Your birthday in a gemstone
From the fiery red of rubies to the deep blue of sapphires and the radiant green of emeralds, birthstones symbolise elegance and sophistication. Their unparalleled beauty is a testament to the sheer power of nature, and their rarity adds to their allure, making them coveted treasures.
Light dances across the surface of a birthstone, revealing its hidden depths, which is nothing short of soothing. 12 gemstones represent the secret world of each month waiting to be discovered by those with an eye for beauty.
Browse below to read more about yours ↓
Garnet
January Birthstone
Garnet, the birthstone for January, is a popular gemstone with a rich history and deep cultural significance. Known for its fiery red hue, garnet has been used in jewellery for centuries and is often associated with passion, energy, and love. This gemstone is also believed to have healing properties and can help improve one's physical and mental well-being.
Garnet is found in many parts of the world, including Africa, India, and the United States, and comes in various colours, such as green, yellow, and orange. Whether you're born in January or love this vibrant gemstone, garnet is a timeless choice that will turn heads.
Amethyst
February Birthstone
Amethyst is a beautiful gemstone that is commonly associated with the month of February. This stunning purple stone is a type of quartz and has been treasured for its beauty and symbolism for centuries. In ancient times, it was believed that amethyst could protect the wearer from drunkenness and other vices.
Today, amethyst is still highly valued for its deep, rich colour and is often used in jewellery, from earrings and necklaces to rings and bracelets. Whether you're looking to celebrate your January birthday or simply appreciate the beauty of gemstones, amethyst is a timeless and elegant choice.
Aquamarine
March Birthstone
Aquamarine is a captivating blue-green gemstone that is associated with the month of March as one of its alternative birthstones. This stunning gemstone is often compared to the colours of the ocean, with shades ranging from pale blue to deep blue-green.
Aquamarine has been used in jewellery for centuries and is often associated with peace, tranquillity, and clarity of thought. This gemstone is also believed to have healing properties and is said to protect the wearer. Whether you're born in January or simply love the serene beauty of aquamarine, this gemstone is a timeless choice for any occasion.
White Topaz/Diamond
April Birthstone
White Topaz, Diamond or Cubic Zirconia is commonly recognised as the birthstone for April, White Topaz is a beautiful and versatile gemstone that is often used in jewellery and has been associated with various spiritual and healing properties. White Topaz is a transparent, colourless form of quartz in many parts of the world. It is believed to have the ability to amplify energy, promote clarity of thought, and enhance intuition.
White Topaz is also often used in meditation and energy healing practices. While not widely recognised as an official birthstone for April, Topaz is a beautiful and meaningful gemstone that can make a stunning addition to any jewellery collection.
Emerald
May Birthstone
Emerald is a stunning gemstone that is associated with the month of May as its official birthstone. This vivid green gemstone is part of the beryl mineral family and is prized for its colour and rarity. In ancient times, emeralds were believed to have healing properties and were often worn as a talisman to promote good health and vitality.
Today, emerald is still highly valued for its beauty and symbolism, often representing growth, prosperity, and harmony. Emeralds are found in many parts of the world, but some of the most famous sources include Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil. Whether you're celebrating a May birthday or simply love the rich green hue of emerald, this gemstone is a timeless and sophisticated choice for any occasion.
Pearl
June Birthstone
Pearl is a timeless and classic gemstone that is associated with the month of June as its official birthstone. This unique gemstone is formed within the soft tissue of certain molluscs, such as oysters and mussels, and is prized for its lustrous, iridescent surface. Pearls have been treasured for their beauty and rarity for thousands of years and have been used in jewellery and decorative objects throughout history.
In many cultures, pearls are also associated with purity, innocence, and wisdom and have been used as symbols of power and wealth. Whether you're celebrating a June birthday or simply love the classic elegance of pearls, this gemstone is a timeless choice that will never go out of style.
Ruby
July Birthstone
Ruby is a striking and precious gemstone with July as its official birthstone. This stunning gemstone is a variety of the mineral corundum and is prized for its deep, rich red colour, often described as "pigeon blood" red. Ruby has been treasured for its beauty and symbolism for centuries and has been associated with love, passion, and courage.
In ancient times, rubies were believed to protect the wearer from harm and bring good fortune and were often used as talismans by royalty and warriors. Today, ruby is still highly valued for its beauty and rarity and is often used in high-end jewellery, from necklaces and earrings to engagement rings. Whether you're celebrating a July birthday or simply appreciate the fiery beauty of rubies, this gemstone is a timeless and unforgettable choice.
Peridot
August Birthstone
Peridot is a unique and vibrant gemstone associated with August as its official birthstone. This beautiful gemstone is a variety of mineral olivine and is prized for its olive-green colour, ranging from light yellow-green to deep olive green. Peridot has been treasured for its beauty and symbolism for thousands of years and is associated with power, protection, and healing.
In ancient times, peridot was believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer from nightmares. Peridot is still highly valued for its beauty and is often used in fine jewellery, from necklaces and earrings to bracelets and rings. Whether you're celebrating an August birthday or simply love the unique and vibrant green hue of peridot, this gemstone is a beautiful and meaningful choice.
Sapphire
September Birthstone
Sapphire is a stunning and precious gemstone associated with September as its official birthstone. This beautiful gemstone is a variety of the mineral corundum and is prized for its deep blue colour, although sapphires can also come in a range of other colours, including pink, yellow, and green. Sapphire has been treasured for its beauty and symbolism for centuries, and has been associated with wisdom, truth, and purity.
In ancient times, sapphires were believed to have protective powers and were often used as talismans by kings and queens. Today, sapphire is still highly valued for its beauty and rarity and is often used in high-end jewellery, from necklaces and earrings to engagement rings. Whether you're celebrating a September birthday or simply love the stunning beauty of sapphire, this gemstone is a timeless and elegant choice.
Tourmaline
October Birthstone
Tourmaline is a gemstone that is highly valued for its unique properties and exquisite beauty. It is the birthstone for the month of October and has been treasured for centuries for its diverse range of colors and stunning crystal formations. Tourmaline is a mineral group that is composed of various boron silicate compounds, which can produce a wide range of colors from pink, red, green, blue, yellow, and black, to colorless. It is also known for its pleochroism, which means that it can appear to change color depending on the angle from which it is viewed. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, tourmaline is also believed to possess healing properties and is often used in alternative medicine practices. With its stunning beauty and unique properties, tourmaline continues to captivate gemstone enthusiasts and jewellery lovers alike.
Whether you're celebrating an October birthday or simply love the transfixed effect of opal, this gemstone is a breathtaking and unforgettable choice.
Topaz
November Birthstone
Topaz is a gemstone that is highly prized for its beauty and durability. It is the birthstone for the month of November and has been admired for centuries for its stunning colors and crystal formations. Topaz is a silicate mineral that comes in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, blue, and brown. The most common color of topaz is yellow, which is often referred to as "imperial topaz." Blue topaz, which is the most widely used variety of topaz in jewelry, is produced by treating colorless topaz with heat and radiation.
Topaz is also known for its high refractive index, which means that it is highly reflective and can produce a brilliant sparkle. In addition to its beauty, topaz is also believed to possess healing properties and is often used in alternative medicine practices.
Today, Topaz is still highly valued for its beauty and is often used in fine jewellery, from necklaces and earrings to bracelets and rings. Whether you're celebrating a November birthday or simply love the vibrant and warm hues of Topaz, this gemstone is a beautiful and meaningful choice.
Tanzanite
December Birthstone
Tanzanite is a breathtaking and rare gemstone associated with December as its official birthstone. This beautiful gemstone was discovered in the late 1960s in Tanzania and is prized for its blue to violet-blue colour, ranging from pale and delicate to deep and vibrant. The Tanzanite birthstone is a variety of mineral zoisite known for its exceptional clarity and brilliance.
This beautiful gemstone has been treasured for its beauty and symbolism since its discovery and has been associated with spirituality, transformation, and creativity. Today, tanzanite is still highly valued for its beauty and rarity and is often used in high-end jewellery, from necklaces and earrings to rings and bracelets. Whether you're celebrating a December birthday or simply love the stunning and unique hues of tanzanite, this gemstone is a truly special and unforgettable choice.
your questions answered
More about birthstones
What is the most popular birthstone?
The most popular birthstone depends on the country and culture. In the United States, the most popular birthstone is the blue sapphire, which is the birthstone for September. This may be because blue is a popular color and because sapphires are associated with wisdom, loyalty, and faith. In other countries, different birthstones may be more popular. For example, in India, the most popular birthstone is the ruby, which is associated with good luck and success. In Japan, the most popular birthstone is the pearl, which is considered a symbol of purity and is associated with June birthdays.
In the UK, the most popular gemstone is the sapphire. The sapphire has a long history of use in royal and aristocratic jewellery in the UK, dating back to the medieval period. One famous example is the sapphire engagement ring worn by Princess Diana and later by Kate Middleton, which helped to increase the popularity of sapphires in the UK.
What gemstone did Princess Diana wear?
Princess Diana's engagement ring featured a large oval-shaped blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds, set in 18-carat white gold. The ring was created by the London-based jewellery designer Garrard and was originally chosen by Diana from a selection of rings presented to her by the designer. The ring was later inherited by Prince William, who gave it to his wife Kate Middleton when they became engaged. The ring is now a famous piece of jewellery and has helped to make blue sapphires a popular choice for engagement rings.
What gemstones are in the United Kingdom's crown jewels?
The United Kingdom's Crown Jewels contain a variety of gemstones, including:
- Cullinan I - Also known as the Great Star of Africa, this is the largest cut diamond in the world, weighing 530.2 carats.
- St. Edward's Sapphire - This large blue sapphire is set in the Maltese Cross at the top of the Imperial State Crown. It has been in the possession of the British monarchy since the 14th century.
- Black Prince's Ruby - This large red spinel is set in the front of the Imperial State Crown. It was previously believed to be a ruby and was worn by King Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
- Koh-i-Noor - This diamond, weighing 105.6 carats, is set in the front of the Queen Mother's Crown. It was originally mined in India and has been part of the Crown Jewels since the mid-19th century.
- Stuart Sapphire - This large blue sapphire is set in the back of the Imperial State Crown. It was originally owned by King James II and has been part of the Crown Jewels since the 18th century.
These are just a few examples of the many gemstones that are part of the United Kingdom's Crown Jewels. The collection also includes other diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and pearls, many of which have been part of the British monarchy for centuries.
Where did birthstones originate from?
The concept of birthstones dates back to ancient times, and the origin of birthstones is believed to be linked to the Breastplate of Aaron, a religious garment worn by the High Priest of the Israelites in the Bible. The breastplate was adorned with 12 different gemstones, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. The idea that each gemstone had a special meaning and was associated with certain months and astrological signs likely developed from this early religious tradition.
Over time, different cultures developed their own lists of birthstones, and the stones were often associated with specific beliefs and qualities. For example, in ancient India, gemstones were believed to have healing powers, and different stones were thought to be effective for treating different illnesses. In ancient Greece, the philosopher Pliny the Elder wrote about the idea that certain gemstones were associated with specific times of the year, and this idea was later adopted by the Roman scholar Titus Flavius Josephus.
Today, the concept of birthstones is popular around the world, and many people believe that wearing their birthstone can bring good luck and positive energy. The modern list of birthstones, which includes a different gemstone for each month of the year, was standardized in the early 20th century by the National Association of Jewellers in the United States.
