Gemstones – A Birthstone for Every Birth Month
Wearing jewellery is a great way to accessorise your outfit. Either a piece gifted by a beloved person, or bought in a favourite location, these ornaments usually have sentimental value. A common characteristic of jewellery is the presence of a gemstone. But, did you know that certain jewels are associated with different months? In today’s blog, we’ll discuss these precious rocks and which birthstone belongs to your birthday.
What are Gemstones?
Gemstones are pieces of crystal that are in cut and polished form. Divided into two categories, they can either be:
- precious (diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald)
- semi-precious (all other gemstones)
When discussing these rocks, technical terminology is also use.
- Firstly, gemologists identify the stone’s chemical composition.
- Next, they are classified by their crystal system (cubic etc.)
- Then, they are distinguished by their colour, hardiness, fracture, transparency and “brilliance”.
Also understood as the Four C’s, this device looks at: colour, cut, clarity, and carats.
Where do Gemstones Get Their Colour?
The colour of any material is due to the nature of light itself. When light hits a material, most of it is absorbed. However, some light is reflected and then perceived by the eye. This is why a ruby appears red.
One For Every Month
A birthstone is a gemstone that represent’s a person’s birth month or zodiac sign. Believe to have come from Jewish history, the practise was to wear a particular stone every month. Soon this evolved into specific stones being associated with specific months.
Wearing your birthstone is thought to bring good luck, good health, and protection. What’s more, astrologer of the past attributed supernatural powers to certain gemstones.
Birthstones
Want to know what your birthstone is? Check out this list:
- January’s gem is a Garnet. Deep red in colour, it is associated with faith, love, and constancy. It is a considered a symbol of friendship and trust.
- February has the Amethyst. Representing peace, serenity, and royalty, Ancient Greeks wore this purple stone to protect themselves from the effects of drunkenness.
- March is home to Aquamarine. Coming from the Latin “water of the sea”, this gem is a tantalising blue-green. Said to be mermaid treasure, Aquamarine represents courage, healthy and confidence.
- April’s birthstone is the precious Diamond. Prized for its lack of colour, this gemstone is a symbol of love. the
- Associated with May is the Emerald. With a colour comparable to nature and springtime, they are a symbol of rebirth and love.
- June has Alexandrite. This spectacular gemstone changes colour based on the lighting. Thus, helping to balance one’s emotions, and increase self-esteem and imagination.
- July owns the majestic Ruby. Another deep red gemstone, Rubies represent health, wisdom, and courage. Wearing this stone brings you good fortune.
- August’s gemstone is the Peridot. Enhancing openness and growth, this stone brings the wearer prosperity, fertility, and healing.
- September also has a precious stone: the Sapphire. Known for its brilliant blue, Sapphires come in every colour. They represent loyalty and trust.
- October houses the Opal. Displaying a dazzling array of colours, this “Queen of Gems” associates with hope, innocence, and purity.
- November is Yellow Topaz. Dispelling enchantments, Ancient Civilisations associated the gem with the sun god. Therefore, giving Yellow Topaz healing and protective powers.
- December is Tanzanite. One of today’s most popular gemstones, Tanzanite is a rich blue with purple overtones. It represents contentment, satisfaction, and understanding.
How to Gift Gemstones
Interested in gifting a birthstone? Try out these ideas:
- Self-wrap the gem with wire and transform the rock into a pendant. Use smaller cuts to make earrings.
- Find a larger cut. Use it as a decorative paper weight.
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