The 12 Modern Birthstones
Birthstones have been a popular form of jewellery for centuries. Each month is associated with a particular gemstone, and wearing that stone is believed to bring good luck, health, and prosperity to the wearer. In modern times, some birthstones have been updated or changed to include new gemstones. In this blog, we will explore modern birthstones and showcase beautiful jewellery pieces that feature them.
January Birthstone - Garnet
Garnet is a versatile gemstone that comes in various colours, with red being the most common. As January’s birthstone, it’s popular in the jewellery segment and believed to possess extreme healing properties. It’s also said to enhance energy, creativity, and passion while promoting self-confidence and positive thinking.
February Birthstone - Amethyst
Amethyst is a beautiful gemstone with various shades of purple, perfect for the February birthdays. It’s believed to promote calmness, balance, and inner peace while helping with addiction and negative habits. Its durability makes it great for everyday wear or special occasions.
March Birthstone - Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a blue-green coloured gemstone that belongs to the beryl family. It is the traditional birthstone for March.
The name “aquamarine” comes from the Latin words for “water” and “sea,” as the stone’s colour resembles the ocean. Aquamarine is believed to have calming and soothing properties, making it a popular stone for meditation and stress relief. It is also said to bring clarity and mental focus, as well as promote communication and self-expression. Aquamarine is a durable gemstone with a hardness level of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear. Its calming and soothing effects make it a popular choice for those seeking a sense of tranquillity and mental clarity.
April Birthstone - Diamond
Diamond is one of the most popular and sought-after gemstones in the world. It is known for its unparalleled brilliance, durability, and rarity. Diamonds are typically used in engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, and other fine jewellery. Diamonds come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. The most common colour for diamonds is white or colourless, but they can also be found in shades of yellow, brown, pink, blue, and green. Coloured diamonds are rare and highly prized. Diamonds are also believed to have powerful spiritual and emotional meanings. They are often associated with love, strength, and purity, and are said to promote courage, clarity, and inner peace.
May Birthstone - Emerald
Emerald is a precious gemstone that belongs to the beryl family and is known for its rich green colour. It is the traditional birthstone for May and is often used in fine jewellery such as rings, necklaces, and earrings.
In addition to their beauty, emeralds are believed to have powerful healing properties. They are said to promote vitality, love, and abundance, while also providing protection and enhancing intuition. Emeralds are often used in meditation and spiritual practices to promote balance and inner harmony.
June Birthstone - Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a rare and valuable gemstone that belongs to the chrysoberyl family. It is known for its unique colour-changing properties, with the stone appearing green in natural light and red in artificial light.
Alexandrite is a relatively recent discovery compared to other gemstones, with its first recorded finding in Russia in the 1830s. Since then, alexandrite has been found in various locations, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, among others.
As a birthstone, alexandrite is associated with June and is believed to represent balance and harmony. It is also said to bring good luck and help with decision-making.
July Birthstone - Ruby
Ruby is a precious gemstone and is the birthstone for July. It is known for its vibrant red colour, which is caused by the presence of chromium in its crystal structure. Rubies are highly valued for their beauty, rarity, and durability.
In addition to their stunning appearance, rubies are believed to have spiritual and emotional properties. They are often associated with courage, passion, and energy, and are said to help with motivation and success in life. They are also believed to promote self-confidence, creativity, and positive relationships.
Ruby is a relatively hard gemstone, with a hardness level of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear. However, it is still important to care for ruby jewellery properly to ensure it maintains its beauty and value.
August Birthstone - Peridot
Peridot is a beautiful green gemstone and is the birthstone for August. It is a form of the mineral olivine and is found in volcanic rocks, especially on the island of Hawaii, as well as in meteorites that have landed on Earth.
It has been used in jewellery for thousands of years, and ancient Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun” because of its brilliant green colour. It was believed to have protective powers against nightmares and evil spirits and was often used to adorn pharaohs.
Peridot is associated with prosperity, happiness, and good luck, and is said to bring positive energy to those who wear it. It is also believed to have healing properties and be useful in treating digestive and liver problems.
September Birthstone - Sapphire
Sapphire is a beautiful blue gemstone and is the birthstone for the month of September. However, sapphires also come in a range of other colours, including pink, yellow, orange, green, and purple.
They are a form of the mineral corundum, and are one of the hardest gemstones, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. They are found in many countries around the world, including Sri Lanka, Australia, Thailand, and the United States.
Sapphires have been highly prized throughout history and were believed to have protective powers against harm and negative energies. They were also associated with wisdom and loyalty and were often worn by royalty and members of the clergy.
In addition to their beauty, sapphires are also valued for their durability and are often used in engagement rings and other types of jewellery that are worn daily. They are useful in treating a range of ailments, including fever, inflammation, and mental health issues.
October Birthstone - Opal
Opal is a unique and colourful gemstone that is the birthstone for the month of October. It is known for its play of colours, which can include a range of hues such as red, green, blue, yellow, and orange, and can appear to change depending on the angle of observation and lighting conditions.
Opals are formed from a mixture of silica and water and are often found in sedimentary rocks such as sandstone and shale. The most valuable opals come from Australia, but they can also be found in other countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and the United States.
Opals were believed to bring good luck and protect against evil, while in the Middle Ages, they were associated with chastity and faithfulness.
They are relatively soft gemstones, with a hardness of around 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale, which means they can be easily scratched or chipped. It is important to take care when wearing opal jewellery and to avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures.
November Birthstone - Citrine
Citrine is a vibrant yellow gemstone that is the birthstone for the month of November. It is a type of quartz that gets its yellow colour from trace amounts of iron in its crystal structure. Citrine can range in colour from pale yellow to deep amber, and is known for its clarity and brilliance.
It is found in many countries around the world, including Brazil, Bolivia, Spain, and the United States. It is often used in jewellery, especially as a substitute for yellow diamonds, which can be much more expensive.
Citrine is believed to have a range of beneficial properties, both physical and emotional. It is said to help with digestion, boost the immune system, and promote healthy skin and hair. Citrine is also believed to have a positive effect on mental and emotional well-being and is said to promote feelings of joy, confidence, and abundance. Whether worn as jewellery or simply kept as a decorative object, citrine is sure to brighten up any space and bring a sense of warmth and positivity.
December Birthstone - Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is a stunning gemstone that is the birthstone for December. It is a type of topaz that has been treated to enhance its blue colour, which can range from pale sky blue to deep, intense blue.
It is found in many countries around the world, including Brazil, Russia, and the United States. It is often used in jewellery, both as a standalone gemstone and in combination with other gemstones such as diamonds.
Blue topaz is believed to have a range of beneficial properties, both physical and emotional. It is said to help with communication, creativity, and self-expression, and to promote feelings of calm and relaxation. Blue topaz is also believed to have a soothing effect on the body and mind and to help with a range of physical ailments such as headaches and asthma. Whether worn as jewellery or simply kept as a decorative object, blue topaz is sure to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any setting.