Birth Month Stones: Your Jewelry Guide

Introduction to Birth Month Stones

January to December Birthstones

January, we have Garnet. This deep red stone symbolizes protection and friendship. It’s believed to promote good health and vitality, making it a kind of natural energy boost. The dark red gemstone represents both the modern and traditional birthstones for January. It is believed to date all the way back to 3100 B.C. Garnet is a group of minerals that can come in many different colors, but red is the most common color. People have associated garnets with many different meanings and beliefs as well. In ancient times, garnets were believed to have healing powers that could cure heart and blood disease. Today, garnets are believed to symbolize peace, health, and friendship. 

February with Amethyst. Known for its soothing qualities, it’s thought to aid in clear thinking and tranquility. Its purple hue adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. The ancient Greeks believed that their God, Dionysus, was the first to come across this gemstone. Amethysts come in various shades of purple, red, and blue, and their color intensity depends on the amount of iron and manganese present in the stone. It is believed to symbolize peace, focus, and courage. The most valuable amethysts have a deep purple hue and red flashes. While Amethyst is the primary birthstone for February, another gemstone associated with this month is Jasper. It derives its name from the old French word meaning “spotted” or “speckled” stone. Jasper is a dense and opaque gemstone found in various shades, including brown, red, yellow, green, and orange. Jasper is a type of chalcedony that people believe possesses spiritual and healing properties.

March features Aquamarine, which is as refreshing as its name implies. Imagine carrying a piece of the ocean with you. It’s said to bring calm and was once believed to protect sailors. Ideal for ocean lovers or anyone seeking peace. A beautiful beryl gemstone, most known for its light blue or blue-green color, is one of the birthstones for March. Its name means “water of the sea” in Latin, reflecting its oceanic hues. Aquamarine’s clarity and transparency make it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative pieces. Aquamarine has a rich history of beliefs and meanings, from protecting sailors to healing ailments. Today, aquamarine is believed to symbolize happiness, hope, and everlasting youth.

April's stone is the legendary Diamond. These clear gems are famous for their strength and beauty. They’re often linked to love and eternal bonds, making them a top choice for special jewelry like engagement rings. Diamond is one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. People have treasured diamonds for thousands of years due to their unmatched brilliance and durability. Formed from pure carbon deep within the Earth’s mantle, it can be colorless or range from yellow, brown, pink, or blue. Who wouldn't want a bit of sparkle in their life?

May with the gorgeous Emerald. This green beauty stands for growth and renewal. Its lush color reminds you of spring and fresh starts. Whether it’s a ring, necklace, or earrings, Emerald can add a rich, vibrant touch to your look. It is also one of the four precious gemstones, along with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Emeralds form deep within the Earth, commonly found in countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia. Some ancient cultures believed that emeralds had the power to bring good luck, enhance creativity, and soothe the soul. It was also believed that emeralds were Cleopatra’s favorite gemstone. They are thought to have many spiritual and emotional properties, such as promoting balance, harmony, and abundance.

June is special with two stones: Pearl and Alexandrite. Pearls are classic and give off a timeless vibe. Perfect for a classy look, they add a touch of elegance to any outfit. A Pearl is unique among gemstones as it forms within living creatures rather than the Earth’s crust. They come in various colors, including white, black, pink, and gold, and are prized for their lustrous surface and iridescence. Alexandrite, on the other hand, is unique; it changes color based on the light. It’s like getting two stones in one! From green to red, it’s got a warm charm that’s hard to beat. People also believe that alexandrite has spiritual properties, such as promoting intuition and enhancing creativity.

July ushers in the vibrant Ruby. Known for its fiery red hue, this gem symbolizes passion and safety. It's a striking addition to any jewelry box. This gemstone belongs to the corundum mineral family and is one of the four precious gemstones. Rubies come deep red but can also come with a hint of blue, pink, or purplish-red hues.  People believed that rubies protected wearers from harm and brought good fortune, and they associated rubies with love and passion.

August, we have Peridot. This pale green stone signifies strength and renewal. Its cheerful tone is ideal for the summer season. It has also been used to symbolize strength, courage, and abundance. Historians believe that Cleopatra’s favorite gemstone, emerald, may have been peridot. It is thought to have many spiritual and emotional properties, such as promoting positivity, happiness, and confidence. Sardonyx is a unique and beautiful chalcedony gemstone that is made up of bands of red brown sard and white onyx. Originally, it was the only birthstone for August until peridot was later added.

September showcases Sapphire, representing wisdom and nobility. The rich blue color captivates the eye and makes a bold impression. Sapphires are one of the four precious gemstones and one of the hardest gemstones. They have been used as a symbol of power and royalty, with one of the most famous sapphire jewelry pieces being Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring. Sapphire’s spiritual and emotional properties include promoting peace, clarity, and emotional balance.

October has two stunners: Opal and Tourmaline. Opal is like a painter's palette, bursting with colors that shift and change. It’s said to spark creativity and inspire. Opals come in a wide range of colors, from milky white to black, and can even have flashes of red, orange, and green. Some cultures believed that opals had the power to bring good luck and protect the wearer from harm, while others considered them a symbol of hope and purity.  Tourmaline, meanwhile, comes in tons of shades and is believed to bring balance and a sense of calm. There’s even a type of tourmaline called “Watermelon Tourmaline,” which displays green and reddish-pink hues like a watermelon. Tourmalines are known for their unique optical properties, such as their ability to become electrically charged when heated or rubbed. Both stones are unique and full of personality.

November, there’s Topaz and Citrine. Topaz usually comes in warm colors and is linked to warmth and energy. It is believed to promote strength, healing, and good fortune. Fun fact: the largest faceted gemstone ever discovered was a topaz, named the “El Dorado Topaz,” which weighed a whopping 31,000 carats! Citrine is bright yellow and is all about bringing joy and success.  It is a type of quartz gemstone and is also the second most abundant mineral on Earth. Citrine symbolizes positivity, abundance, and creativity and in ancient times, it was known as “the money stone”! They’re both great if you need a little mood boost or some positive vibes.

December has a trio of beauties: Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite. Turquoise is a cool blue-green stone that's been used for ages! Contrary to popular belief, the color turquoise was named after the gemstone, not the other way around. The vein-like markings you see on turquoise are called “the matrix,” and these markings lower the value of turquoise. In ancient Egypt, it was used to decorate the tombs of pharaohs and was believed to have protective properties. Zircon can come in many colors but is most known for its blue shades and wisdom vibes. Scientists believe that zircon exists in the sun, and it’s also been found in lunar rocks from the moon. Zircon is known for its brilliance and fire, which makes it a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. Tanzanite is a deep blue-purple gem that’s said to symbolize transformation and growth.  is a rare and highly valued gemstone that was first discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It is a type of zoisite mineral that is known for its distinctive blue-violet color, which ranges from pale lavender to deep purple. Tanzanite is typically found in only one location in the world, which is the Mererani Hills of northern Tanzania, and gets its name from its country of origin. Due to its limited supply and high demand, tanzanite is considered one of the world’s most rare and precious gemstones. Tanzanite is believed to promote wisdom, insight, and spiritual enlightenment. These stones are perfect for wrapping up the year on a high note.



Choosing Birthstone Jewelry

When picking birthstone jewelry, think about the vibe you want. Is it something bold or more subtle? Whether you’re into rings, necklaces, or bracelets, your choice should match your style and feel comfortable to wear. Birthstones are all about personal connection, so go with what feels right for you or the person you’re buying for.

Mixing birthstones with your outfits can be fun! You can make a statement or keep it low-key, depending on your mood. Let the stone shine and reflect your style. Remember, it’s not just about the look; it’s about how the stone makes you feel.

Next time you are out shopping for jewelry, consider adding a birthstone piece to your collection. It’s a cool way to add a bit of personal touch and meaning to your accessories.

We here at Orloff Jewelers cannot wait to help you select the perfect birthstone for your collection or as a gift. Come by today and see our beautiful color selections!