The History of Birthstones by Month
The tradition of birthstones dates back thousands of years when it was believed that gemstones had powers relating to health, prosperity and luck. Each month has specific gemstones associated with it and they are largely determined by their colour which gives you, in some instances, more than one option for each month.
There are two schools of thought: 1) You wear a different gemstone each month to amplify its healing powers according to which month it is, and 2) You wear a gemstone corresponding to the month you were born in.
It is therefore easy to see how there are many opportunities to wear a variety of gemstones, which makes them a perfect gift for all occasions.
| Gemstone | |
| January | Garnet, Rose Quartz |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Bloodstone, Aquamarine |
| April | Diamond, Opal, Quartz |
| May | Emerald, Jade, Agate, Malachite |
| June | Pearl, Moonstone, Tiger's Eye |
| July | Ruby, Onyx |
| August | Peridot, Labradorite |
| September | Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli |
| October | Opal, Tourmaline |
| November | Topaz, Citrine |
| December | Turquoise |
January: Garnet and Rose Quartz
Garnet is the traditional birthstone for January, while Rose Quartz is considered the modern alternative. Garnet is most commonly a rich dark red colour, but there are also some extremely rare blue garnets. There are actually 15 garnet types which are widespread and usually found in metamorphic rock.
Historically, Garnet was worn as a talisman of protection as it was said to warn of approaching danger. When worn Garnet can re-energise your chakras and regenerate the body. Browse our Garnet jewellery collection.
Labradorite is a highly sought-after gemstone known for its shimmering and refractive surface. As a type of feldspar mineral, Labradorite was originally found in Canada's Labrador region, but can now be found worldwide. This dazzling stone comes in a variety of colours such as blue, green, gold, and purple.
Explore our Labradorite jewellery collection.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst is the birthstone of February and presents itself in a variety of purple hues from deep purple to violet to pink. It is said to be a gemstone of virtue and ancient Greeks believed that if you drank wine from a cup made of amethyst then you would be immune to getting drunk.
Amethyst has many spiritual associations through different cultures. In India it is associated with the crown chakra and in Tibet it is sacred to Buddah and often used to make rosaries. When worn during meditation it generates a more tranquil state.
Browse our Amethyst jewellery collection
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and a variety of the mineral Beryl. Aquamarine is a beautiful aqua colour which evokes serenity and translated literally means "sea water", it is said that if sailors wore aquamarine amulets they would be protected during a storm at sea.
Aquamarine is said to calm the mind and as such is often used during mediation to promote a feeling of clarity and tolerance of others.
Browse our Aquamarine jewellery collection
April: Diamond, Opal and Quartz
Diamond is the traditional birthstone for April, while Opal and Quartz are modern alternatives.
Dendritic Opal is also known as moss opal due to its resemblance to trees, characterised by its dendritic formations. Its name is derived from the Greek word dendron, meaning tree. This gemstone holds significance as both the October birthstone and a traditional gift for the 24th wedding anniversary.
Browse our Dendritic Opal jewellery collection
Quartz is a mineral formed by compressed layers of small quartz crystals, known for its stunning shimmering appearance. It is commonly found in the cavities of Agates in countries like Thailand, India, China, and Brazil. This gemstone is believed to have a calming effect and may aid in reducing stress levels.
Browse our Quartz jewellery collection
May: Jade, Agate and Malachite
Emerald is the traditional birthstone for May, while modern alternative birthstones for this month include Jade, Agate and Malachite.
Agate, a type of quartz, can be found worldwide in cavities and is created by volcanic gases. Over time, layers of volcanic fluid accumulate, resulting in the characteristic patterns on the surface. The age of agate remains a mystery, adding to its alluring charm.
Browse our Agate jewellery collection
Malachite was discovered around 4,000 BC and the pigment has been used by the Egyptians since ancient times as a paint and carved into ornaments and jewellery. It is always green, usually in banded tones varying from very dark to a mellow green, and possibly the earliest ore of copper.
Browse our Malachite jewellery collection
Jade is a versatile stone that has been used for thousands of years in various forms, such as in jewellery and tools. Jade holds significance in both modern and traditional settings and is known for its strength and ability to promote calmness and relaxation.
Browse our Jade jewellery collection
June: Pearl, Moonstone and Tiger's Eye
June is a lucky month as it has three gemstones associated with it, which gives you plenty of opportunities for birthday gifts. Moonstone, Pearl and Tiger's Eye are the birthstones for June.
Moonstone is one of our favourite gemstones at Hepburn & Hughes. It has a beautiful ethereal appearance and as it's name suggests is strongly connected to the moon. Moonstone is a type of feldspar which is not only found on earth but also on the Moon. It is said that Moonstone's most powerful quality is to calm emotions and promotes intuition and empathy.
Browse our Moonstone jewellery collection
Pearl is an organic gemstone and the only gemstone made by living creatures. It is formed by a mollusc and the shell contains small amounts of conchiolin and aragonite which, when combined, create nacre or Mother of Pearl. They have a beautiful reflective lustre with an iridescent sheen that casts an array of colours.
Browse our Mother of Pearl jewellery collection
A popular quartz stone, Tiger's Eye is known for its striking appearance, characterised by its sheen and stripes. It has been associated with the Gemini zodiac sign for centuries. In the past, it was believed to have protective properties against spells, leading to its use in amulets.
Browse our Tiger's Eye jewellery collection
July: Ruby
July’s traditional birthstone is Ruby, and gets its deep red colour from traces of chromium and is the red variety of the mineral corundum. The modern alternative is Onyx.
Black Onyx and banded Onyx are two types of chalcedony that can exhibit a jet black hue, a marble-like pattern, or white bands. Our collection includes cufflinks, pendants and earrings featuring both variations of Onyx. Whether paired with white or any other colour, our Black Onyx jewellery makes a bold statement. It is believed to possess protective properties, absorbing and converting negative energy while preventing exhaustion of personal energy.
Browse our collection of Black Onyx jewellery
August: Peridot
The beautiful lime green of Peridot symbolises the birthstone for August. Peridot is a form of Olivine - a name given to a group of minerals where both iron and magnesium substitute freely within the structure. Peridot is predominantly magnesium.
Since ancient times Peridot has been considered a symbol of the sun - and was said to confer royal dignity on its owner as well as keep away evil spirits. It is also a powerful cleanser as it releases and neutralises toxins in both the body and mind.
Browse the Peridot jewellery collection
September: Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli
Sapphire represents the birthstone for September. Whilst usually associated with the colour blue, Sapphires come in many different colours from yellow, green to black and pink. It is widely sourced from around the globe including Myanmar, Czech Republic, Brail and Australia. Like Ruby, Sapphire also comes from the mineral Corundum. Sapphire is known as the wisdom stone and helps to calm and focus the mind. In ancient Greece it was believed that sapphires cured eye diseases
Lapis Lazuli is another one of our favourites at Hepburn & Hughes. An intense blue colour with flecks of golden pyrite in make for a stunning gemstone. It has been used by the Egyptians for millennia, for example the mask of Tutankhamun has a Lapis Lazuli inlay. Lapis Lazuli stimulates enlightenment and releases stress to bring about deep peace. It is also said to alleviate migraines.
Browse our Lapis Lazuli jewellery collection
October: Tourmaline and Opal
October also has two birthstones - Tourmaline and Opal.
Tourmaline is extremely popular because of the beautiful array of colours that it comes in. Tourmaline is abundant and found around the world, but some of the most beautiful specimens come from the Pala district in California, USA.
Opal is a delicate stone and has been used for millennia. It derives its name from the Roman word "opulus" which ultimately translates to "precious stone". Nowadays opal is predominantly mined in Australia. Opal is absorbent and reflective and helps the wearer in expressing their true self. It is said to be a seductive stone which helps release inhibitions.
Browse our Opal jewellery collection
November: Citrine and Topaz
The two birthstones for November are Citrine and Topaz.
Citrine is a yellow to brownish quartz and resembles yellow Topaz. Gem-quality citrine is found in both Scotland and the Ural mountains in Russia. Citrine carries the power of the sun due to its colour and as such is both warming and energises every level of life. It is also said to be a stone of abundance and helps attract wealth and prosperity.
Browse our Citrine range of jewellery
Topaz comes in a wide variety of colours and the earliest source of topaz is believed to be Zebirget in the Red Sea on the island of Topazios. Topaz is a mellow and empathetic stone which promotes truth and forgiveness. When it comes to health Topaz has the ability to stimulate the metabolism and aid digestion.
Browse our Topaz range of jewellery
December: Turquoise
Like June, December also has a few different gemstone options related to birthstones.
Turquoise is a striking blue green colour - and the exact hue varies depending on how much iron and copper is present. Turquoise was one of the first gemstones to be mined, with jewellery dating back to 5000bc found in Iraq. Turquoise is a protective stone and an efficient healer, helping to install inner calm. Some say it changes colour to warn against the risk of approaching danger or illness.
Browse our Turquoise jewellery collection.