Birthstones Explained: What Yours Says About You

Each month of the year has its own birthstone, a specific gemstone thought to bestow special abilities, traits, and meaning on the person born in that month. Many ancient cultures, like the Hebrews, the Babylonians, and the Hindus, have a long history of using birthstones as a symbol of a special occasion. Birthstones were standardised in the early 20th century, but they were originally linked to the 12 stones of the biblical High Priest's breastplate. The American National Retail Jewellers Association, among others, standardised the current list of birthstones in 1912.

It is believed that birthstones can influence a person's personality, emotional state, and destiny from both an astrological and spiritual perspective. It is said that people who wear them will feel healed, grounded, and empowered, as we know that the minerals and colours are thought to connect with the energies of the month.  They are said to help you connect with the powers of the month when you wear them.

12 Months & Their Birthstones:

1. January – Garnet:

• Colour: Deep red, though it comes in many hues.

• Symbolism: Protection, vitality, and commitment.

• Personality Traits: January babies are said to be fiercely independent, passionate, and loyal. Those who appreciate long-term relationships or who take on leadership roles would benefit greatly from wearing garnet, as it enhances courage and guards against negative energy.

2. February – Amethyst:

• Colour: Purple.

• Symbolism: Clarity, calm, and spiritual growth.

• Personality Traits: People who were born in February tend to be spiritually attuned, intuitive, and creative. Not only does amethyst promote sobriety and calmness, it also protects against addiction and excessive use while enhancing mental clarity.

3. March – Aquamarine:

• Colour: Pale blue to sea-green.

• Symbolism: Tranquillity, communication, and healing.

• Personality Traits: March babies are usually quiet, sympathetic, and self-reflective. Mediators and artists may find aquamarine particularly helpful due to its reputation for calming emotional distress and improving communication.

4. April – Diamond:

• Colour: Clear/white, but also found in colours.

• Symbolism: Strength, purity, and eternal love.

• Personality Traits: Someone born in April is likely to be self-assured, driven, and ambitious. Not only do diamonds represent wealth and strength, but they also represent bravery and loyalty.

5. May – Emerald:

• Colour: Rich green.

• Symbolism: Rebirth, love, and wisdom.

• Personality Traits: May-born people are full of life, loving, and potential. An emerald is a beautiful rock that can help with memory, intuition, and unconditional love. It would be especially helpful for people who work in creative or caring fields.

6. June – Pearl / Alexandrite / Moonstone:

• Colour: White (Pearl), colour-changing (Alexandrite), and soft shimmer (Moonstone).

• Symbolism: Purity, emotional balance, and intuition.

• Personality Traits: Native Juneans are nuanced, delicate, and elegant. Alexandrite promotes introspection and metamorphosis, Moonstone nurtures inner strength and transformational cycles, and Pearls represent innocence and tranquillity.

7. July – Ruby:

• Colour: Deep red.

• Symbolism: Passion, protection, and vitality.

• Personality Traits: Individuals born in July are vivacious, outspoken, and charming. Ruby has several positive effects on its wearer, including protection from injury, increased vitality and emotional stability, and enhanced energy and leadership potential.

8. August – Peridot:

• Colour: Light green.

• Symbolism: Positivity, renewal, and prosperity.

• Personality Traits: Optimistic, generous, and brave are the traits of an August baby. Peridot is an ideal gemstone for pioneers and leaders since it dispels doubt and encourages fresh starts.

9. September – Sapphire:

• Colour: Deep blue (also pink, yellow, white).

• Symbolism: Truth, wisdom, and discipline.

• Personality Traits: People born in September tend to be analytical, devoted, and ethically motivated. Scholars, counselors, and leaders benefit greatly from wearing sapphire since it enhances concentration, honesty, and clarity of thought.

10. October – Opal / Tourmaline:

• Colour: Iridescent (Opal), various (Tourmaline).

• Symbolism: Creativity, transformation, and emotional depth.

• Personality Traits: The natives of October are creative, emotional, and flexible in their actions. At the same time as tourmaline provides emotional foundation and spiritual understanding, opal is a stone that mirrors inner sentiments and opens the door to creativity.

11. November – Topaz / Citrine:

• Colour: Yellow (Topaz, Citrine), also blue (Topaz).

• Symbolism: Joy, abundance, and confidence.

• Personality Traits: November is a month that is known for its kind, determined, and generous people. The use of topaz helps to strengthen both the intellect and the body, while citrine helps to alleviate worries and attract success, so improving one's sense of self-worth and enthusiasm.

12. December – Turquoise / Tanzanite / Zircon:

• Colour: Blue to bluish-purple.

• Symbolism: Protection, spiritual awareness, and serenity.

• Personality Traits: Those born in December are known to be courageous, wise, and idealistic. Zircon promotes inner serenity and resilience, while turquoise aids in healing and provides a sense of security. Tanzanite is a gemstone that links to a higher level of consciousness.

How to Use Birthstones:

Birthstones can be worn in rings, pendants, or bracelets, or kept close as crystals or amulets. To benefit from their energy:

• Wear your birthstone daily, especially close to the skin.

• Meditate with the stone to align your energy with its vibration.

• Cleanse it regularly to remove absorbed negativity.

Birthstones are more than just eye-catching precious gemstones; they are also symbolic mirrors that reflect our intrinsic nature. For each stone, the energies of the month that corresponds to it are reflected, and they have the potential to direct us toward self-awareness, healing, and personal development. There is a profound link that birthstones bring to the time and rhythm of your birth, regardless of whether you believe in the metaphysical abilities that birthstones possess or appreciate the aesthetic and cultural worth that they possess.