Birthstones are jewels associated with each of the twelve calendar months, and your specific birthstone corresponds to the month of your birth. Each gem may hold unique significance for individuals, and many feel closely connected to their birthstone. Suppose you were born in March and love aquamarine because it symbolizes tranquility or maybe it evokes cherished memories of someone you love.
Attached personal meanings can enhance the experience of wearing your birthstone. There’s a long-held belief that different gems possess varying powers and meanings. Ancient astrologers believed that each gemstone offered healing and evil-preventing qualities to individuals born in their designated months, thus the term “birthstones.”
January - Garnet
Historically, garnets are thought to protect against nightmares and guide the wearer at night. Its deep red color often represents faith, love, courage, possibly giving the wearer a sense of heightened self-worth and confidence. Garnets are also said to symbolize protection, friendship, trust, and commitment.
February - Amethyst
Amethyst, known as the gem of royalty, passion, and hope, is believed to guard against anger or violence caused by intense passion. It may assist in overcoming difficulties and strengthening relationships. Its striking purple color is often associated with peace, purifying and calming energies.
March - Aquamarine
Rumor has it, in ancient times, seafarers believed that aquamarine protected them and reminded them of their loved ones back home during their extended sea voyages. Aquamarine is associated with creativity, hope, self-expression, and courage. Its greenish-blue color is synonymous with tranquility, clarity, serenity, and harmony.
April - Diamond
From ancient Greece to modern times, diamonds have symbolized love and commitment. They’re thought to symbolize eternal love, courage, and good health. Leaders and powerful figures have long worn diamonds, signifying strength and health.
May - Emerald
Emeralds are believed to promote health, fidelity, fertility, and wealth. Their captivating green color is associated with abundance, prosperity, and growth in all life aspects.
June - Pearl & Alexandrite
Pearls are symbolically linked to wisdom through experience, offering protection and attracting good luck and wealth. They may represent modesty and purity as well. These beautiful stones can assist in finding positivity in experiences and guiding one through challenging times.
July - Ruby
Rubies symbolize courage and strength, believed to protect against misfortune, allowing the wearer to live harmoniously with others. Rubies are seen as guiding stones and are thought of as a weapon against negative energies.
August - Peridot
Peridot historically represents courage, wealth, wisdom, and purity. This light green gem is considered to alleviate stress, lessen anger, and protect the wearer from evil, negativity, and harmful energy. It’s also known as the renewal and compassion jewel.
September - Sapphire
Sapphires are thought to signify truth and protection, bringing success to its wearers. They symbolize purity, wisdom, faith, loyalty, and serenity. The dominant rich blue hue of sapphires is often linked with royalty, abundance, blessings, and gifts. Moreover, sapphires come in all the rainbow colors except red, broadening your choices.
October - Opal & Tourmaline
Ancient lore suggests that opal stones help alleviate sadness and envy. The alternate birthstone for October, tourmaline, is also associated with hope, innocence, creativity, and possesses healing and restorative qualities.
November - Yellow Topaz & Citrine
Citrine is believed to bring success, wealth, enhance intellect, and rid negativity. Yellow topaz, November’s alternative birthstone, is thought to boost health and wellness in the body and spirit and shield the wearer from negative influence.
December - Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Turquoise & Tanzanite
All of the birthstone options for December are believed to possess healing properties. Zircon provides honor, wisdom, and riches to the wearer. Turquoise brings happiness and good fortune, while blue topaz signifies good health. Tanzanite, the latest addition to the group, is associated with spiritual protection, alchemy, transformation, manifestation, inspiration, and it strengthens the spirit for spiritual work.
Whether in the form of a necklace, pendant, ring, earrings, or bracelet, you’ll get years of enjoyment out of showing off your birthstone to family and friends. Or have a piece made using the birthstones of your children or grandchildren to make it even more personal. All these birthstones and more can be found at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers. Choose from new or vintage pieces, or even bag an antique! If you have colored birthstones that you would like appraised, contact the San Diego Gemological Lab to get an official certificate.