With a lustre that gleams with the light of a thousand stars and their significance lauded since aeons, birthstones or precious gemstones are some of the most mystical and gorgeous elements in the world.
What is a birthstone and what does it mean?
From glistening rubies and sapphires to emeralds and diamonds, several precious gems have been discovered across the world and many more are probably yet to be. These gemstones are often associated with the wearers’ birth months and zodiac signs and are, hence, labelled as birthstones. People are asked to wear them in a particular metal to reap the benefits of these stones.
Additionally, owing to their regal aura and extravagant charm, wearing or possessing birthstone jewellery is a highly coveted style that has been in vogue since the times of Egyptian pharaohs.
So, whether you wear them to harness their energies and benefits or because they lend a classy look to your ensemble, birthstone jewels deserve all the space in your jewellery troves.
Moreover, if you would love to own such distinctively fine pieces or gift them to your loved ones, this birthstone guide is all you need to go through. But before getting to that, how do you know which of the birthstones is suitable for you?
Why should you buy jewellery according to your birthstone?
Like crystals, gemstones too are known to have healing properties that one can benefit from as per their birth month or zodiac sign. While they are known to bring good luck and abundance, they also help in releasing mental, physical and emotional blockages. They offer protection from negative energies, instil calmness and bring positive changes in your life.
As per astrology, they work towards reducing your problems and the faults in your birth chart caused by planetary alignment. To reap the benefits of these gemstones, it is usually advised to wear them in the form of jewels so that they are constantly in contact with your skin. This is because gemstones are extracted from the earth and are made of five elements— water, fire, air, earth and space. On coming in contact with your skin, these gemstones attract the energies and vibrations of the sun and the planets, and pass them into your body to bring the desired balance and results.
How to choose your birthstone?
As the name suggests, birthstones are commonly associated with the months you are born in. They are also based on zodiac signs and are classified into modern and traditional birthstones. Thus, you can choose yours from either type.
Furthermore, a list of traditional birthstones initially originated between the 16th and 18th centuries. In 1912, the Jewelers of America updated that list and released another one with modern birthstones. This list is revised periodically. For this edit, we have mentioned the stones according to birth months.
Here are some stunning jewellery you can get as per your birthstone
January – Garnet
With its name originating from the mediaeval Latin word granatus, which means ‘pomegranate’ owing to its red colour, garnet is a dazzling gemstone that looks so exotic. It dates back to the ancient times when garnets were worn in elaborate necklaces. The birthstone is also known to have plenty of healing properties like balancing root chakras, regulating blood circulation, flushing out toxins from the body and recharging your sexual energies.
A January birthstone, garnet’s colour palette also spans hues like deep violet, green, yellow and orange beside the most commonly found red. And when it comes to jewels, it looks especially stunning in rings, necklaces and earrings.
Shop garnet jewellery here
February – Amethyst
Amethyst is derived from the Greek word amethystos, which means ‘not drunk.’ Ancient Greeks believed that no matter how much one drank, they would not get intoxicated if they wore an amethyst or had it in their mouth.
Admired for its deep purple hue that also ranges to a pale lilac shade, the February birthstone has been long connected with royalty and was a highly preferred jewel of kings and queens.
While this powerful gemstone is symbolic of personal empowerment, heightened intuition, inner strength and mental clarity, it looks equally stunning when worn as jewellery. Be it a pair of dainty earrings, a diamond and amethyst necklace, a bracelet or a beautiful ring, one can never go wrong with this stone.
Shop amethyst jewellery here
March – Aquamarine
Originating from a Latin term that means ‘seawater’, an aquamarine comes in a colour palette of blue to slight greenish-blue and is a member of the beryl family. Back in ancient times, the mariners carried this stone, believing that it would keep them safe at the sea and would make them unconquerable.
In modern times, the March birthstone is known to protect, enhance intellect and bring marital bliss. Its water-esque calming look and royal aura in fine jewels have always appealed to the likes of royals such as Queen Elizabeth II and Meghan Markle. It makes for a perfect stone for fine jewels like rings, earrings and even tiaras.
Shop aquamarine jewellery here
April – Diamond
Diamonds, they say, are a girl’s best friend. And justly so!
The gem has been a status symbol for ages and is prized for its scintillating beauty, clarity and brilliance. The name comes from the Greek term adamas, which means ‘invincible’, aptly indicating the hardness of diamonds.
Diamonds make up for one of the most coveted possessions to date and look stunning in any design and form. The April birthstone is symbolic of strength, longevity and eternal love. No wonder the universal symbol of marriage and love is often a diamond engagement ring.
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May – Emerald
The May birthstone emerald is believed to enhance the intellect of its wearer and promote healing. Its name is rooted in ancient Greek and originates from the term smaragdos, which stands for ‘green gem’. Emeralds have been one of the most desired gemstones since the time of ancient Egyptians.
From enchanting the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra to being the cynosure of the Crown of Andes, emeralds have been revered by the highest royalties and continue to captivate many to date. The stunning green hue of an emerald always looks rich and remarkable no matter what type of metal it is encrusted in.
Shop emerald jewellery here
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June – Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone
You’re surely a lucky one if you’re born in June. This is because this month has three birthstones, which gives you more than one jewellery option to choose from. They are pearl, moonstone and alexandrite.
Pearls are highly desirable for jewellery and are hailed for their timeless charm. While pearls are believed to be ‘teardrops fallen from heaven’ for the Middle Easterners, their origin according to ancient Chinese lore is credited to the brain of a dragon. Representing purity, honesty, wisdom and simplicity, pearls are available in a lot of shapes, sizes and hues.
Alexandrite is one of the rarest gems in the gem world, owing to its remarkable colour changes when seen in different lighting. From exuding a red to purplish hue in incandescent light to appear green to bluish in daylight, this rare June birthstone was first discovered in Russia and named after Alexander II.
Finally, moonstone, which is admired for adularescence (an optical phenomenon of a milky bluish glow that appears to move as the stone is turned), gives the impression of moonlight floating on water. It is believed to bring luck to its wearer and is associated with fertility and femininity.
Shop pearl and moonstone jewellery here
July – Ruby
Rubies are the king of gemstones and crown your entire jewellery chest like no other. Its name is derived from the Latin word ruber, which means ‘red’ (the colour of passion and love). Its colour ranges from a deep red, with a hint of purple, to red with pink and orange undertones.
Rubies have been symbolic of different things in different cultures. However, they have always been fancied among the most renowned gemstones everywhere. From being a mark of strength, protection and vitality to imparting wisdom, wealth and calmness to their wearer, rubies have always been considered lucky. And as beneficial as they are believed to be, rubies look equally exquisite and spectacular when worn as adornments.
Shop ruby jewellery here
August – Peridot
Peridot is the modern August birthstone that is a yellowish, lemony-green gem variety of the mineral olivine. The name of this gemstone is derived from the Arabic word faridat, which means ‘gem’.
It has been a valuable stone since ancient and mediaeval cultures and was used as a protective talisman for centuries, especially to ward off evil spirits at night. The peridot birthstone has emotional and psychological healing properties and directly works on the heart chakra.
Shop peridot jewellery here
September – Sapphire
A captivating stone that gets its name from the Greek word sappheiros, the September birthstone Sapphire is a very popular and one of the most-treasured gemstones. While it comes in a lot of colours, the most commonly worn and adored is undoubtedly the gorgeous blue one.
Sapphires have been long associated with royalties (like Kate Middleton who wears a sapphire engagement ring that once belonged to Princess Diana) and the elites since ancient times and continue to charm everyone’s hearts even today. Traditionally, they have been symbolic of sincerity, nobility and fidelity and are believed to hold healing properties and protect their wearer from physical harm. As much mysticism this gemstone is surrounded by, it looks equally extravagant when worn in the form of jewels, especially rings.
Shop sapphire jewellery here
October – Opal, Tourmaline
October-borns enjoy the beauty and vastness of two birthstones — opal and tourmaline. Opal originates from the Sanskrit term upala, which translates into ‘a precious stone.’ It went on to become opalus in ancient Rome.
Treasured and adored for their dramatic rainbow-like play of colours, opals are sometimes compared to galaxies, volcanoes and fireworks. They are also associated with light and magic. Thus, they are known to bestow the gift of protection, prophecy, luck and healing to their wearer.
Available in countless varieties and colours, the modern October birthstone tourmaline has its name stemming from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which stands for ‘stone mixed with colours.’ Owing to its multiple colours, it was believed by ancient mystics that the stone inspired artists and their creativity because it had a hue for every mood.
The tones of pink, green and blueish-purple are some of the most sought-after tourmaline shades for jewellery.
Shop opal and tourmaline jewellery here
November – Topaz, Citrine
Much like October, November-borns, too, are lucked out with two birthstones to wear and flaunt. Desired for its calming yellow and orange shades, citrine is a beautiful variety of crystalline quartz. Associated with healing and happiness, this gemstone is believed to bring warmth and relaxation to its wearer.
Similar to Citrine is the second November birthstone topaz, which comes in a wide variety of colours like light blue, orange, pink, yellow (the most popular one) and brown. The stone had been favoured by both ancient Greeks and Romans for its ability to provide strength, intelligence and healing to its wearer.
Shop topaz and citrine jewellery here
December – Turquoise, Tanzanite
The December birthstone tanzanite was discovered in Tanzania and has a hue ranging from rich blue to deep violet. This gemstone is believed to impart its wearer with spiritual awakening, enhanced intuition and higher consciousness. After its discovery, it was promoted by Tiffany & Co. in 1968 in an advertising campaign.
These birthstones include not only transparent gems but also various opaque varieties. It has been favoured since the time of ancient Egyptians and is liked by fans of the turquoise hue.
Believed to have beneficial powers and bring good fortune and well-being to the one who wears it, this gemstone looks classy in jewellery pieces like rings, brooches, earrings and dainty necklaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What is the purpose of wearing stones?
The purpose of wearing precious stones is to attract balance, harmony, positivity, healing, abundance and luck into your life. They also help in minimising or altering the influence of faults in your birth chart due to planetary alignment. You can also wear stones to ward off negative and bad energies.
– What are birthstones?
Birthstones are precious gemstones (such as emeralds, sapphires, rubies and topaz) that are associated with a wearer’s birth months.
– Do birthstones affect health?
Yes, wearing the right birthstone can have a positive effect on your health as these gemstones have healing properties.
– Where can I get birthstone jewellery online?
You can shop birthstone jewellery online through various trusted and authentic jewellery stores or multi-designer platforms such as Selfridges, Saks Fifth Avenue and Matches Fashion.
(Prices of the products mentioned in the story are subject to change.)
(Hero & Featured Image Courtesy: Anthony Calandrelli/Pexels)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: A birthstone is commonly believed to bring good luck and positively impact your life, because of all the benefits and energies they are believed to have.
Answer: Birthstones can be based on either the month one is born in or their zodiac sign. Some people also prefer wearing birthstones as per the days of the week.
Answer: Some of the rarest birthstones include alexandrite, tanzanite and black opals. Their rarity owes to several factors like the regions they are found in, their price and the physical qualities they have; for instance, alexandrite changing colours under different lighting.
Answer: Yes, one can have two and even three birthstones. For instance, months like November (citrine, topaz), October (opal, tourmaline) and June (pearl, alexandrite, moonstone) have more than one birthstone.
With an academic background in Public Relations, Divya has a flair for writing about topics spanning genres like lifestyle, beauty, fashion, travel, FnB, tech and entertainment. She fancies everything that's a wholesome blend of contemporary finery and timelessness. Quirky earrings and tees are her weakness. When not creating content, you will find her devouring food, snuggling in with a book and a cup-a-chai, admiring skies or revisiting Hogwarts.
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