Birthstones and Their Meanings: Personalizing Your Jewelry Collection
Birthstone Meanings & Powers
Birthstones are an ancient tradition first established by the biblical book of Exodus. A stone for each tribe, represented on the breastplate of the High Priest, later became a stone for each month. Initial translations tell us that the stones were called carnelian, chrysolite, beryl, jacinth, agate, amethyst, topaz, onyx, emerald, peridot, lapis lazuli, and jasper. Over the centuries, color became more important than the name of the stone itself, different translations emerged, and alternative gems became more popular for handcrafted gold earrings, rings, and bracelets, resulting in the modern collection of gemstone birthstones.
If you’re curious about birthstone meanings, Fondeur Jewelry is here with a list of the stones for each month and the symbolism they’ve acquired over the years. Read on to learn more about your birthstones and find gold gemstone bracelets and more that feature your favorites.
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January | Garnet
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February | Amethyst
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March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone
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April | Diamond
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May | Emerald
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June | Pearl | Alexandrite
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July | Ruby
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August | Peridot
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September | Sapphire
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October | Opal | Pink Tourmaline
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November | Citrine | Gold Topaz
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December | Blue Topaz | Tanzanite | Lapis | Turquoise
The birthstone meaning behind the January gem is thought to provide safety to travelers. The name, derived from the French word for seed, refers to the similarity between garnets and pomegranate seeds.
Some people also believe that garnet offers other protections, including serving as a shield against injury. Red garnets are even associated with love and vitality due to their blood-like hue.
The gemstone birthstone for the second month is a purple rock that ranges from light lavender to deep purple. The birthstone meanings and powers behind amethyst range to include providing courage to the wearer, helping strengthen relationships, and guarding against intoxication and addiction. In the past, purple and, therefore, amethyst were associated with royalty, and only kings and queens could adorn themselves with handcrafted jewelry made with amethyst. In the modern age, amethyst is more likely to symbolize clarity and spirituality.
March is the first month to feature two birthstone gemstones. Aquamarine is the traditional choice, while bloodstone is the contemporary option. The birthstone meanings behind aquamarine include healing powers that target the heart, liver, and stomach, as well as protection against the dangers of the sea. Bloodstone symbolism revolves around transformation. Modern spiritualists believe that meditation while holding a bloodstone will help you transform a part of yourself to help you get a new job, start a new relationship, or explore a new hobby.
As one of the most popular gemstones in the world, gold and diamond jewelry is everywhere. However, only April babies can claim this as their heritage. Diamonds became the symbol of everlasting love in the modern age when the DeBeers family started an engagement ring campaign to raise its popularity. Previously, diamond birthstone meanings were associated with inner beauty, spiritual energy, and a connection to the divine.
This member of the Beryl family is one of the most popular gems in history, along with ruby, diamond, and sapphire. Because of its green hue, genuine emerald jewelry is associated with fertility, nature, growth, and rebirth. Ancient Romans dedicated this stone to Venus, the goddess of beauty and love. Birthstone meanings for emerald have evolved in modern times, so it is also now associated with wisdom and patience.
In ancient times, pearls were believed to be the hardened tears of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. She was born from the sea, so they come from the sea. Pearls also enjoy birthstone meanings associated with purity, honesty, and wisdom because of their immaculate appearance. Cultured pearl jewelry is also connected to celestial beings and dragons in Chinese culture.
Alexandrite's birthstone meaning and powers revolve around prosperity and luck, as well as longevity. Named for Alexander the Great due to its discovery on his birthday, Alexandrite is a spiritual stone that has a deep connection to your heart and crown chakras.
Another red gemstone, ruby, is very different from garnet because of its hardness on the Moh’s scale and the fact that it comes in a rainbow of different hues. However, the birthstone meanings between the two bear some similarities. Ruby is also associated with love, passion, physicality, and strength. Warriors liked wearing gold gemstone necklaces, rings, and bracelets featuring rubies because they believed it would enhance their stamina and prowess in battle and bed.
The birthstone gemstone for August is a light green stone with shades that sometimes veer into yellow. Peridot birthstone meanings are all about strength because these gemstones were believed to come from the ashes of volcanoes. If set in a minimalist gold ring or bracelet, peridot is supposed to protect you from nightmares.
Once thought to protect against evil and poison, modern birthstone meanings for sapphire include wisdom, purity, and spirituality. Like ruby, sapphire is also a corundum stone that comes in a range of colors, including yellow, purple, and pink. However, only blue sapphires supposedly have healing properties.
October’s birthstones are opal and tourmaline. While opal represents faithfulness and confidence, tourmaline symbolizes love and compassion. Opal birthstone meaning and power have also been thought to repel evil and protect your vision. Tourmaline’s powers are supposed to assist with emotional healing.
Both bright yellow or gold in hue, the November birthstones are citrine and golden topaz. Citrine is amethyst’s cousin, so they have some of the same birthstone meanings, including healing. Additionally, citrine is thought to invoke happiness. Topaz symbolism includes prosperity, wealth, and success due to its association with the sun and with the color gold.
December is the month with the most possible birthstone options, including all manner of blue gems. Here are some birthstone meanings associated with each one:
- Blue Topaz: Wealth and its ability to attract gold
- Tanzanite: A connection to higher consciousness and intuition
- Lapis Lazuli: An intellectual stimulant, harnessing focus, communication, and wisdom
- Turquoise: Promotes good fortune, success, and protection from spirits
Find Your Gem!
Now that you know your birthstone and its meanings, you can find a piece of jewelry that features it for a deeper connection to your spiritual self. Shop our collection of dainty gold jewelry and customize a piece with your birthstone today!