What is your birthstone?

What is a birthstone?

Birthstones, also known as month stones, are precious or semi-precious stones associated with each month of the year. Each stone represents the characteristics and properties associated with the birth month of the person for whom it is intended. Birthstones are often used as jewelry, such as rings, Necklaces, bracelets or earrings, and are given as meaningful gifts to mark a special occasion, such as a birthday, anniversary or personal celebration.

History of birthstones

The use of birthstones dates back to ancient times, when they were often used for protection and healing. Ancient beliefs and cultures attributed special virtues to precious and semi-precious stones, and associated them with specific months of the year based on their colors and properties.

Some of the earliest references to birthstones date back to Roman civilization, where gems were associated with deities and specific months of the year. For example, the Roman poet Pliny the Elder wrote a book called Natural History in the 1st century A.D., in which he described the beliefs and virtues attributed to different gemstones according to the months of the year.

Over the centuries, the use of birthstones has spread to many cultures around the world. The beliefs and meanings attributed to each stone may vary depending on specific cultural traditions and beliefs, but they continue to be popular in many societies today.

List of different birthstones

There are various lists of birthstones, but the most commonly accepted list is based on Western tradition, which is often used in contemporary jewelry and gifts. Here is a list of birthstones associated with each month of the year, along with their meanings and attributed virtues:

January and Garnet

From color red, garnet is associated with protection, self-confidence and loyalty. It is said to stimulate energy, creativity and professional success.

February and Amethyst

Amethyst is associated with wisdom, stability and inner peace. It is said to promote mental clarity, spirituality and healing. Amethyst is also considered the 48th wedding anniversary stone. From color purple, amethyst is sometimes found in color yellow or green.

Mars and Aquamarine

Aquamarine is associated with serenity, purity and communication. It is said to promote compassion, creativity and self-confidence. It is a gemstone from color "sea water".

April and Diamond

The diamond is associated with eternal love, strength and clarity. It is said to symbolize purity, innocence and self-confidence. The diamond is also considered one of the most valuable and prized stones. The diamond is also considered the stone of the 60th wedding anniversary.

May and Emerald

Emerald is associated with growth, prosperity and protection. It is said to promote healing, emotional stability and communication. Emerald is also considered the 40th wedding anniversary stone. With a deep green color color , it is a very popular gemstone.

June and Pearl or Alexandrite

Pearl and alexandrite are the two birthstones associated with June. Pearl is associated with innocence, purity and fertility, while alexandrite, a stone with green/burgundy hues, is a rare gemstone that is often associated with creativity, intuition and luck. The pearl is also considered the 30th wedding anniversary stone.

July and Ruby

Ruby and its deep red color are associated with passion, love and energy. It is said to promote mental strength, motivation and self-confidence. The ruby is also considered the stone of the 35th wedding anniversary.

August and Peridot or Spinel

Peridot and spinel are the two birthstones associated with August. Peridot is associated with luck, protection and spiritual growth, while spinel is a rare stone that is often associated with energy, strength and creativity. At color green, peridot is one of the few gemstones that exists in a single color color, unlike spinel which includes a wide range of colors.

September and Sapphire

Sapphire is associated with wisdom, truth and loyalty. It is said to promote mental clarity, communication and focus. Sapphire is also considered the 16th wedding anniversary stone. Its most common color in jewelry is a deep blue, however there are some varieties of pink or purple sapphires that are also highly sought after.

October and Opal or Tourmaline

Opal and tourmaline are the two birthstones associated with the month of October. Opal is associated with imagination, creativity and self-confidence, while tourmaline is a stone with multiple colors that is often associated with energy, healing and protection. Tourmaline is also considered the 52nd wedding anniversary stone.

November and Topaz or Citrine

Topaz and citrine are the two birthstones associated with November. Topaz is associated with mental clarity, protection and confidence, while citrine is a yellow stone that is often associated with abundance, warmth and positivity. Topaz is also considered the 44th wedding anniversary stone.

December and Turquoise or Zircon

Turquoise and zircon are the two birthstones associated with December. Turquoise is associated with luck, protection and wisdom, while zircon is a brilliant stone that is often associated with peace, prosperity and beauty. Turquoise is also considered the 18th wedding anniversary stone.

Be careful, whether they are precious or semi-precious, stones require regular maintenance. Do not hesitate to consult our guide ofJewelry care to know more about it.

When to give a birthstone?

Birthstones are often given as meaningful gifts to celebrate birthdays, weddings, births and other special occasions. They can be given in the form of jewelry, such as rings, Necklaces, bracelets or earrings, adorned with the gemstone corresponding to the month of the person's birth. They are often carefully chosen for their symbolic meaning and sentimental value.

Giving a birthstone is an emotional gesture. It illustrates the desire to choose a meaningful and personal gift to celebrate the birth or birthday of a special person in your life. A birthstone can also be used to celebrate other important events, such as a wedding anniversary.

In addition to being popular gifts, birthstones can be worn as good luck charms, protective amulets or talismans to attract certain positive energies. Some people also believe in the power of birthstones, which have healing and energetic properties. They are used in the practice of lithotherapy, a form of alternative medicine based on the use of stones and crystals for healing purposes.

To go further: Which jewel to offer as a gift to a loved one?

It should be noted that birthstones can vary by culture and belief. While the list of birthstones we know today is primarily based on Western tradition, other cultures have their own lists of birthstones based on their history, mythology and ancient beliefs. Therefore, there may be variations in the birthstones associated with each month depending on the culture or region.

In conclusion, birthstones are precious or semi-precious stones that are associated with each month of the year, stones with specific meanings and symbolic powers. Their history dates back to ancient times, when they were considered protective amulets and symbols of luck and prosperity. Birthstones have evolved over time to become popular gifts to celebrate birthdays, weddings, births and other special occasions. They are also used in jewelry and lithotherapy for their beauty and healing properties.