Birthstone Jewellery: A Trend
Birthstones have a long history and it's set to continue. These gorgeous gemstones will always be featured in jewellery for their stunning colours and deep meaning for some.
What are birthstones?
Birthstones are precious or semi-precious gemstones that are associated with each month. This association means you should wear the gemstone of the month you were born in. Birthstones are considered lucky amulets for wearers and for some, they believe each gemstone has certain healing properties that can align with the month too.
Where did birthstones originate?
While it's difficult to say when gemstones were exactly first associated with the months, their origins are often linked to both Hindu texts and the bible.
In the biblical book of Exodus, it describes the breastplate worn by Aaron, the first priest of the Israelites. The breastplate was adorned with 12 different stones, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. These stones were said to have held powers and had the ability to tell the wearers their fate. In the 5th Century, these 12 gems became associated with the 12 months and the Zodiac. Since that time, people have worn them for protection and eventually as a symbol of their birth month.
In Hindu texts, gemstones have also been associated with time since the 5th Century as well. The Ratna Pariksha, a Hindu text, describes the relationships between gemstones and deities, celestial bodies, and days of the week. Jewellery has been adorned with these gems and is a strong part of Hindu culture and traditions.
It wasn't till the 20th Century that birthstones were presented in their modern order and association. In 1912, the American National Retail Jeweler’s Association (now known as Jewelers of America), set out the official gemstone month association to standardise and sell more birthstone jewellery. Since then the list has changed a few times over the past century and we now have a traditional and modern list of birthstones.
What is my birthstone?
So, what's your birthstone? Check out the two lists below to find out your official birthstone in both modern and traditional styles.
Modern Birthstone List
- January — Garnet
- February — Amethyst
- March — Aquamarine
- April — Diamond
- May — Emerald
- June — Alexandrite
- July — Ruby
- August — Peridot or Spinel
- September — Sapphire
- October — Tourmaline
- November — Golden Topaz or Citrine
- December — Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, or Tanzanite
Traditional Birthstone List
- January — Garnet
- February — Amethyst
- March — Bloodstone
- April — Diamond
- May — Emerald
- June — Pearl
- July — Ruby
- August — Sardonyx
- September — Sapphire
- October — Opal
- November — Topaz
- December — Turquoise or Lapis
Birthstone Jewellery
Birthstone jewellery continues to be a popular option for many. It's a subtle piece of personalised jewellery you can wear wherever. It's not as bold a statement as a personalised name necklace, but not everyone likes that level of visibility. Birthstone jewellery allows you to show a personal side to you but still have a hint of mystery. There is every style you can think of when it comes to gemstone jewellery.
One thing to consider though before rushing to buy your birthstone jewellery piece is the cost. Gemstones can be incredibly expensive but there are plenty of alternatives. Imitation stones have the same beautiful hues and sparkle as earth made gems but without the price tag. Unless you want to use a gemstone for its associated powers, a man-made imitation will be better for your purse.
Shop Birthstone Rings & Jewellery
Our most popular birthstone jewellery is our birthstone rings. Our birthstone ring silver and our birthstone ring gold, both feature the traditional birthstone list. We use the highest-quality imitation stones to provide you with a stunning colour and shine at an incredibly affordable price. Select your month and we'll do the rest. We also offer a slightly different design in our Lana Stone Signet Ring.
We also feature a wide selection of birthstone inspired necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Some of our favourites include our Alicia Pearl Interlocking Earrings, Laila Opal Tablet Necklace and Callie Cuban Contrast Emerald Bracelet. We are all about affordable luxury, so we aim to keep our prices affordable but production quality high. If you can't find what you are looking for, check out the New In section to see our latest designs. You can also check out other trending jewellery here.