Birthstones
Birthstones Explained
The origin of birthstones dates back to ancient times with legends being woven around the different attributes that birthstones have.
Traditionally, a birthstone is associated with each month of the year- For example, the birthstone for February is amethyst, while babies born in May get an emerald as their birthstone.
Gemstone jewellery set with your own or a loved one’s birthstone is very popular because of its personal significance. Whether you’re looking for a gemstone ring for yourself or a pendant set with the birthstone of a child or family members we’re here to help..
January
Garnet
Garnet, the birthstone of January, is mined in a rainbow of colours.
Garnet comes from the latin ‘granatum’ meaning pomegranate because the crystals resemble the fruit’s beautiful jewel red seeds. A spiritual stone of higher thinking it is also a stone of strength safety and abundance.
It is regal looking set in yellow gold and combined with pearls or even diamonds.
From the fiery orange of Mandarin Garnet to the rich green of Tsavorite and the most widely recognised dark red colour of Pyrope Garnet, it is considered a great gift to symbolise friendship and trust.
February
Amethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone of February, is a variety of Quartz that carries a spectacular purple colour, ranging from a blend of deep violet and red to a lighter lilac hue.
Such a wonderful rich colour associated with high status and crown jewels for many centuries it is magnificent set with diamonds in gold and features in many eye-catching cocktail rings.
The word Amethyst comes from Greeks who believed the stone kept the mind balanced, strengthened relationships and gave its wearer courage. Ancient Greeks believed that the stone protected the wearer from drunkenness and enabled them to keep a balanced mindset.
March
Aquamarine
Aquamarine, the birthstone of March has long been a symbol of youth, health and hope. Its mesmerising sea water colour gave the gem its name and it was once believed to be the treasure of mermaids and to have brought sailors good luck and protection.
From the same mineral family as emerald – Aquamarine named for ‘aqua marina’ or water of the sea has an almost mesmerising effect and was believed by some to be the treasure of mermaids. Said to endow wearers with courage and happiness, and associated with youth, health and hope Aquamarines are often free from inclusions seem as clear as water and are stunning in all types of jewellery.
April
Diamond
Diamond, the birthstone of April, is commonly associated with love which makes it the perfect gift for that special someone. While white diamonds are most common, fancy coloured diamonds can be found in yellow, blue, pink and many more. Black and ‘salt and pepper’ diamonds are becoming more popular in recent times.
The most precious of all gemstones and one of the hardest substances on earth the name Diamond is from the Greek work adamas, meaning “invincible. It’s already known as a symbol of eternal love in engagement and wedding jewellery it also symbolises longevity, strength, beauty and happiness . The sparkle and fire of a diamond is unparalleled.
May
Emerald
Emerald, the birthstone of May, carries a glowing rich green colour and radiates a beautiful vivid tone. They are considered to be a symbol of rebirth and love. Emeralds are amongst the rarest of gemstones and are typically mined in Zambia, Colombia and Brazil.
Ireland is often romantically described as “the Emerald Isle” and this vibrant green gemstone is thought of by many as the very definition of green. Seen on the heads of royalty in ornate tiaras and around the necks of Hollywood’s brightest stars at award ceremonies this enchanting gem is just as pretty in a solitaire pendant. Considered to be a symbol of rebirth and love and long believed to have the power to make its wearer more intelligent and quick-witted, the May birthstone emerald has captured hearts and minds through the ages.
June
Pearl
June birthday stone is the gem from the water – Pearls. Pearls have been wildly popular in jewellery for centuries because of their natural beauty.
Pearls are organic gems that grow inside the tissue of a living saltwater or freshwater mollusk (either an oyster or a mussel). Ancients in the Middle East believed that pearls were teardrops fallen from heaven and bestowed on the wearer long life and prosperity. Though pearls come in many colours white Pearls have long been associated with style, elegance purity, humility and innocence and are a great a wedding gift.
July
Ruby
Ruby, the birthstone of July, is considered the king of gems and represents passionate love, health and wisdom. It was believed wearing a fine red Ruby bestowed good fortune on its owner. The word Ruby comes from the Latin word for red – Ruber.
One of the most coveted of all gems, in ancient India, ruby was called the “king of precious stones”. Known to bring good health and fortune to wearers Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum coloured by the element chromium.
August
Peridot
August is the latest month to claim two birthstones; Peridot and Spinel. Peridot, with its signature lime green colour, is believed to instil power and influence in the wearer. Spinel is available in a brilliant range of colours and is believed to protect the owner from harm and soothe away sadness.
The word “peridot” comes from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem. Worn in ancient times for protection it is also known as a symbol of opportunity and prosperity. Its vivid green shade occurs due to iron content present in the mineral. This birthstone is known for being formed under extreme conditions, as it can be found in the hardened lava that carried it from deep within Earth’s mantle as well as in meteorites that travelled from outer space.
September
Sapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone of September, is best known in its pure, rich blue colour but is present in almost every colour including pink, yellow and green. In the Middle Ages the gem was believed to protect those close to you from harm and also represented loyalty and trust.
Prized since ancient times Greeks wore sapphire for guidance when seeking answers from the oracle. Although the term sapphire usually refers to the blue variety of corundum (ruby is the red variety), this birthstone comes in a rainbow of other colours that dazzle with their incredible lustre. Sapphires have been long associated with romance and royalty and it is also said to foster spiritual enlightenment.
October
Tourmaline
October also has two birthstones; Tourmaline and Opal. Tourmaline is a favourite gemstone for many because it’s available in a rainbow of beautiful colours. Opal gemstones are truly unique because each individual gem is adorned with a one-of-a-kind colour combination.
The name “tourmaline” comes from the Sinhalese words tura mali, which mean “stone of mixed colors.” and no gems can match it’s rainbow array of shades. Among the most popular are the pink and red rubellites, the bi-colour green and pink “watermelon” stones, the emerald green “chrome” tourmalines, and the very popular neon green “paraíba”. Different colours of tourmaline are thought to have their own healing properties. Pink tourmaline is for love, compassion and gentleness and Green tourmaline promotes courage, strength and stamina.
November
Citrine
November birthdays are associated with two gems; Citrine and Topaz. The warm colour of Citrine is said to be a gift from the sun and it’s believed to be a healing gemstone as well as attracting prosperity and abundance. Topaz is most desired in its rich orange Imperial Topaz colour but it is found in a variety of rich colours like blue, pink and yellow.
There was a time when all Topaz was thought to be yellow but in truth pure Topaz is colourless – it takes on trace elements in its formation to become tinted a variety of colours. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave them strength and in the middle ages it was worn in Europe to break spells. For centuries, many people in India have believed that topaz worn above the heart assures long life, beauty and intelligence.
December
Tanzanite
December birthdays have claim to three gemstones; Zircon, Tanzanite and Turquoise. Each of these gemstones carries a unique blue tone but Tanzanite is amongst the world’s rarest gemstones. Only found at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania it is thought that supply will be exhausted in the next few decades making it an excellent investment stone.
Even though it was only discovered relatively recently, this gemstone named Tanzanite in honour of its country of origin has created quite a stir. Due to pleochroism, tanzanite can display different colours when viewed from different angles and expert cutting will bring out those amazing deep and saturated blue and violet tones This birthstone is best set in earrings or pendants. We don’t recommended it for daily wear in a ring but with a protective mounting and some care this December birthstone can be a show stopping special-occasion jewel.
We work closely with innovative and ethical world leaders in coloured gemstone mining so we can bring you truly stunning custom jewellery.
Whether your dream is a ruby ring, a sapphire pendant or a pair of emerald earrings we can make your dream a reality.
The 4C's of diamonds
Choosing A Diamond Is A Journey…
At Grace Diamonds, we source our diamonds from one of the richest diamond-mining regions in the world: South Africa. Each certified diamond is carefully selected for its brilliance and beauty. With each stone from Grace Diamonds you can be assured of the highest quality and grading according to the industry standard 4Cs.
