Gemstones

The Birthstone

Birthstone Jewelry has been a staple for birthday gifts forever. Now remembering what birthstone your spouse is can be a task. We thought we would add a handy list to make remembering a little easier.

The History and Meaning of Birthstones

Birthstones are gemstones associated with specific months of the year. This ancient tradition dates back thousands of years to the Bible's breastplate of Aaron, which featured twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These same gemstones eventually became associated with the twelve months, and wearing your birthstone is believed to bring good fortune, protection, and healing.

Ancient Origins: The concept of birthstones originated in ancient Jewish texts and has been maintained for centuries across multiple cultures and religions.

Personal Significance: Many people choose birthstone jewelry to celebrate their birth month or commemorate loved ones. Birthstone jewelry makes meaningful, personalized gifts.

Symbolic Properties: Each birthstone carries traditional symbolism and meaning. Many believe wearing your birthstone brings positive qualities and protection.

Birthstones by Month

January - Garnet: Deep red gemstone symbolizing protection, loyalty, and vitality. Believed to promote energy and strength. Commonly used in rings, necklaces, and earrings.

February - Amethyst: Purple quartz gemstone representing peace, clarity, and spiritual awareness. Increasingly popular choice for beautiful color and affordability.

March - Aquamarine: Blue-green gemstone symbolizing courage, calmness, and clarity. Associated with the sea and water. Beautiful for jewelry of all types.

April - Diamond: Clear gemstone symbolizing strength, purity, and everlasting love. Most precious birthstone and most popular engagement stone.

May - Emerald: Green gemstone representing rebirth, growth, and wisdom. Precious gemstone valued for brilliant green color and symbolism.

June - Pearl: Organic gemstone symbolizing purity, innocence, and new beginnings. Classic choice valued for elegance and versatility.

July - Ruby: Red precious gemstone symbolizing passion, courage, and love. Most valuable variety of corundum. Associated with power and protection.

August - Peridot: Light green gemstone symbolizing prosperity, good health, and protection. Ancient gemstone referenced in biblical texts.

September - Sapphire: Blue precious gemstone (also available in other colors) symbolizing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Durable and appropriate for all jewelry types.

October - Opal: Iridescent gemstone symbolizing hope, creativity, and imagination. Unique optical properties create distinctive beauty and appeal.

November - Citrine: Golden-yellow quartz gemstone symbolizing prosperity, abundance, and positive energy. Alternative birthstone is topaz.

December - Turquoise: Blue-green gemstone symbolizing communication, protection, and healing. Alternative birthstone is blue topaz or blue zircon.

Popular Birthstone Jewelry Styles

Birthstone Rings: Solitaire or accented rings featuring your birthstone. Can be worn as everyday rings or special occasion pieces.

Birthstone Necklaces: Pendants with your birthstone. Often personalized with initials or combined with other meaningful stones.

Birthstone Earrings: Studs or drops featuring birthstone gemstones. Versatile pieces appropriate for any occasion.

Birthstone Bracelets: Line or bangle bracelets with birthstone gemstones. Can feature single birthstone or multiple family birthstones.

Multi-Birthstone Jewelry: Pieces combining multiple family members' birthstones. Create personalized family heirloom jewelry.

Choosing Your Birthstone Jewelry

Consider Your Style: Does your birthstone complement your personal aesthetic? Choose metals and settings matching your style preference.

Think About Durability: If wearing daily, choose harder gemstones (sapphire, diamond, ruby). Softer stones (opal, pearl) require more careful handling.

Budget for Quality: Precious gemstones (diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald) cost more. Semi-precious options (amethyst, citrine, peridot) offer excellent value.

Metal Selection: Yellow gold (warm), white gold (contemporary), rose gold (romantic), or platinum (luxury). Choose metal coordinating with your existing jewelry.

Custom Combinations: Combine your birthstone with loved ones' birthstones to create meaningful, personalized pieces.

Birthstone Jewelry Care

Gentle Cleaning: Different gemstones require different care. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless gemstone is specifically hard enough.

Professional Guidance: Ask us about specific care instructions for your gemstone. Some require delicate handling; others are extremely durable.

Secure Settings: Have settings professionally inspected regularly. Multiple prongs holding gemstones require periodic checking.

Proper Storage: Store birthstone jewelry carefully to prevent scratching or damage. Keep in soft cloth or dedicated jewelry box.

Birthstone Jewelry FAQs

Q: Can I wear someone else's birthstone?
Absolutely. There's no rule against wearing any gemstone. Many people wear gemstones for their beauty rather than birth month significance.

Q: Are birthstones always precious gemstones?
No. While some birthstones (diamond, ruby, sapphire) are precious, others (amethyst, peridot, turquoise) are semi-precious but equally beautiful.

Q: Can I customize birthstone jewelry?
Yes. We create custom birthstone jewelry with any combination of gemstones, metals, and designs to match your vision.

Q: What if my birthstone doesn't match my style?
Many birthstones have alternative options, or you can choose a different gemstone entirely. We can help you find beautiful personalized options.

Q: Is birthstone jewelry a good gift?
Yes. Birthstone jewelry makes meaningful, personalized gifts appropriate for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions.

Q: Can birthstone jewelry be upgraded?
Yes. Our trade-in program allows you to upgrade to larger stones, better quality, or different metals while receiving fair value for current pieces.