the ultimate birthstone guide
Whether you're selecting a gift for a friend or a loved one, opting for a piece of jewellery that features their specific birthstone is always a thoughtful and personalised choice. There is a precious stone associated with each of the 12 birth months and many come in a selection of colours, which ensures that there's something to suit everyone's tastes and individual style regardless of the occasion. If you are looking for a beautiful piece of high-end jewellery for your loved one, why not consider a beautiful pair of luxury earrings, or necklace and pendants.
January:
Garnet
The year begins with the familiar dark red of the garnet stone, which is known for its association with the heart. This makes it the perfect selection for a romantic partner or a true friend. Not many people know that the garnet also comes in a range of other colours, however, so if you have a recipient with a January birthdate that has another favourite colour, the garnet can still be a perfect choice.
February:
Amethyst
This stone has long been associated with wisdom and peace, and its bright purple hue is the colour of February. Amethyst is actually a type of quartz, and it has been used in jewellery for centuries. It is perfectly suited for a wide range of jewellery items, from earrings and rings to necklaces and bracelets.
March:
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the perfect colour for those who are born in March, a water sign in the zodiac calendar, as it is the colour of a pure, calm sea. This gemstone is a type of beryl and you can get it in lighter or darker forms of the recognisable green-blue hue. It represents serenity and clarity, and it is meant to help soothe and restore the person who wears it.
April:
Diamond/CZ
They say diamonds are a girl's best friend and this is especially true if you were born in April. This iconic gemstone is often associated with engagement rings, but can be the feature of a wide number of jewellery pieces, especially earrings. Known for its colourless and clear appearance, the diamond is actually available in a range of colours, such yellow, amber and even pink which can add a unique twist.
May:
Emerald
The breathtaking and eye-catching green of the emerald is the classic colour of those born in May. This stone has been prized throughout the millennia because it is just so dazzling. It is mainly found in Colombia and then transported around the world for inclusion in a wide range of jewellery pieces.
June:
Pearl, Alexandrite, or Moonstone
Those born in June are particularly lucky because they have three stones associated with their birth month. The iconic pearl is a classic addition that is often found in family jewellery heirlooms, and moonstone has a similar pearlescent look. The lesser-known alexandrite, a form of chrysoberyl, is known for its colour changing properties that allow it to appear differently from day to night.
July:
Ruby
Everyone's heard the expression 'ruby red' and that's precisely what the birthstone for July embodies. Known to bring good luck, these gemstones are highly prized and luxurious. Ranging from pink to bright red, the ruby is made of corundum and represents love, passion, and fortitude.
August:
Peridot
This subtle, pale green gemstone is a gentle and refined choice for a gift for those born in August. A form of olivine, this stone is known for its rarity in the world, and can come in colours other than green. In fact, its name comes from the French word 'peritot', which means gold.
September:
Sapphire
Everyone's heard the expression 'ruby red' and that's precisely what the birthstone for July embodies. Known to bring good luck, these gemstones are highly prized and luxurious. Ranging from pink to bright red, the ruby is made of corundum and represents love, passion, and fortitude.
October:
Opal or Tourmaline
Another month with multiple birthstones, October offers two stones that each have a great variety. Opal is known for its almost glowing effect, and each stone can hold multiple colours. Tourmaline, likewise, offers a range of colour choices, from turquoise and bright green to pink and gold. It is thought to have healing and balancing properties, which make it the ideal stone to select for a jewellery gift.
November:
Yellow Topaz or Citrine
Both of these stunning stones come from the family of yellow gem colours, which makes them ideal for jewellery pieces that are designed to uplift the spirit. Citrine is another form of quartz and its name comes from the French word for lemon. Yellow topaz, just like citrine, is thought to represent confidence and the strengthening of the self both physically and mentally.
December:
Turquoise, Tanzanite or Blue Zircon
The year ends with those born in December choosing from three birthstone options, all of which take the form of a blue hue. Turquoise has the calm appearance of a Mediterranean sea, whereas tanzanite ? a form of zoisite ? has a dark blue appearance not unlike sapphire. Zircon is a popular third option these days as it is less well known, making it the ideal choice for someone who likes to stand out.