The Hidden Meanings of Birthstones
Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each of the twelve months of the calendar. Your personal birthstone is related to the month in which you were born. Each gemstone can have a different meaning to each person, and some people feel strongly connected to their birthstone. Maybe you were born in March and you like aquamarine because it means serenity, or it reminds you of a person you hold near and dear. Attaching a personal meaning to your birthstone can deepen how you feel while wearing it.
It has long been believed that different gemstones hold different meanings and powers. Early astrologers believed that each gemstone imparted healing and protection against evil to the people born in its assigned month, which is why they are called birthstones.
So, what is my birthstone?
These are the traditional birthstones for each month.
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Pearl or Alexandrite
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot
- September: Sapphire
- October: Opal or Tourmaline
- November: Yellow Topaz or Citrine
- December: Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, or Turquoise
So now that we know the birthstones, let’s get into the spiritual and hidden meanings behind these birthstones. Anyone can wear these gemstones, regardless of the month you were born in, but the effects of these gemstones are believed to be stronger for those born in the respective months.
January:
Lore behind garnet says that it offers protection from nightmares and gives the wearer guidance in the night. The color red often symbolizes faith, love, and courage, and may make the wearer feel as though they have a boost of self-worth and self-esteem. Garnet’s deep red color is also said to signify protection, friendship, trust and commitment.
February:
Amethyst has been referred to as the gemstone of royalty, passion and hope. It is said to guard against anger or violence invoked by strong passion. It can help overcome difficulties and strengthen love in relationships. The brilliant purple color of this gemstone is often viewed as a symbol of peace, cleansing, and calming energy.
March:
In time long past, people believed that aquamarine protected seafarers and helped them remember those waiting for them at home when they were far away at sea. Aquamarine is said to promote creativity, hope, self-expression and courage. Additionally, the greenish blue color of aquamarine is associated with tranquility, serenity, clarity and harmony.
April:
Since the time of ancient Greece, the diamond has been the traditional symbol of love and commitment. Diamonds symbolize eternal love, courage, and good health. They have long been worn by leaders and figures of power to symbolize strength and good health.
May:
Emeralds have been associated with promoting health, faithfulness, fertility and wealth. The beautiful green color of emeralds has also been associated with abundance, prosperity, and growth within all aspects of life.
June:
Pearls, according to mythology and history, are symbolic of wisdom gained through experience. Pearls also believed to offer protection, as well as attract good luck and wealth. Additionally, they can represent modesty and purity. These beautiful stones may assist in finding the good in your experiences, and help guide you through hard times.
July:
Rubies symbolize strength and courage, and may protect against misfortune and allow the wearer to live in harmony with others. Rubies encourage the removal of negative energies from your path, and are seen as a guiding gemstone.
August:
Historically, peridot is believed to bring courage, wealth, wisdom and purity. This light green gemstone is believed to relieve stress and calm ager, as well as protect the wearer from evil, negativity, and all-around bad energy. It’s also known as the gemstone of renewal and compassion.
September:
Sapphires are believed to be a symbol of truth and protection, and to bring success to all who wear it. Sapphires are associated with purity, wisdom, faith, loyalty, and serenity, and the predominant rich blue color of sapphires is often associated with royalty, abundance, blessings and gifts.
October:
Ancient mythos states that opal gemstones will soothe sadness and envy. The alternative October birthstone, tourmaline, is also associated with healing and restorative qualities, and symbolism of hope, innocence and creativity.
November:
Citrine is known to bring success and prosperity to its wearers, and improves intellect and removes negativity. Yellow topaz, the alternative birthstone for November, promotes health and wellness in the body and mind, and protects from negative influence.
December:
All of the December birthstone options are said to possess healing properties. Zircon provides the wearer with honor, wisdom, and riches. Turquoise brings happiness and good fortune, and blue topaz conveys good health.
It is believed that these gemstones possess these qualities regardless of your birth month, but that the effects are amplified if you were born in that month!
If you are looking for birthstone jewelry, or are looking for a specific gemstone, contact us at 619-299-1500, or visit our showroom at 1851 San Diego Ave, San Diego CA 92110. Our knowledgeable and friendly salespeople would be more than happy to help you find the gemstone jewelry of your dreams!
