Gemstone of the Month Hub
Giving a birthstone as a gift of is a thoughtful way to show someone special that you care or you can just treat for yourself. Whether in a ring, a pair of earrings or a pendant necklace, birthstones can can make a piece of jewellery that little bit extra special.
The birthstones have meanings that go beyond their beautiful vibrant colours. Some people enjoy giving them specifically for their significant meanings, however, it is more commonly given in a piece of jewellery to someone born in that particular month. This article shows the months of the year with it's corresponding birthstone, as well as a brief description of their meanings. Click on the links for more in depth information on each birthstone.
Before you scroll through the list, here are some fun facts about birthstones:
- In ancient times, birthstones were believed to have magical powers which protected the owner or person who wore them.
- Wearing a birthstones is thought to bring good luck, good health and protection.
- Birthstones were traditionally linked to the Zodiac.
What stone are you? What does your stone mean?
January (Garnet)
January’s birthstone is garnet. It was once thought to be connected with blood and believed to be a purifier. Garnets are also thought to protect the wearer from having nightmares. These stones are long lasting and beautiful. They can range in colour from deep red to pink or even black.
Read more in our article dedicated to the garnet gemstone and in the GIA Gem Encyclopedia. You can also view and print our Garnet factsheet.
FEBRUARY (Amethyst)
The birthstone for February is amethyst. This is a durable and long lasting stone associated with tranquillity and peace. It is also thought to improve the appearance of the skin as well as preventing baldness. The stone comes in a variety of shades of purple from a deep rich purple to a pale lilac colour.
Read more in our article dedicated to the amethyst gemstone and in the GIA Gem Encyclopedia. You can also view and print our Amethyst factsheet.
MARCH (Aquamarine)
The birthstone for March is aquamarine. The aquamarine was thought to protect men who were at sea. It symbolises love, health, and hope. The colour of the stone is greenish-blue and ranges in the amount of colour saturation. Some aquamarines have more of a blue tinge, whilst others have more of a green tinge.
Read more in our article dedicated to the aquamarine gemstone and in the GIA Gem Encyclopedia. You can also view and print our Aquamarine factsheet.
Aquamarine Jewellery
APRIL (Diamond)
Diamond is the birthstone for April. Diamonds are one of the most popular gemstones in history. They are linked to feelings of love and romance as well as symbolising eternity and strength. This is why diamonds are used for romantic gifts like engagement rings, eternity rings and even wedding bands. These stones are one of the strongest minerals known to man and last for an eternity. The colour of diamonds can be clear and near colourless to a variety of colours like pink, yellow, and brown.
Read more in our article dedicated to the diamond gemstone and in the GIA Gem Encyclopedia. You can find more information in our article which shows how to create your own engagement ring.
Diamond Jewellery
MAY (Emerald)
The birthstone of May is emerald. This stone was thought to cure sickness and promote health. They were also thought to give wearers the ability to see into the future. Emeralds come in a variety of shades of green. The deeper the green colour, the more valuable the stones.
Read more in our article dedicated to the emerald gemstone and in the GIA Gem Encyclopedia. You can also view and print our Emerald factsheet.
Emerald Jewellery
JUNE (Pearl)
Pearl is the birthstone for the month of June. These are linked with modesty and chastity as well as happy marriages. Pearls are round shaped birthstones that come in a variety of colours and sizes and are an essential item of jewellery for many women.
Read more in our article dedicated to the pearl gemstone and in the GIA Gem Encyclopedia. You can also view and print our Pearl factsheet.
JULY (Ruby)
The birthstone for July is ruby. This stone as been around since ancient times and is linked with bodily protection and inner harmony. Rubies are a rich red colour which range from fiery pinkish-red to a deep brilliant red.
Read more in our article dedicated to the ruby gemstone and in the GIA Gem Encyclopedia. You can also view and print our Ruby factsheet.
Ruby Jewellery
AUGUST (Peridot)
Peridot is the birthstone for August. It was thought to be a stone that offered protection against night terrors as well as offering healing powers to those who wore it, as it could cleanse most bodily organs. A peridot is lime green in colour.
Read more in the GIA Gem Encyclopedia. You can also view and print our Peridot factsheet.
SEPTEMBER (Sapphire)
Sapphire is the birthstone of September. This gem is linked with purity and faith. In ancient times it was believed that the stronger the sparkle, the more faithful and honest the wearer. Sapphires are beautiful stones that suit a variety of precious metals and in particular look stunning in white gold, yellow gold and platinum. These stones are durable and are most commonly thought of as being a deep dark blue, however, they also come in other colours such as pink and yellow.
Read more in our article dedicated to the sapphire gemstone and in the GIA Gem Encyclopedia. You can also view and print our Sapphire factsheet.
Sapphire Jewellery
OCTOBER (Tourmaline)
Tourmaline is one of two birthstones for October, the other being opal. Tourmaline is thought to be amongst the most colourful gemstones in the world. Its name comes from the Sinhalese (Sri Lankan) term turmali meaning stone of mixed colours.
Read more in our article dedicated to the tourmaline gemstone and in the GIA Gem Encyclopedia. You can also view and print our Tourmaline factsheet.
Tourmaline & Diamond Halo Ring Set
A magnificent pink tourmaline diamond ring with a matching tiara diamond ring with a stunning 3.84ct pear shaped pink tourmaline.NOVEMBER (Topaz)
The birthstone for November is topaz. Topaz was linked with sanity, life and healing. The ancient Greeks also connected it with strength. Topaz comes in a variety of colours ranging from blue, pale green, pink, golden and red. Citrine is also known as the gemstone for November.
Read more in the GIA Gem Encyclopedia. You can also view and print our Topaz factsheet.
DECEMBER (Tanzanite)
The birthstone of December is tanzanite. Found in only one place on earth, near majestic Mount Kilimanjaro it is thought to facilitate a higher consciousness and perception as well as detoxifying the body and improving vitality. Tanzanites come in a stunning array of blue tones, ranging from deep velvety blue to light purple and is now one of the world’s most popular blue gemstones.
Read more in our article dedicated to the tanzanite gemstone and in the GIA Gem Encyclopedia. You can also view and print our Tanzanite factsheet.