, helps balance the Crown Chakra. This is said to help restore your spiritual connection with your god, or even with yourself.
Whether you believe in the spiritual properties of the stone, or just simply enjoy wearing it, birthstone jewelry is a great way to express your individuality. And unlike clothes that go out of style or food that you eat, jewelry is an investment in the long run— a timeless, long-lasting piece that you can eventually pass on or keep as a memento. Plus, jewelry is something that you can wear daily to enhance your look, boost your confidence and protect you— a complete package!
Why Give Birthstone Jewelry?
Birthstone jewelry is a great gift that is beautiful and unique—a classic that will be loved for decades. Not only do they represent the month when your recipient was born in, but the act of giving birthstone jewelry comes with good intentions for the person’s health, safety and well-being. For instance, giving an Aquamarine ring to someone born in March is a great way of letting her know that you want her to be safe when she travels.
You don’t even need to stick to just one stone! For your partner, you can choose a piece that features both your birthstones. For a mother, you can even feature her birthstone, and those of her kids! That way, they will always remember their loved ones every time they wear their jewelry.
What’s Your Birthstone?
During the early 20th century, the National Association of Jewelers released a list of birthstones and the month they represent. Other cultures may have their variations, but this version is more well-known. Take a look at the official birthstones here:
| January: | Garnet | July: | Ruby |
| February: | Amethyst | August: | Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx |
| March: | Aquamarine and Bloodstone | September: | Sapphire |
| April: | Diamond | October: | Opal, Tourmaline |
| May: | Emerald | November: | Topaz, Citrine |
| June: | Moonstone, Pearl and Alexandrite | December: | Tanzanite, Blue Zircon and Turquoise |
