Birthstone Jewelry Guide

This comprehensive guide on birthstones will help you learn more about your or your loved ones’ assigned birthstone and discover the symbolic meanings behind them.

Birthstone Guide

Birthstones are gemstones that are traditionally associated with each month of the year. Each stone is steeped in ancient beliefs that trace their roots back to ancient times, particularly the 15th century. Beyond their aesthetic beauty with each stone boasting distinct colors one more beautiful than the other, each gem is imbued with meaning and symbolic properties. They represent the magic of their month and become a cherished keepsake when crafted into birthstone jewelry that shines with a light all its own.

But birthdays aren't the only moments birthstones are for. Welcome newborns in your family or indulge your family members with gifts that mark momentous milestones. Celebrate your wedding party with gemstones reflecting the special months and create a shared memory you'll treasure for a lifetime. Or, enjoy the beauty of self-expression by treating yourself to a personalized gift that connects you to your birthday. There is one for every occasion and for everyone you hold dear, including yourself.

This comprehensive guide on birthstones will help you learn more about your or your loved ones’ assigned birthstone and discover the symbolic meanings behind them. We are certain you can find the most thoughtful and meaningful gift at Eternate, where rainbows of gemstones await.

January Birthstone | Garnet

Garnet is the special birthstone for those born in January. It’s made up of silicate minerals and comes in a variety of hues depending on its specific mineral composition. Garnets are tough and durable. That's why they make a popular choice for rings, necklaces and other jewelry that you'll wear every day. You don't even have to worry about them getting scratched or damaged easily. So if you're looking for a piece of jewelry that's durable, beautiful, stylish and meaningful, garnet is a wonderful option.

Color: You’ll find garnet most commonly in a lively and bright red color. However, they can come in almost any color like purplish, green, yellow and orange.

Symbolism: When it comes to its spiritual aspirations, garnet is all about friendship and love. It helps you break down emotional and energetic limits and be open to new chapters in life, which is why they’re called the ‘stone of endless capacity.’ They are also said to boost your creativity and passion, so you can go after your dreams with a fiery spirit with this fiery stone close by.

February Birthstone | Amethyst

The month of February has the beautiful amethyst as its birthstone. It’s a crystalline gem that comes in all shades of purple, from light to dark. It’s a really tough gem too, with a relatively high hardness of 7, so it’s perfect for jewelry you can wear every day. Amethyst is super versatile and looks pretty in everything from rings and necklaces to earrings and bracelets. If you're looking for a meaningful gift, especially for someone born in February, amethyst is the perfect choice.

Color: You can find amethyst in different shades of purple. Some amethysts have a light, pastel purple, while others can be found in deep, rich violet. No matter what shade you choose, amethyst is a must-have for any gem lover.

Symbolism: Amethyst might be the spiritual reset you need. It is said to be a spiritual stone that can help clear your mind and connect you with your inner self. People have been using these purple gems for ages to feel calmer, safer against negative energies and more connected to their spiritual side. So if you're looking for a way to feel more grounded and centered, give amethyst a try.

March Birthstone | Aquamarine

March birthdays get the soothing aquamarine. This gem belongs to the beryl family, just like emeralds and morganite. Its cool color carries the clear sea and blue sky within. So it's like a piece of the ocean's beauty you can carry around. It's quite a popular choice for jewelry because it's elegant and affordable too. If you're looking for a beautiful and meaningful gift for someone born in March, aquamarine is the way to go.

Color: Aquamarine gets its name from the Latin words 'aqua' (meaning water) and 'mare' (meaning sea). It's no surprise, then, that its color reminds us of the calm, cool waters of the ocean. Aquamarine comes in a range of blues, from pale to deep. You might even find some that have a hint of green mixed in.

Symbolism: Back in the medieval era, people used aquamarine as a crystal ball for fortune-telling. Aquamarine still has that kind of a mystical vibe. It is believed to help clear away the fog in your mind, so you can see things more clearly and make wise choices. Aquamarine also stands for hope and communication. It's said to have a special link to your throat chakra, which is all about expressing yourself freely and honestly.

April Birthstone | Diamond

If you're born in April, you've got a very special birthstone: diamond! For centuries, diamonds have sparkled on engagement rings, promising eternal love and happiness. There's nothing quite like the way a diamond catches the light and makes your eyes sparkle too. That’s why a diamond makes such a great gift for everyone, though people with April birthdays will especially love your thoughtful gesture.

Color: When you picture a diamond, you probably think of a sparkling, crystal-clear gem. That’s what makes them so special – their clear, bright sparkle that dazzles. Although very rare, they can surprisingly come in a full rainbow of fancy colors too.

Symbolism: Diamonds are like little symbols of love, strength and purity. They’re the hardest minerals on Earth, so they’re perfect for helping people stay strong and positive. If you’re born in April, wearing a diamond can give you even more courage and confidence. Diamonds can also help you think more clearly and positively so you can break free from bad habits and negative thoughts.

May Birthstone | Emerald

Those born in May, your birthstone is the captivating emerald that is as green and beautiful as nature itself. As a member of the beryl family, emeralds are one of the most special gems out there, right up there with diamonds, rubies and sapphires. With its green color reminding us of spring times full of energy, they mark the season of renewed life. If you’re looking for a meaningful gift for yourself or someone you hold dear, an emerald is a perfect and elegant choice.

Color: Emerald green is that perfect shade of green, the kind that makes us think of lush forests and fresh spring grass that gives us nothing but joy. It has a vibrant, natural green tone that's not too bright or too dark, just the right amount of green to make you feel happy and energetic.

Symbolism: For centuries, people have thought emeralds bring good fortune and love, and even Cleopatra loved them. They represent the cycle of spring, a season of new life and growth. Spiritually, emeralds are all about love and heart energy. When you wear them, they're said to help you give and receive love more easily.

June Birthstone | Alexandrite

If you’re born in June, your lucky birthstone is the alexandrite, a quite special gem known for its color changing effect. Natural alexandrite is so rare and expensive that most people have never even seen one in person. It was first discovered in Russia and the name 'alexandrite' comes from Czar Alexander II. So, if your birthday falls in June, you may consider yourself royalty when it comes to birthstones.

Color: ost alexandrites you'll find are actually lab-grown, which means they're created in a lab instead of being mined from the earth. You'll usually see an alexandrite as a mix of blue, purple and red.

Symbolism: Alexandrite is believed to have powerful symbolism. People often associate this lovely gem with change, transformation and adaptability. It's like your reminder that life is full of ups and downs, and it's important to be flexible and open to new experiences. Some also believe that alexandrite can help receive guidance and healing love from the universe and provide comfort and support in times of need

July Birthstone | Ruby

July birthdays have the passionate and lively ruby as their birthstone. Rubies are known for their intense red color and fiery energy, and this makes them such a great match for passionate and ambitious individuals. As members of the corundum family just like sapphires, rubies are incredibly hard, so they'll last a lifetime. Its lively beauty, durability and its symbolic richness make ruby jewelry exquisite gifts not only for your loved ones born in July but also for everyone you hold dear.

Color: Rubies are known for their beautiful, deep red color. Sometimes, you might find rubies with a hint of orange or pink. The vibrant color of rubies looks amazing with yellow and white gold jewelry.

Symbolism: Rubies are like little fiery gems straight from the heart of the Earth. Some people even believe that rubies contain a drop of Mother Earth's blood. Historically, rubies were associated with power, royalty and nobility. Today, they're still seen as symbols of wealth, desire and passion. Rubies are also thought to stimulate the heart chakra and bring a fiery enthusiasm for life to the wearer.

August Birthstone | Peridot

If you're born in August, your birthstone is the heartwarming peridot. This beautiful greenish gem is often called the 'gem of the sun' because its color reminds us of warm sunshine. Peridot is also one of the oldest gemstones we know. It was even found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Just like other gemstones, peridot is a mineral, which means it's a natural crystal that's so beautiful and valuable that we use it in jewelry.

Color: Peridot is a beautiful greenish gem that's sometimes called the 'evening emerald.' It's because its color can look like an emerald, especially in the evening light. You can see peridots ranging from a pale yellow-green to a deep olive green. Some peridots even have a hint of brown or yellow.

Symbolism: This beautiful gem is just a perfect match with the lively spirit of August and is believed to bring harmony, compassion and creativity. From a spiritual perspective, peridot is thought to help balance your mind and soul. If you're looking for a gemstone that can bring more positivity into your life, peridot is a great choice. It can be your little lucky charm that will help you feel more balanced, peaceful and creative.

September Birthstone | Sapphire

The month of September has the famous sapphire as its birthstone. This gem has been prized for centuries, and it's easy to see why. Back in the day, sapphires were often associated with royalty and power. Today, sapphires are still incredibly popular. We know them best for their deep blue that looks elegant and luxurious. They have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, so they are actually one of the hardest gemstones out there. These are the reasons they're a perfect choice for jewelry you can wear every day and cherish for years to come.

Color: While sapphires come in many colors, deep, alluring blue is definitely the most famous and popular.

Symbolism: Sapphires aren't just beautiful to look at. They're also believed to have some special properties. It's said that sapphires can protect you from bad vibes and negative energy. Some people also believe that sapphires can attract sincerity and truth. This can help you communicate better and make wiser decisions.

October Birthstone | Pink Tourmaline

If you're born in October, your birthstone is the beautiful pink tourmaline. Tourmaline is a mineral that’s made up of a variety of elements like boron, aluminum, silicon and oxygen. The combination of these very elements gives tourmaline its wide range of colors. One of the most popular types of tourmaline is pink tourmaline. Its soft, pastel pink color is what makes it so popular for any kind of jewelry.

Color: No other gem can match the tourmaline's rainbow of colors. You can find it in pink, red, green, blue, yellow, orange and even black. Yet, pink to red is the most popular choice, and as the name suggests, pink tourmaline has a sweet and lovely pink color you’ll adore.

Symbolism: Tourmaline is known as the stone of courage and confidence. It is said to give you the strength to face challenges and believe in yourself. However, one of the coolest things about tourmaline is that it works with all the chakras in your body. This helps to keep your positive energy flowing smoothly and can boost your productivity.

November Birthstone | Citrine

November has citrine for its birthstone. This beautiful gem is a cousin of amethyst and belongs to the quartz family. Citrine is known for its warm, golden color, which is perfect for the autumn season. It evokes the cozy feeling of a ray of sunshine on a chilly day. It reflects the warm and earthy tones that we associate with the autumn season. Citrine's warm color, durability and versatility make it a stylish and popular choice for jewelry. The golden glow of citrine jewelry is the perfect way to bring a little sunshine into someone's life.

Color: Citrine is a beautiful gemstone that comes in shades of warm orange and yellow. Sometimes, you might even see a hint of brown here and there. It's like a sunset that's so beautiful you can't look away.

Symbolism: Citrine is often called the 'sunshine stone.' That's because it's believed to carry the warm, uplifting energy of the sun. This means wearing citrine can bring you feelings of joy, happiness and abundance. It's like having your own personal sunshine close by to brighten your day.

December Birthstone | Blue Topaz

December's birthstone is the soothing blue topaz. Blue topaz is a silicate mineral made up of silicon and oxygen. It’s a member of the quartz family like some other gemstones like amethyst and citrine. We know blue topaz for its eye-catching blue color that complements any style of jewelry from statement solitaire necklaces to minimalist birthstone rings. So, if you're looking for a beautiful and calming gemstone for your jewelry that'll make you feel relaxed and look amazing, blue topaz is your answer.

Color: Blue topaz comes in a variety of shades of blue, from pale blue to a deep, rich blue. In fact, most blue topazes are actually colorless or pale blue when they're first found. To bring out that beautiful blue color within, scientists treat it with heat and radiation, a process that’s completely safe and commonly used.

Symbolism: Blue topaz is said to be a stone of success and abundance. It can help you achieve your goals and live a prosperous life. Blue topaz is also believed to protect travelers and people who are far from home. It's a lucky charm that keeps you safe and sound on your adventures.

Your Birthstone Awaits

At Eternate, we believe birthstones are a piece of you. That's why we pour our hearts into crafting exceptional jewelry, personalized just for you, and we do it the right way with ethical and sustainable practices. After all, we want you to find the birthstone that feels like a piece of yourself and wear it forever with a smile.

Now that you know more about birthstones, check out each birth month's gem and let your birthstone light up your life and the lives of those you love.

Birthstone Jewelry