The Meaning of Birthstones in Jewelry
Hello Rockstars! I wanted to take some time to talk about the meaning of birthstones in my jewelry, because they are a huge part of my designs. Birthstones are a great way to personalize your jewelry because they add a layer of special meaning for you and also when you're gifting jewelry to someone special. I love to wear the birthstones of my husband and children that make a unique
family necklace, each stone represents someone close to me. Wearing them as colorful reminders of how special they are to me and how different they are as people makes my necklace something I treasure wearing every day. I also love
birthstone bangles as ways to represent the layers of your family,
each bangle can represent a grandparent, parent or stepparent, children, your siblings and best friends. You can literally wear your heart on your sleeve by layering on birthstone bangles and each stone is a secret that only you know why it's so special to you. While the original idea of birthstones is said to be related to the twelve tribes of Israel, and then to the astrological calendar, the modern birthstones were decided by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912. Each stone is said to have different properties, characteristics, and powers for the wearer. So you can choose a gemstone based on it's mystical powers to help you set your intention in life. While the origin or powers behind a birthstone may not resonate with everyone, the different gemstones are a great way to commemorate and celebrate special occasions in our lives. Be it a birthday, anniversary, new member of the family, or in remembrance of a special person or occasion, these stones are a great way to make your jewelry personal and unique to you. Below are all the birthstones I work with and why they have meaning to me:
January / Garnet
Garnet is most commonly a deep red stone that has long been thought to be the "traveler's stone"; providing guidance and security in travels. The stone is also said to promote stability, strength, and protection. Garnet is most commonly used to commemorate January birthdays, those born under the zodiacal sign of Aquarius, and 2nd anniversaries.
February / Amethyst Amethyst is a gorgeous purple stone in the quartz family. The purple color comes from iron and aluminum impurities in the quartz. Amethyst is the February birthstone and is given for the 4th, 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries. Legend has it that it brings wealth and power to it's wearer. It's also said to bring calm, bravery and contemplation.
Shop Amethyst Jewelry here!
March / Aquamarine The March birthstone is a stunning blue to green-blue stone in the beryl family. Aquamarine is exceptionally hard and has an outstanding glass-like luster. The name 'aquamarine' was derived from an old Latin expression which meant 'seawater'. Aquamarine is said to bring courage and happiness to it's owner.
Shop the necklace here!
April / White Topaz Topaz comes in many colors, but in its purest state it is colorless or white like the April birthstone. Ancient Greek culture believed that topaz promoted strength in its wearer. It is also said to help facilitate communication and r self-expression.
Shop White Topaz Jewelry here!
May / Emerald The May birthstone, emerald, is a beryl stone and is considered one of the most precious stones. It has deep green color given from chromium in the stone. The stone is said to promote luck and wealth to it's wearer.
Shop Emerald jewelry here!
June / Moonstone Moonstone has an extremely mystical feel because of its slight opaqueness, but mostly how it catches the light with a bluish white shimmer that resembles the moon. As light enters the stone, it is refracted and scattered and makes it seem to glow from deep within the surface of the stone. The June birthstone is associated with love.
Shop Moonstone jewelry here!
July / Ruby Ruby is the July birthstone and is said to promote generosity, creativity, spirituality, wisdom and prosperity, while lending protection to the wearer. Ruby is used to celebrate the fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries as well. Rubies are one of the most precious stones for its rich color and luster.
Shop Ruby Jewelry here!
August / Peridot Peridot is an idiochromatic gem, meaning its light green color comes from the basic chemical composition of the mineral itself and not from minor traces of impurities. The August birthstone and is said to bring protection, friendship and love to the wearer.
Shop Peridot Jewelry here!
September / Sapphire
Sapphire is the September birthstone and is designated for the 5th, 23rd and 45th wedding anniversary. It is said to have healing properties and promotes inner peace and enlightenment. Sapphire is the second hardest substance on earth after diamond- its rich blue color is stunning and highly sought after- sapphires come in other gorgeous colors as well.
October / Pink Tourmaline
Pink tourmaline is the October birthstone and the gem designated for the 8th wedding anniversary. Tourmaline is believed to strengthen the body and spirit, and also thought to inspire creativity. Tourmaline gemstones can be found in all colors of the rainbow and it's considered to be one of today's most versatile gemstones.
November / Citrine
Citrine is the November birthstone and is said to promote creativity and clarity to the wearer. Its bright color and feel is sometimes associated with radiating positive energy and success. It is also said to help heal the heart, kidney, digestive tract, liver and muscles. This is a fantastic gem and looks like sunshine.
December / London Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is the December birthstone and is said to promote healing and increase strength. Its color varies, but the London blue is the deepest of the blue topaz, often feeling a little steely- we like to call it "peacock blue" because of its richness. A gorgeous, richly colored stone that is perfect for the magic of the winter month.
I hope this helped you get a sense of the stones and their meanings. In the end, you create your own meaning for your jewelry, so use this just as a basic reference- make your piece truly special for YOU.
