Birthstone: Which One is Right for You?

A birthstone is a precious or semi-precious stone that represents each person's birth month. You can wear your birthstone in a piece of jewelry, or as a pendant. What is the origin of this tradition, and what is your stone according to your birth month, from January to December? Follow the guide.

Origin of Birthstones

In Western tradition, the origin of birthstones is believed to come from Judaism. The High Priest of Israel wore a breastplate, called a hoshen, which was set with 12 precious stones, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. Around the 9th century, religious treatises began to assign a stone to each apostle. People then started to keep one stone from each month to wear during the appropriate period. It was only a few centuries later that the tradition of wearing only one's birthstone began.

Today, the list of stones by month varies somewhat depending on the country. It is determined by associations of jewelers or gemologists. In the original Israelite list, there were notably crystal, onyx, and jasper, which have disappeared from modern lists.

Which stone according to your birth date?

How do you find your birthstone? You need to refer to the tradition of assigning a precious or semi-precious stone to each month according to a calendar. Here is the gem that corresponds to each month.

January Birthstone: Garnet

The deep red of garnet, its most common color, has led to the name of this stone also being used to describe this specific hue. But, in truth, garnets can be found in many colors. They are found almost everywhere on the planet, from Greece to Wyoming, including Madagascar.

Garnet is the birthstone for January. This stone is said to bring serenity, prosperity, and health to the home.

February Stone: Amethyst

Amethyst is a purple quartz that offers a very pleasing combination of red and violet. Its name comes from the Greek "methustos," which means "intoxicated." The Ancients believed that amethyst could prevent drunkenness. As quartz is abundant, amethyst, the birthstone for February, can be found in all corners of the world.

Amethyst is associated with purple, but it can be found in shades ranging from light rosy purple to deep purple. Throughout history, amethyst was a symbol of royalty and religion. Leonardo da Vinci said that amethyst increases intelligence and clears negative thoughts.

March Stone: Aquamarine

With its pale blue, aquamarine evokes the tranquility of the sea. Its color can vary between blue and green. The March birthstone, aquamarine, is mainly found in Brazil. Like emerald, it is a variety of beryl.

Traditionally, aquamarine is the precious stone that protects sailors. By extension, it is said to promote safe travels. The serenity emanating from aquamarine is believed to bring calm. In the Middle Ages, it was thought to protect against poisoning. It is also considered the stone of reconciliation.

April Birthstone: Diamond

Who doesn't know the diamond? The hardest stone on the planet was made to symbolize the eternal nature of love. But also to be worn daily, given its exceptional durability. The most common diamond is transparent, but they exist in all colors.

Traditionally, the April birthstone was associated with healing properties. The Ancients believed that diamonds could remove toxins from the blood, cure nervous diseases, etc. Today, diamonds primarily symbolize love and commitment, as well as strength.

May Birthstone: Emerald

Emerald is the birthstone for May, right when spring is in full swing. This is quite logical, given that it is the stone of rebirth. It comes in different shades of green, although the most sought-after emeralds are dark green.

Emerald is said to promote foresight, luck, and youth. Egyptians held this precious stone in great admiration, as did most Mesoamerican civilizations. Medicinal properties are also attributed to the May birthstone: it is believed to treat stomach ailments, epilepsy, and stop hemorrhages. It is also said to bring serenity.

June Birthstone: Pearl

The pearl is a unique semi-precious stone: it is the only one created by living organisms. The birthstone for June, the pearl is made of calcium carbonate by mollusks. But only oysters are capable of producing the nacreous pearls so sought after in jewelry.

The pearl is believed to have relaxing effects. It is said to bring mental clarity, stimulate intuition, and imagination.

July Birthstone: Ruby

Ruby, the birthstone for July, is one of the most precious stones on the planet, and has been since ancient times. In Sanskrit, the word used for ruby means "king of precious stones." It is highly valued for its color, hardness, and rarity.

Due to its deep red color, the ruby has long been associated with life-giving blood. The Ancients believed that the ruby could increase energy, raise one's level of consciousness, multiply courage, and promote success in business, love, and on the battlefield.

August Birthstone: Peridot

The August birthstone is probably the least known of all. The cheerful green (reminiscent of lime) of peridot perfectly symbolizes summer. Its color, which can range from yellow-green to brownish-green, depends on its iron content.

The Egyptians called peridot the "sun stone." It was believed to protect against the dangers of the night.

September Birthstone: Sapphire

When one thinks of sapphire, one often thinks of the deep blue of this mineral. But the birthstone for September exists in every conceivable color, except red (in which case it's a ruby). It is the presence of metals such as iron, titanium, or copper that gives sapphire its color. The price of sapphires varies greatly depending on their color, origin, clarity, etc.

Sapphire symbolizes sincerity, loyalty, integrity. It is said to promote self-discipline, avoid distractions, and channel higher powers.

October Birthstone: Tourmaline

The birthstone for October, the month of early autumn, is tourmaline. As the foliage of the trees offers us a symphony of colors, the multicolored character of tourmaline perfectly matches this month.

Tourmaline has the characteristic ability to become electrically charged. In this state, it can act like a magnet. This is probably why it was used as a talisman to protect against negative waves and ward off evil spirits. Today, some still believe that tourmaline protects against pollution, radiation, toxins, and negative thoughts.

November Stone: Citrine

Citrine is a variety of quartz that comes in many shades of orange, ranging from yellow to brown. Its similarities with topaz often lead to these two stones being confused.

Citrine, the birthstone for November, has the reputation of being able to calm angry spirits and promote prosperity. It was used by Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, etc.

December Birthstone: Turquoise

Turquoise has been appreciated since time immemorial for its distinctive blue color. Several shades of turquoise are common, ranging from light blue to pastel blue-green. The December birthstone is very universal: from Persia to Egypt, including Turkey, from Native American tribes to the Aztecs, turquoise has historically been present and sought after everywhere.

Turquoise, which represents paradise, is appreciated for aesthetic reasons. But also because it was believed to protect its wearer. It was therefore used to decorate weapons, jewelry, and to make talismans.

Birthstone by Astrological Sign

The date of birth determines a person's astrological sign. There is also a stone associated with each sign. For example, for Capricorn, the birthstone is ruby:

Birthstone	Stone
Aries	Hematite
Taurus	Sapphire
Gemini	Agate
Cancer	Emerald
Leo	Onyx
Virgo	Carnelian
Libra	Peridot
Scorpio	Aquamarine
Sagittarius	Topaz
Capricorn	Ruby
Aquarius	Garnet
Pisces	Amethyst

 

Find a piece of jewelry with your stone at Miller

Miller, the specialist in antique and luxury pre-owned jewelry, has many signed and unsigned pieces that may feature your stone:

• Bracelet with birthstone
• Necklace
• Ring set with your stone
• Pendants
• Earrings

Taureans, in particular, will be spoiled for choice among our sapphire jewelry selection. A birthstone necklace is the ultimate personalized gift. Consider it for a birthday, Mother's Day, Christmas, Valentine's Day, etc.

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