Running out of gift ideas? Thinking of how to express your love to a friend or significant other?
Then getting a piece of birthstone jewellery could be the perfect option.
A birthday gift is forever memorable, especially when it has a special meaning attached to it. Why not express your love with a piece of birthstone jewellery? It is a thoughtful idea anyone would appreciate!
But before buying a birthstone for yourself or a person you care about, read this article to discover the unique properties of each precious birthstone.
What is a Birthstone?
Birthstones are used to commemorate births, recognise milestones, and identify with the zodiac sign. They are gemstones that correlate with a person’s birth month.
Birthstones make a great gift and are known to bring good luck and fortune to the wearer. They are perfect for anniversary gifts, birthday gifts, or even as a special treat for yourself!
But First…The Origin Of Birthstones
Birthstones got their origin from the iconic Breastplate of Aaron—which contained 12 different gemstones. Each gemstone represented the tribes of Israel.
However, during the first century AD, people began wearing birthstones to symbolise their birth month.
While the origin of birthstones is a bit murky, they've been around for centuries and show no signs of going out of style anytime soon. So whether you consider yourself a history geek or simply enjoy wearing pretty jewels, check out your birthstone in this article!
The Twelve Months and Their Birthstones
There are 12 birthstones for each month of the year, each with a special meaning and significance. In the list below, we've put together the properties of each birthstone.
January: Garnet
Garnet is the birthstone for January.
This gemstone is known for its deep blood-red colour and it represents fieriness, love and passion. Garnet is perfect for anyone seeking extra energy, friendship, strength and courage.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst is one of the most precious stones ever. It represents the month of February.
This beautiful gemstone ranges in colour from pale lavender to deep purple and is associated with loyalty, tranquillity, peace and strength.
Amethyst is also known to promote creativity and help balance emotions. If your birth month is February, and you're looking for a piece of jewellery to treat yourself or a loved one, amethyst is sure to please.
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine represents the month of March.
This gemstone has a blue colour like the skies. Although, in its purest form, aquamarine is colourless. Aquamarine symbolises courage, confidence, youth, health and happiness. It is also rumoured to protect its wearer from accidents at sea.
April: Diamond
A diamond needs no introduction. It's the most popular gemstone and a girl's best friend.
Diamonds represent the month of April and are a pure sight to behold. Diamonds have been treasured throughout history and are renowned for their strength and beauty.
Today, diamonds are used for several jewellery styles and sure cost a buck. They come in black, yellow, blue and transparent colours. If you're looking for a unique piece of jewellery for someone born in April, a diamond birthstone ring or necklace is a great choice.
May: Emerald
May's birthstone is emerald, a beautiful green gem that represents rebirth, hope, renewal and growth. Emerald is a perfect gift for new beginnings.
Emeralds are a coloured variant of the beryl gemstone, and the finest specimens come from Colombia. If you're shopping for an emerald, be sure to ask about its provenance and get a certificate of authenticity from a reputable source.
June: Pearl
If you're born in June, your birthstone is the pearl (also known as a moonstone). Pearls are famous for their milky white colour and iridescent sheen.
They symbolise purity, fertility, loyalty and integrity. Pearls are also believed to have mystical powers and can bring good luck, love and protection.
July: Ruby
July's birthstone is the ruby, a vibrant red stone symbolising passion, courage and strength. The name "ruby" comes from the Latin word for red, "ruber." Rubies are considered one of the four precious gemstones, along with diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds.
Rubies have been prized throughout history for their beauty and rarity. In ancient times, they were thought to possess magical powers and were used to ward off evil spirits. Today, rubies are coveted for their beauty and durability, making them popular for engagement rings and other fine jewellery.
August: Peridot
August's birthstone is the peridot, a gemstone that is olive green and yellowish green in colour. The peridot is unique and can only be found in the earth's mantle.
Peridot represents good fortune and vitality. It’s a perfect gift for anyone embarking on a new adventure or facing a challenging situation.
September: Sapphire
Sapphire is the birthstone for September. This beautiful blue stone represents wisdom, sincerity and positive emotions. Sapphires are found in a variety of colours, but the most popular shade is blue.
If you're looking for a unique piece of jewellery to add to your collection, consider a sapphire.
October: Opal
Opal is a popular birthstone associated with good luck and fortune.
This October birthstone brings the wearer creative power, inspiration and confidence. Opals come in several colours, but the most popular are white opals, the rarest being black opals.
November: Topaz
Topaz is a beautiful birthstone for November.
This gemstone comes in various colours like yellow, golden brown, classic blue and pink. Topaz is renowned for its brilliance and sparkle, and it’s commonly associated with abundance.
December: Turquoise
December's birthstone is turquoise. It has a deep blue and greenish-blue colour. According to ancient folklore, turquoise symbolises good luck and protects the wearer from harm. The stone is also believed to promote healing and bring peace to the wearer.
Remember to Get Jewellery Insurance
Buying jewellery is a significant investment, and you should always go the extra mile to protect your jewellery. The best way to do this is by getting jewellery insurance.
If you're considering standalone jewellery insurance, JewelCover offers an annual revaluation by jewellery experts for free.
Conclusion
As the year comes to a close, it's time to start thinking of gifts for your loved ones. And what could be better than jewellery? Give a gift with a personal touch, with birthstone jewellery!
If you do decide to get a fancy birthstone for your nearest and dearest, don't forget to insure it to avoid unforeseen circumstances.
Let JewelCover do the heavy lifting for you. Contact us to insure your precious jewellery and get a quote in seconds. Let’s give your jewellery the ultimate protection.