Glossary: Birthstone
Birthstones are used to add a touch of personalized beauty to a diverse range of jewelry pieces, from bracelets and rings to earrings and necklaces. Traditionally linked with individual months of the year, these colorful gemstones carry distinctive attributes and compelling lore that give them a charming aesthetic that enhances the look of fine jewelry pieces.
What Is a Birthstone?
Although no one knows for certain, birthstones are thought to trace back to the Bible, which details the breastplate of Aaron as having twelve gemstones for the twelve tribes of Israel. With that said, the concept of birthstones is present in a variety of different traditions, customs and belief systems.
What Is January's Birthstone?
The birthstone of January, garnet is available in a diversity of colors, from rich green to fiery orange to the popular reddish color of Pyrope Garnet. Considered to symbolize trust and friendship, garnet is also thought to promote joy, passion and increased energy. The gemstones look great paired with pearls or stones of contrasting colors.
What Is February's Birthstone?
A type of quartz, amethyst carries a stunning purple color, ranging from a blend of red and deep violet to a softer lilac hue. Thought to relieve stress and repel negativity, the stone can look very beautiful in fine jewelry when it’s cut well.
What Is March's Birthstone?
With its mesmerizing blue-green color, aquamarine creates a lovely accent to warm-weather wardrobes. It is thought to be a symbol of youth, vitality, health and hope.
What Is April's Birthstone?
Renowned for their unrivaled fire and sparkle, diamonds traditionally symbolize love and purity, which is why they are such a popular choice for modern engagement rings. For budget-conscious shoppers, white sapphire can also be used as an alternative April birthstone.
What Is May's Birthstone?
With its deep green hue and beautiful vivid tone, the emerald is regarded as a symbol of rebirth and love. It is also thought to aid relationships and ward away negatively.
What Is June's Birthstone?
Formed within a shelled mollusk, pearls are prized for their beauty and rarity. Alternatives to pearls for those born in June include Alexandrite, which changes color based on the lighting.
What Is July's Birthstone?
With their deep pink or blood red color, rubies are thought of as the stone of love, passion, health and wisdom. With a rating of nine on the Mohs' Scale hardness, rubies are almost as durable as diamonds.
What Is August's Birthstone?
A light yellow-green gem, peridot is thought to provide the wearer with power and influence, while also helping them unhinge from negative energies. Available in a brilliant range of colors, spinel is an alternative gemstone for August.
What Is September's Birthstone?
Prized for their popular deep blue color, sapphires are actually available in almost every color including yellow, pink and green. Most cultures associate the gem with joy and fulfillment, but it can also represent loyalty and trust.
What Is October's Birthstone?
Used in jewelry for hundreds of years, opals are beautiful precious stones associated with good fortune. Most often a green or white, opals can also come in red or black, which is the rarest type. The alternative stone for October is tourmaline.
What Is November's Birthstone?
Believed to be a healing gem, citrine is a beautiful stone thought to block negative energies and pave the way toward success. A brightly colored golden-yellow quartz, citrine gets its moniker from the French term for lemon. It rates a 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for any jewelry type. The alternative birthstone for November is yellow topaz.
What Is December's Birthstone?
December birthdays can claim three different gemstones; Tanzanite, Zircon and Turquoise. All three gems have unique blue tones, which are generally associated with peacefulness.
At John Atencio, our jewelry experts can show you how to select personalized jewelry featuring your birthstone or that of someone you love. Visit one of our locations and let our attentive jewelry experts guide you to the perfect jewelry piece or ideal gift for all the special people on your shopping list.