Blog

Wearing jewellery with birthstones is a tradition going back to ancient times that is said to bring good luck to everyone accessorising with the proper gems. Originally related to the gemstones featured in the Book Of Exodus, modern birthstones have become a way to add a personal touch to wardrobes and extra meaning to thoughtful gifts.

In this blog, we'll guide you through the meaning behind each gem and how to take care of them, so you can find your perfect match.

January Birthstone - Garnet

The January birthstone is said to keep the wearer safe during travel and was worn by the ancient Greeks and ancient Egyptians. This deep red gemstone takes its name from the ancient Latin word 'granatum' (seed) which refers to its resemblance to pomegranate seeds.

Garnets represent friendship, power, and happiness - making them the perfect gift for January birthdays. To keep your garnet in pristine condition, clean the stone gently with warm soapy water and polish it with a microfibre cloth.

February Birthstone - Amethyst

This stunning gem comes in an array of shades, from pale lilac to deep purple, and was historically reserved for the highest royalty. The name of this gem is derived from the ancient Greek word 'amethystos' which roughly translates to 'sober'. Amethysts were thought to protect the wearer from getting too merry, and also thought to bring the wearer courage and strengthen friendships.

Even if you aren't born in February, amethyst is also a wonderful choice for valentines day. This gem was worn by Saint Valentine on a ring carved with an image of Cupid.

March Birthstone - Aquamarine

March falls under the Pisces zodiac, and as one of the three water signs, the aquamarine birthstone suits this month perfectly. Aquamarine literally translates to 'water of the sea' and sailors often wore this gemstone on long voyages to protect against danger. In the middle ages, aquamarine was often used as an antidote for poison.

This gem is thought to ward off any negative energy and comes in a range of stunning blue shades. Aquamarine jewellery is notably durable, which makes this birthstone an excellent choice for a long-lasting gift.

April Birthstone - Diamond

A firm favourite for engagement rings and necklaces, those lucky enough to be born in April have the diamond as their birthstone. The word diamond is derived from the Greek word 'Adamas' which means invincible. At a 10 on the Mohs scale, this gem is incredibly durable and is seen as a symbol of everlasting love.

May Birthstone - Emerald

Spring is the season of growth and rebirth, and the may birthstone is the perfect gem for this time of year. Emeralds are one of the most coveted stones and are said to bring the wearer youth and vitality. Known for their rich green colour, these gems were originally sourced from mines in ancient Egypt.

These vibrantly coloured stones were a firm favourite of Cleopatra and were once thought to offer unique healing properties. Ancient Romans dedicated this stone to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, and emeralds were loved by royalty.

June Birthstone - Pearl

Pearls have never been more en vogue, and for those born in June, there's even more reason to add them to your collection. These natural stones are loved for their soft sheen and subtle sophistication and can be worn in a wide range of styles.

The ancient Greeks believed that pearls were the tears of Aphrodite, and these gems have long been a symbol of purity and faithfulness. Pearls are also the traditional gift for 30 years of marriage, giving this gem even more meaning.

July Birthstone - Ruby

Known for their vibrant scarlet colour, ruby gemstones are the birthstone for July and also symbolise 40 years of marriage. Taken from the Latin word for red, rubies were seen as the 'king of the gems' by ancient Hindus and were worn to ward off danger.

These gems are also seen as a symbol of love and passion, which makes them the perfect gift for someone special. Rubies are a 9 on the Mohs scale, which makes them a durable choice for engagement rings and wedding bands.

August Birthstone - Peridot

The August birthstone is peridot, which is known for its distinctive lime green colour. Often known as the evening emerald, peridot was believed to be the tears of the volcano goddess Pele. Ancient Egyptians called peridot the gem of the sun and believed this stone harnessed the power of nature.

Peridot is thought to bring prosperity and good fortune to the wearer, which makes it a great gift for August birthdays. These gems are not well suited to ultrasonic or steam cleaning, so stick to soapy water and a microfibre towel to take special care of peridot jewellery.

September Birthstone - Sapphire

The birthstone for September is sapphire, one of the main four gemstones and is said to represent nobility. Known for its deep colouring, sapphire is taken from the Latin word 'sapphirus' which translates to 'blue stone'. Sapphires were worn by ancient Greeks for guidance, and sapphire jewellery was often worn by kings and priests.

October Birthstone - Opal

Opal is the birthstone for those lucky enough to be born in October, and the iridescent colours of these gems make it a wonderfully versatile choice for birthstone jewellery. These gemstones come in a wide array of shades, including pale yellows and deep greens.

The word opal comes from the Latin word 'opalus' - meaning precious stone. The colour-changing effect of opal comes from silica spheres diffracting light to create a rainbow of shades. These gems are said to bring good luck and are also thought to boost creativity. An opal necklace is also thought to protect the wearer from evil.

November Birthstone - Topaz And Citrine

Those born in November have two gemstones to choose from - Topaz and Citrine. Blue topaz is the most popular option for November birthstone jewellery, however, pink topaz is another wonderful choice. The most coveted gemstone is the imperial topaz, which has a distinctive deep golden colour. Citrine is a yellow gemstone derived from quartz, which is said to increase optimism.

Topaz jewellery is thought to give the wearer higher strength and intellect, and since topaz is such a versatile gem. finding the perfect piece for you is easy.

December Birthstone - Turquoise 

The December birthstone is turquoise, and the bold blue of this stone breathes new life into the darkest winter months. Turquoise jewellery is a wonderful gift for December birthdays and Christmas and is said to relax the mind. Turquoise rings are also said to keep away evil spirits, making them a perfect present.