Do you know the Meaning Behind your Birthstone?

1. Do you know the Meaning Behind your Birthstone? You probably know what your birthstone is, and you might even have a shimmering necklace or ring with a beautiful setting highlighting it. But, do you know the meaning behind that stone? Each birthstone has a different meaning, and when you know what it is, it can make that piece of jewellery or gift even more special. Where did Birthstones come From? It’s thought that Flavius Josephus, a well-known Jewish historian, was the first to classify stones as birthstones. He believed that there is a connection between the twelve stones found on Aaron’s breastplate, which is mentioned in the Bible, and the twelve months and therefore, the zodiac signs. Originally, the custom was to wear a stone during its designated month for protection, rather than the stone representing your birth month. The lists defining which gemstones are associated with which months has changed over time, and even Josephus used a few different lists. However, in 1912 the American National Association of Jewellers came up with a list of birthstones as a way to standardise the tradition. The list was updated in 1952 and 2002. In 1937, Britain’s National Association of Goldsmiths made its own list, which is very similar to the American list. Birthstones and their Meanings The British list of standardised birthstones lists more than one stone for some months, but there are generally accepted stones and the others are often seen as alternatives. A Gregorian birthstone poem became popular after Tiffany & Co. published it in 1870. These verses lend meaning to each month’s stone. January – Garnet “By her who in January was born, No gem save garnets shall be worn. They will ensure her consistency, True friendship and fidelity.” This birthstone is believed to protect travellers, but it also represents love. It is symbolic of faith, consistency, loyalty and friendship. Anciently, people believed that if they wore garnets at night, they would give directional guidance. February – Amethyst “The February born shall find Sincerity and peace of mind,

2. Freedom from passion and from care, If they, the amethyst will wear.” While they are thought to free wearers from undue passion, amethysts are also believed to help strengthen relationships. In ancient times, Greeks believed amethysts protected from intoxication, hence the root word “amethystos,” which means “sober” in Greek. Amethysts have also been highly prized among royalty, who historically were the only people who could wear them. March – Aquamarine and Bloodstone “By her who in March was born No gem save bloodstone shall be worn. They will ensure her constancy, True friendship and fidelity.” Aquamarines are actually blue beryl stones. The Latin origin “aqua marina” means “water of the sea,” and describes its colour perfectly. This stone had a reputation as one with power to cure stomach, liver and heart diseases if the sick person drank water an aquamarine had been soaking in. In olden times, sailors often wore aquamarines with carved images of Neptune, the god of the sea, to protect them while sailing. Bloodstone was also used in ancient medicine, as it was believed to have power to detoxify organs, aid circulation, stop blood flow, prevent injuries and heal wounds. April – Diamond and Rock Crystal “She who from April dates her years, Diamonds shall wear, Lest bitter tears For vain repentance flow.” The word diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas” which means “invincible,” suggesting the wearer will have courage and power to conquer hardships. Rock crystal is a clear variety of quartz that doesn’t have any colour and looks much like a diamond. In ancient Japan, people thought the breath of a white dragon created quartz and Australian Aboriginals used these stones in rain rituals. Quartz is thought to bring clarity, power and energy to its wearer. May – Emerald and Chrysoprase “Who first beholds the light of day In spring’s sweet, flower month of May,

3. And wears an emerald all her life, Shall be a loved and a loving wife.” Emeralds were one of Cleopatra’s favourite gemstones. They are thought to bring strength to relationships and are symbolic of love, rebirth and fertility. Ancient Romans dedicated this gemstone to the goddess of love and beauty, Venus. Emeralds also symbolise patience, growth and wisdom. Chrysoprase is also green, but usually more of an apple green, although dark green stones are found. They symbolise divine truth, happiness, joy and healing. June – Pearl and Moonstone “By her who in June was born No gem save pearls shall be worn. They will ensure her constancy, True friendship and fidelity.” Pearls are symbolic of purity. Anciently, the Greeks thought that pearls were actually Aphrodite’s, the goddess of love, hardened tears of joy. This birthstone also represents marriage and is thought to bring personal integrity. Ancient Romans thought that moonstones were rays of the moon that had been solidified, so they, and the Greeks, associated the stones with lunar gods. This stone is associated with the power of mystery and is thought to assist in one’s inward journey. July – Ruby and Carnelian “The gleaming ruby should adorn All those who in July are born, For thus they’ll be exempt and free From lover’s doubts and anxiety.” Rubies are thought to protect wearers from worry and evil. Named the “king of gems” by ancient Hindus, this stone also represents passion and love. Carnelians are often used as a chakra stone to boost power, creativity, physical energy and compassion. August – Peridot and Sardonyx “Wear a peridot or for thee No conjugal fidelity. The August born without this stone, ‘Tis said, must live unloved; alone.”

4. This stone is thought to bring the joy of relationships to its wearer. Anciently, people thought the stones were tears of the volcano goddess, Pele, because they were found among volcanic ashes. Peridot is thought to protect from nightmares when it is set in gold. Sardonyx is a variety of onyx with red bands and it is believed to provide higher levels of optimism, stronger confidence and sharp mental discipline. September – Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli “A maiden born when autumn leaves Are rustling in September’s breeze, A sapphire on her brow should bind; To bring her joy and peace of mind.” Anciently, people thought that wearing a sapphire protected them from evil forces. In fact, they believed that a venomous snake would die when it was put into a sapphire vessel, so they thought the stone also protected its wearer from poisoning. It is symbolic of wisdom and purity. Lapis lazuli is thought to stimulate higher levels of the mind and help its wearers think clearly and objectively and release stress so they can reach inner peace. October – Opal “October’s child is born for woe, And life’s vicissitudes must know, But lay an opal on her breast, And hope will lull those woes to rest.” The opal is primarily thought to bring peace of mind to the wearer. It also brings faith, confidence and hope. Anciently, people thought that opal necklaces would ward away evil and even protect eyesight. November – Topaz and Citrine “Who first comes to this world below In dreary November’s fog and snow, Should prize the topaz amber hue, Emblem of friends and lovers true.” The topaz brings friendships and relationships and gives the wearer a higher intellect. It is also thought to offer health and strength both physically and mentally, spurring one’s soul to take action. Citrine is associated with personal power, success and abundance and is sometimes

5. known as the “success stone” or “merchant’s stone” as it is thought to bring success in business. December – Tanzanite and Turquoise “If cold December gave you birth, The month of snow and ice and mirth, Place on your hand a turquoise blue; Success will bless whate’er you do.” Turquoise is also thought to bring success and symbolises good fortune while it has the power to protect the wearer from harm and relax his or her mind. Turquoise rings are believed to keep evil spirits away. Some also believe this stone brings peace to the home and represents the wisdom of truth. Tanzanite is another chakra stone and is often used to connect the mind with the heart. It is sometimes referred to as a “stone of magic” that boosts spiritual awareness and insight. Birthstones have long been sought after as gifts and personal protectors. Whether you believe these stones have special powers or just like their symbolic meaning, birthstone jewellery is stunning and personal. To find a beautiful bespoke birthstone please click here.