January Birthstone – Garnet

Garnet, the birthstone for January, is a gemstone that is known for its deep red colour. It is said to symbolize friendship, trust, and loyalty. The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word “granatus,” which means “seed” or “grain.” This is because the gemstone is often found in small, round grains that resemble pomegranate seeds.

Garnets are believed to have many healing properties such as helping with circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting good health. It is also said to provide protection and increase confidence and energy.

The birthstone for January is Garnet in both the traditional and modern birthstone lists.

February Birthstone – Amethyst

Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone that is known for its purple colour. It is said to symbolize wisdom, courage, and peace. The name “amethyst” comes from the Greek word “amethystos,” which means “not drunken.” In ancient times, it was believed that wearing an amethyst could prevent drunkenness.

Amethyst is believed to have many healing properties such as helping with headaches, insomnia, and anxiety. It is also said to promote spiritual growth and enhance intuition.

The birthstone for February is Amethyst in both the traditional and modern birthstone lists.

March Birthstone – Aquamarine

Aquamarine, the modern birthstone for March, is a gemstone that is known for its blue-green colour. It is said to symbolize happiness, courage, and youthfulness. The name “aquamarine” comes from the Latin word “aqua marina,” which means “water of the sea.”

Aquamarine is believed to have many healing properties. It is said to help with communication, reduce stress, and promote mental clarity. It is also said to promote emotional healing and spiritual growth.

Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is the traditional birthstone for the month of March. Unlike the modern birthstone list, which was established by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912, the traditional list of birthstones has its roots in ancient cultures and civilizations.

The traditional list of birthstones for March includes both bloodstone and aquamarine. Bloodstone is a dark green gemstone with red spots or veins, resembling drops of blood. The red spots are caused by iron oxide or hematite. The name “bloodstone” comes from the belief that the gemstone had the power to stop bleeding.

In addition to its traditional use as a birthstone for March, bloodstone is also associated with the zodiac sign Aries. It is believed to enhance the qualities of courage, confidence, and vitality that are associated with this sign.

Today, bloodstone is still used in jewellery, particularly for men’s rings and cufflinks. It is also used in crystal healing and meditation practices, where it is believed to have grounding and calming properties.

While bloodstone is no longer included on the modern birthstone list, it remains a popular gemstone with a rich history and many traditional associations.

April Birthstone – Diamond

Diamond, the birthstone for April, is a gemstone that is known for its brilliance and sparkle. It is said to symbolize love, courage, and strength. The name “diamond” comes from the Greek word “adamas,” which means “unbreakable.”

Diamond is believed to have many healing properties. It is said to promote creativity, increase abundance, and enhance spiritual awareness. It is also said to help with mental clarity and emotional balance.

Both the traditional and modern lists have Diamond as the April birthstone.

May Birthstone – Emerald

Emerald, the birthstone for May, is a gemstone that is known for its beautiful green colour. It is said to symbolize love, wisdom, and growth. The name “emerald” comes from the Greek word “smaragdos,” which means “green gem.”

It is believed that Emeralds have many healing properties, including helping with fertility, reducing stress, and promoting good health. It is also said to enhance intuition and promote emotional healing.

Both the traditional and modern lists have Emerald as the May birthstone, it is also my birthstone! It has always been on my bucket list to add a Muzo emerald to the collection.

June Birthstone – Pearl

Pearl, the birthstone for June, is a gemstone that is unique because it is created by living organisms, specifically oysters and other molluscs. It is said to symbolize purity, innocence, and love. Pearls have been treasured throughout history for their beauty and rarity.

Pearl is believed to have many healing properties such as helping with emotional balance, promoting inner wisdom, and enhancing creativity. It is also said to promote fertility and ease childbirth.

The traditional list has Pearl, while the modern list has Alexandrite as the June birthstone.

July Birthstone – Ruby

Ruby, the birthstone for July, is a gemstone that is known for its deep red colour. It is said to symbolize passion, love, and energy. The name “ruby” comes from the Latin word “ruber,” which means “red.”

Ruby is believed to have many healing properties such as promoting courage, increasing vitality, and enhancing motivation. It is also said to promote spiritual awareness and emotional healing.

Both the traditional and modern lists have Ruby as the July birthstone.

August Birthstone – Peridot

Peridot, the birthstone for August, is a gemstone that is known for its olive-green colour. It is said to symbolize strength, prosperity, and good fortune. The name “peridot” comes from the Arabic word “faridat,” which means “gem.”

Peridot is believed to have many healing properties including promoting good health, reducing stress, and enhancing self-esteem. It is also said to promote spiritual growth and emotional healing.

The traditional list has Sardonyx, while the modern list has Peridot and Spinel as the August birthstone.

September Birthstone – Sapphire

Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is a gemstone that is known for its deep blue colour. It is said to symbolize wisdom, truth, and loyalty. The name “sapphire” comes from the Greek word “sappheiros,” which means “blue stone.”

Sapphire is believed to have many healing properties such as promoting mental clarity, increasing intuition, and enhancing communication. It is also said to promote spiritual growth and emotional healing.

Both the traditional and modern lists have Sapphire as the September birthstone.

October Birthstone – Opal

Opal, the birthstone for October, is a gemstone that is known for its iridescent colours. It is said to symbolize creativity, inspiration, and imagination. The name “opal” comes from the Latin word “opalus,” which means “precious stone.”

Opal is believed to have many healing properties such as promoting emotional balance, enhancing intuition, and increasing optimism. It is also said to promote spiritual awareness and creativity.

The traditional list has Opal, while the modern list has Tourmaline as the October birthstone.

November Birthstone – Topaz

Topaz, the birthstone for November, is a gemstone that comes in a variety of colours, including yellow, blue, and pink. It is said to symbolize love, good fortune, and success. The name “topaz” comes from the Sanskrit word “tapas,” which means “fire.”

Topaz is believed to have many healing properties such as promoting good health, reducing stress, and enhancing creativity. It is also said to promote spiritual growth and emotional healing.

The traditional list has Topaz, while the modern list has Golden Topaz and Citrine as the November birthstone.

December Birthstone – Turquoise

Turquoise, the birthstone for December, is a gemstone that is known for its blue-green colour. It is said to symbolize protection, wisdom, and positive energy. The name “turquoise” comes from the French word “turquois,” which means “Turkish.”

Turquoise is believed to have many healing properties such as promoting good health, reducing stress, and enhancing communication. It is also said to promote emotional healing and spiritual growth.

The traditional list has Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli, while the modern list has Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz and Tanzanite as the December birthstone.