Birthstones
With each holding its own meaning, properties and history, there is always so much to discover about gemstones. Every month is closely aligned with its own gemstone, and this is our guide through the age-old symbols of birthstones thought to bring special qualities to the wearer. Discover the symbolism of your own stone and find a particularly personal piece.
January | Garnet
A rich, vibrant gemstone associated with the first month of the year, the word 'Garnet' originates from the Latin for 'pomegranate seed', and it’s easy to see why this association was made! Whilst deep red garnets are the most recognisable, they come in a variety of hues, including greens and blues.
An incredibly durable stone, garnet has been used historically as a protective talisman for warriors going into battle - and is still believed by some to protect the wearer against illness, disturbance and bad dreams.
February | Amethyst
February’s birthstone is Amethyst most well known as a shade of purple, but this gemstone also comes in shades of green and blue. Green Amethyst is a particular favourite of Alex and our Design team.
A variety of quartz, amethyst is a relatively durable gem that can be found all over the world. It is spiritually believed to be a meditative and calming stone, offering peace and tranquillity - with Green Amethyst in particular connecting the wearer to nature and the earth.
Shop Amethyst Jewellery
March | Aquamarine
Long associated with the ocean, the colour of Aquamarine ranges from a pale azure mirroring crystal clear water, to a deep vibrant sea blue.
In legend, Aquamarine was believed to be the treasure of mermaids and has been carried by sailors throughout history as a talisman of protection in open waters. It is often believed to evoke calming energies, and feelings of relaxation and freedom in the wearer.
April | Diamond | White Topaz
Probably one of the most coveted of all precious stones, April's birthstone is Diamond - which has been dazzling people throughout history.Diamonds are believed to symbolise strength, longevity and of course, everlasting love. Their radiant sparkle and unrivalled durability makes them the perfect stones for those much-loved pieces you wish to wear every single day!
As a more affordable option, White Topaz sits alongside Diamond as a birthstone for April. These two stones have a long standing link, going back to the 1700s, when a 1680 carat gemstone was mined in Brazil and was thought to be the largest diamond in the entire world. It was named the 'Braganza Diamond' and even found a home in the Portuguese crown. The stone turned out to be a huge white topaz, but this forever forged a connection between these two sparkling stones.
Shop Diamond Jewellery
May | Emerald
Emeralds are a member of the Beryl family of minerals, and are synonymous with the colour green. Derived from the word “smaragdus,” quite literally meaning, “green” in Greek, believed by some to encourage truth and love.
Rich in colour, Emeralds often symbolise rebirth and are thought to bring the owner good fortune, vitality, health and prosperity.
Worn by style icons throughout history, Pearls are synonymous with timeless elegance, and the birthstone of those lucky enough to be born in June. A natural phenomena occurring within a living mollusc such as an oyster, pearls are formed over time, as the oyster creates layer upon layer of mother-of-pearl around a small foreign body. Even though most pearls are cultured, they are still an entirely natural gem.
Forever alluring, pearls are associated with purity, humility, and innocence and are thought to enhance focus and personal integrity.
Worn by style icons throughout history, Pearls are synonymous with timeless elegance, and the birthstone of those lucky enough to be born in June. A natural phenomena occurring within a living mollusc such as an oyster, pearls are formed over time, as the oyster creates layer upon layer of mother-of-pearl around a small foreign body. Even though most pearls are cultured, they are still an entirely natural gem.
Forever alluring, pearls are associated with purity, humility, and innocence and are thought to enhance focus and personal integrity.
July | Ruby
Extremely popular throughout history, this rich red gemstone is technically from the same mineral family as sapphire - Corundum. Generally, when a Corundum is red, it is classified as a ruby.
Thought by some to bring happiness and passion to the life of the wearer, rubies are exceptionally durable and perfect for everyday wear.
July | Ruby
Extremely popular throughout history, this rich red gemstone is technically from the same mineral family as sapphire - Corundum. Generally, when a Corundum is red, it is classified as a ruby.
Thought by some to bring happiness and passion to the life of the wearer, rubies are exceptionally durable and perfect for everyday wear.
August | Peridot
Always green in a range of hues, Peridot brings a fresh pop of colour for those born in August, and is, this vibrant gemstone is a beautiful choice for Summer birthdays.
Peridot was highly valued by the ancient Egyptians, who kept the location of its volcanic mines secret, and believed it to be the "gem of the sun," which could keep nightmares at bay. It is also believed by some to bring the wearer compassion, good health and inspire eloquence and creativity.
A big favourite here at Alex Monroe, it is those with a September birthday who can take claim to the sapphire.
Few gems have captured attention throughout history the way the sapphire has, and although perhaps most famous for its deep blue hue, with a royal connection - sapphires actually come in a rainbow of colours. Traditionally symbolising sincerity, truth, faithfulness and promoting wisdom and depth of thought for the wearer.
A big favourite here at Alex Monroe, it is those with a September birthday who can take claim to the sapphire.
Few gems have captured attention throughout history the way the sapphire has, and although perhaps most famous for its deep blue hue, with a royal connection - sapphires actually come in a rainbow of colours. Traditionally symbolising sincerity, truth, faithfulness and promoting wisdom and depth of thought for the wearer.
October | Opal
Distinctly individual, opals are quite extraordinary, - watch as flashes of rainbow colours seem to almost dance from within this milky gemstone, lending an almost ethereal feel!
Australia is the most notable area for opal mining, and Australian indigenous people believed opals held spiritual value, representing something left behind by their ancestors as a sign of their presence. More recent associations see Opal as a symbol of purity, hope and truth.
Shop Opal Jewellery
November | Citrine & Topaz
Those with November birthdays can choose from the warm golden hues of Citrine, a sunny shade of crystalline quartz, often associated with bringing happiness, joy and abundance to the wearer.
As an alternative, we love the vibrant shade of Blue Topaz. The Ancient Greeks held the fantastic notion that wearing topaz could make a soldier invisible to his enemies! More recently, Blue Topaz is often seen to relate to honesty, clarity and strong emotional attachment.
December | Turquoise
Those born in the last month of the year can look to Turquoise as their birthstone, with its solid blue-green appearance, often having delicate veins running through it creating unique patterns.
Turquoise has been used for ornamentation by humans for thousands of years, with deep roots in the indigenous communities across North America, where it would also be used in healing practices, and as tokens of protection.
The Pueblo people believed that turquoise received its colour directly from the sky, but many western associations also stem from these ancient beliefs, linking Turquoise to wisdom, tranquillity, protection, good fortune, and hope.
Shop Turquoise Jewellery