Birthstones are gemstones associated with each month of the year. Their origins can be traced back to the Bible, and by the 1st and 5th centuries AD, scholars Flavius Josephus and St. Jerome had connected the twelve gemstones of the high priest's breastplate with the twelve signs of the zodiac. Over time, a different gemstone came to be associated with each month of the year — and the tradition has endured ever since.
Some people believe these stones carry healing or protective properties. Others simply appreciate them for their beauty and the personal connection they represent. Either way, a birthstone piece makes a wonderfully thoughtful and personal gift — for someone else or, of course, for yourself.
January: Garnet
Long regarded as a protective stone that wards off negativity, garnets come in a stunning range of colours. The name comes from the Latin garanatus, meaning "seed-like" — a reference to the jewel-bright seeds of a pomegranate.
February: Amethyst
Amethysts range from the palest lilac to the deepest, most saturated purple. Traditionally believed to have a calming and sobering effect, the name derives from the ancient Greek amethustos, meaning "sober."
March: Aquamarine
Known as the gem of the sea, aquamarine is said to promote clarity and confidence. Its name comes from the Latin aqua marinus — "water of the sea" — perfectly capturing its luminous ocean-blue colour.
April: Diamond
The ancient Greeks believed diamonds were splinters of fallen stars, and that wearing them brought love and purity. The word diamond is derived from the Greek adamas, meaning "invincible" or "untamed" — an apt description for the hardest natural material on earth.
May: Emerald
Every emerald contains natural inclusions, making each stone entirely unique. Historically prized as a symbol of wisdom and eloquence, the name Emerald is of Persian origin, meaning "green."
June: Pearl
Pearls have been associated with healing, friendship and love for centuries. Uniquely, they are the only gemstone created by a living creature. The word pearl traces back through Old French to Latin perna — the leg-of-mutton-shaped bivalve from which the pearls of antiquity were gathered.
July: Ruby
Rubies have been believed throughout history to possess magical protective and healing powers. The name comes from the Latin ruber, simply meaning "red" — the colour that has always defined this most fiery of precious stones.
August: Peridot
Peridot symbolises strength. In antiquity, it was said that setting the stone in gold would protect the wearer from nightmares. The name is thought to derive from the French peritot, meaning "gold" — a reference to the stone's tendency to shift towards golden-green hues.
September: Sapphire
Sapphires are most commonly associated with protection and clarity of mind. The name comes through Old French and Latin from the Greek sappheiros, meaning "precious stone." Their deep celestial blue has made them perennially popular across every period of antique jewellery.
October: Opal
Opals have long been worn as symbols of hope and purity, and are believed to carry healing properties. Their extraordinary play of colour — shifting as you move the stone — gives them an almost supernatural quality. The name is thought to derive from the Sanskrit upala, meaning "precious stone."
November: Topaz
Topaz is a symbol of love and affection, said to enhance warmth and generosity of spirit. Its name may originate from the Sanskrit tapas, meaning "fire" — reflected in the stone's warm golden tones.
December: Turquoise
Turquoise is traditionally a symbol of friendship, and is said to bring peace. The name comes from the French for "Turkish stone," as the finest early examples reached Europe via Turkey. Its vivid blue-green colour has made it one of the most widely used gemstones throughout history, from ancient Egypt to the American Southwest.