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?
Its 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 Aarons 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, Britains 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 months 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,

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 doesnt 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 springs sweet, flower month of May,

And wears an emerald all her life,

Shall be a loved and a loving wife.
Emeralds were one of Cleopatras 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 Aphrodites, 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 ones inward
journey.
July Ruby and Carnelian
The gleaming ruby should adorn
All those who in July are born,
For thus theyll be exempt and free
From lovers 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.

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 Septembers 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
Octobers child is born for woe,
And lifes 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 Novembers 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 ones soul to take action.
Citrine is associated with personal power, success and abundance and is sometimes

known as the success stone or merchants 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 whateer 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.