Nov 14, 2022

Birthstone Jewellery Guide: Birthstone Months & Their Meaning

by Megan Louise

Birthstone Earrings

Want to know the trending, yet most timeless way to add a pop of colour to your look? Make it unique to you with birthstone jewellery.

While traditional birthstone jewellery might make you think of chunky, bohemian crystal styles, birthstones have received a modern refresh which is perfect for those whose style tends more minimalist and refined.

Read on to discover your birthstone, its meaning, and a bit of the history behind the birthstone jewellery trend.

What are birthstones?

Birthstones are gemstones which are believed to align spiritually with certain individuals, depending on the time of year you were born. For some, birthstones hold deep significance and channel various energies; for others, they are simply a beautiful way to express and celebrate a part of who you are.

The history of birthstones is often traced back to two key roots.

In Western tradition, the concept dates back to the biblical Book of Exodus, which describes a ceremonial breastplate adorned with 12 gems. These 12 gems were later associated with the 12 months of the year, and it became a religious custom amongst Christians to collect the 12 gems and wear one at a time depending on the month.

The Hindu practice of Vedic astrology, meanwhile, associates nine gemstones with nine deities and celestial bodies (known as the Navagraha in Sanskrit). They are believed to give out various energies that influence life, and each graha represents a different aspect of life. Particular gemstones can be used to help protect against negative energies, relative to current astrological activity.

Despite the centuries-long history of gemstones associated with astrology and periods of the year, it was only in 1912 that a consolidated list was created of the 12 birthstones for each month of the year. You might still find some differences in the birthstones offered for each month, depending where you are looking, as some months are associated with more than one stone.

Which birthstone should I wear, and what does it symbolise?

Whether you want to personalise your jewellery look with a meaningful piece, or channel certain energies, it’s easy to find the birthstone for you.

You might be wondering; how many birthstones are there? There is a birthstone linked to each month of the year, so all you need to do is line-up your birth month with the relevant stone. Birthstones are also related to the zodiac, and in some cases you might have your choice of two birthstones, if the stones for your birth month and your star sign are different. For instance, a Taurean born at the end of April has ties to both the diamond and the emerald birthstone.

You can choose which gemstone or birthstone colour you prefer, based on the energies you want to channel or the parts of your personality you want to celebrate. Of course, you can also wear both!

Discover the birthstones for you below
> SWIPE ACROSS >

Gemstone	Colour	Symbolism	Month	Zodiac Sign
Garnet	Burgundy	Life force, passion, health, friendship.	January	Capricorn
Amethyst	Violet	Healing, balance, spirituality, wisdom.	February	Aquarius
Aquamarine	Sea Blue	Courage, tranquillity, clarity, connection.	March	Pisces
Diamond	Fiery White	Strength, love, faithfulness, enlightenment.	April	Aries
Emerald	Deep Green	Inspiration, harmony, love, truth.	May	Taurus
Pearl	Luminous Ivory	Wisdom, integrity, generosity, purity.	June	Gemini
Ruby	Crimson	Love, creativity, confidence, energy.	July	Cancer
Peridot	Golden Green	Prosperity, peace, joy, compassion.	August	Leo
Sapphire	Royal Blue	Wisdom, sincerity, loyalty, serenity.	September	Virgo
Opal	Iridescent White	Hope, happiness, creativity, truth.	October	Libra
Citrine	Gold	Joy, brightness, abundance, imagination.	November	Scorpio
Blue Topaz	Vivid Blue	Communication, love, clarity, authenticity.	December	Sagittarius

Can I wear my birthstone every day?

Wearing your birthstone is the perfect way to personalise your jewellery look each day.

Our birthstone jewellery range at Medley features modern, minimalist hook studs which are perfect for adding to any and every ear stack. From the June birthstone of pearl to January’s garnet and December’s blue topaz, there’s a set for every birth month and every zodiac sign.

Crafted in 10k gold and natural gemstones, you can work them into your everyday rotation. Here’s a few of our favourite styling ideas:

Your birthstone + diamonds: coloured gemstones and diamonds are the ultimate match. Pair our petite studs with a timeless diamond earring like a stud or huggie.

Your two birthstones: if your birth month and zodiac sign give you the option of two birthstones, wear both to channel your full potential.

Your birthstone + gold: highlight the 10k gold setting of our birthstone earrings by pairing yours with a gold hoop (or two). Try a classic round hoop or huggie, or add edge with our paperclip hoops, dome hoops, or an ear cuff.

Can I gift birthstone jewellery?

When it comes to personalised jewellery gifts, birthstone jewellery sits alongside our diamond letters, engravable jewellery and zodiac jewellery gifts. Gifting someone special a piece of jewellery from their birthstone month is meaningful and sure to be a keepsake item that they will be cherished for years to come! To learn more about our jewellery gifting go-to's for a birthday or Christmas, head over to our jewellery gift guide here.

By adding a personalised piece to your collection, you’ll treasure it always as a style that reflects and celebrates your uniqueness. Explore our range of birthstone jewellery and choose the one for your birth month, zodiac sign, or both, then add a meaningful pop of colour to your jewellery layers every day.

1200 x 498_Birthstone Colour GIF