Jewellery is more than just an ornament; it carries meaning, celebrates milestones, and connects us to our personal histories. Among the most meaningful pieces are those adorned with birthstones—gems that reflect the month of your birth and hold unique significance. These stones not only add beauty to any design but gives the piece a personal touch, making each one a treasured symbol of individuality.
What Are Birthstones?
Birthstones are gemstones traditionally linked to each month of the year, believed to carry symbolic and often spiritual significance for those born during that time. These gems have long been associated with good fortune, protection, and healing powers, with each stone boasting a unique colour, origin, and lore.
The tradition of wearing a gemstone tied to one's birth month is rooted in ancient history. Civilisations around the world developed practices linking certain gems to specific times of the year, though the current list of birthstones has become more standardised globally. This enduring custom allows people to feel connected to the unique qualities of their birthstone and its place in history.
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Measuring Gemstone Durability: Understanding the Mohs Hardness Scale
The Mohs hardness scale, developed in 1812 by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs, is a practical way to measure how resistant a mineral is to scratching. With a scale ranging from 1 to 10, each mineral is assigned a hardness based on what it can scratch and be scratched by. For instance, talc, rated at 1, is the softest and easily scratched, while diamond, rated at 10, is the hardest known natural material and can scratch all others. This scale is valuable in identifying minerals and determining whether a gemstone is durable enough for everyday wear in jewellery.
Birthstones By Month
January Birthstone: Garnet
- Colour: Deep red, with rare variations in green and other hues
- Origin of Name: Derived from the Latin granatum, meaning pomegranate
- Historical Significance: Traditionally worn by travellers as a symbol of protection
- Associated Qualities: Loyalty, lasting affection, prosperity, and health
January’s garnet birthstone is much more than a beautiful gem—it symbolises strength, friendship, and joy. Known for its rich red colour, garnet actually spans nearly every hue except blue, with 29 unique varieties. Steeped in history, garnet’s origins go back to ancient times, adorning Egyptian, Greek, and Roman jewellery, and gaining popularity in Victorian designs.
With a durability rating of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, garnet is both visually stunning and robust, a perfect choice for those born in January.
February Birthstone: Amethyst
- Colour: Ranges from pale lilac to deep purple
- Origin of Name: From the Greek amethystos, meaning "not drunken"
- Historical Significance: Favoured by royalty; believed to prevent intoxication
- Associated Qualities: Peace, protection, and tranquillity
Amethyst’s enchanting purple hues, ranging from soft lilac to deep violet, make it a fitting birthstone for February and a cherished gift for Valentine's Day. Its name, amethystos, reflects the ancient Greek belief that the gem could ward off drunkenness, adding to its allure as a symbol of mental clarity and protection.
In past centuries, amethyst was so highly esteemed that it was reserved for royalty, appearing in crowns and regal adornments across the world. Formed from quartz crystals in volcanic rock, amethyst’s captivating shades are the result of irradiation, trace elements, and natural impurities.
With a Mohs hardness rating of 7, amethyst is both beautiful and durable, making it a timeless choice for February-born individuals.
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
- Colour: Light blue to blue-green
- Origin of Name: From the Latin aqua marina, meaning "water of the sea"
- Historical Significance: Used by sailors for safe sea voyages
- Associated Qualities: Calmness, courage, loyalty, and friendship
Aquamarine, the birthstone of March, captures the tranquil beauty of the ocean with its soft blue-to-blue-green tones. It symbolises peace and calm while also representing courage, loyalty, and friendship—qualities that add to its lasting appeal.
Named "water of the sea," aquamarine was historically carried by sailors as a talisman for safe passage and was even believed in the Middle Ages to counteract poisons. As a member of the beryl family, which also includes emerald and aquamarine forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks, showcasing nature's artistry.
With a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, aquamarine is a durable choice for jewellery, perfect for celebrating those born in March.
April Birthstone: Diamond
- Colour: Typically clear, though available in various colours
- Origin of Name: From the Greek adamas, meaning "invincible"
- Historical Significance: A symbol of love since ancient times
- Associated Qualities: Strength, endurance, and everlasting love
For those born in April, the dazzling diamond is their birthstone, symbolising enduring love, strength, and resilience. Diamonds are celebrated as tokens of affection and eternity, instilling virtues of courage and strength in those who wear them.
The name "diamond" comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning "invincible," highlighting its unparalleled hardness. Throughout history, diamonds have been cherished as symbols of love, with ancient lore often comparing them to earthly lightning and crediting them with mystical healing properties.
Formed under intense pressure deep within the Earth, diamonds are the hardest known natural material, rated at 10 on the Mohs scale. Their durability and timeless beauty make them a coveted choice in jewellery, especially for engagement rings, where they symbolise lasting commitment and luxury.
May Birthstone: Emerald
- Colour: Vibrant green
- Origin of Name: From the Greek smaragdus, meaning "green"
- Historical Significance: Favoured by Cleopatra; symbol of rebirth
- Associated Qualities: Youth, vitality, and good fortune
The captivating emerald graces May as its birthstone, symbolising rebirth and the fresh vitality of spring. Known for its rich green hue, emeralds are believed to bring youthfulness, energy, and good fortune to those who wear them.
Named from the Greek word smaragdus, meaning "green," emeralds carry a storied past, famously adored by Cleopatra, who claimed all the emerald mines in Egypt as her own. A member of the beryl family, like aquamarine, emerald owes its vibrant colour to trace amounts of chromium and iron.
With a Mohs hardness rating of 7.5 to 8, emeralds are a durable choice for jewellery, blending beauty and resilience for May celebrants.
June Birthstone: Pearl (also Alexandrite and Moonstone)
- Colour: White, off-white, and sometimes black for pearls; colour-changing for alexandrite
- Origin of Name: From the French perle, meaning "leg"
- Historical Significance: Once thought to be tears of gods
- Associated Qualities: Innocence, purity, and faithfulness
June’s birthstone, the luminous pearl, evokes a serene glow reminiscent of the moon. While June also claims alexandrite and moonstone as birthstones, the pearl is often celebrated as the traditional symbol of 30 years of marital bliss.
Pearls represent innocence, purity, and faithfulness, embodying a pure heart and joyous relationships. The name "pearl" comes from the French perle, possibly inspired by the leg-like shape of a mollusc shell. Ancient legends imagined pearls as crystallised tears of deities, adding to their mystique. Formed within oysters and mussels, pearls develop when a mollusc coats an intruding particle in layers of nacre.
While natural pearls are rare treasures, cultured pearls result from human intervention. With a softness rating of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, pearls are delicate and require gentle handling to maintain their beauty.
July Birthstone: Ruby
- Colour: Red
- Origin of Name: From the Latin ruber, meaning "red"
- Historical Significance: Known as the "King of Gems" in ancient times
- Associated Qualities: Love, passion, and protection from misfortune
Ruby, with its intense red hue, is the gemstone that defines July. Symbolising passion and commitment, rubies are also the traditional gem for celebrating 40 years of marriage, making them a powerful symbol of enduring love and devotion.
The name "ruby" comes from the Latin ruber, meaning "red," and in ancient times, rubies were revered as the "King of Gems." According to Hindu mythology, the fiery ruby was believed to possess the power to boil water and melt wax. A member of the corundum family—alongside sapphires—rubies range in shades of red, but their vibrant hue is unmatched.
With a Mohs hardness rating of 9, rubies are highly durable and resilient, making them an ideal choice for jewellery that needs to withstand the test of time.
August Birthstone: Peridot (also Sardonyx and Spinel)
- Colour: Lime green
- Origin of Name: Possibly from the Arabic faridat or Greek perdiona
- Historical Significance: Symbolises the tears of Pele in Hawaii
- Associated Qualities: Prosperity and good fortune
Peridot, with its striking lime-green hue, is the primary birthstone for August, sharing the spotlight with sardonyx and spinel. Beyond its visual appeal, peridot is steeped in symbolism, representing prosperity and good fortune. In Hawaiian mythology, it is believed to capture the tears of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire.
The origin of the name "peridot" is uncertain, possibly deriving from the Arabic faridat (meaning "gem") or the Greek perdiona (meaning "giving plenty"). In ancient Egypt, it was known as the "gem of the sun," thought to embody the powerful forces of nature.
Formed deep within the Earth’s crust and brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions, peridot’s vibrant green colour comes from its very composition, rather than impurities. With a Mohs hardness rating of 6.5 to 7, peridot is durable and well-suited for jewellery.
September Birthstone: Sapphire
- Colour: Primarily blue, but available in various colours (except red)
- Origin of Name: Latin sapphirus, meaning "blue stone"
- Historical Significance: Worn by royalty for protection and divine favour
- Associated Qualities: Loyalty, nobility, and integrity
Sapphire, renowned for its stunning blue shades, is the birthstone of September and represents the 45th wedding anniversary. Symbolising loyalty, nobility, and integrity, sapphires have long been revered as the ultimate gemstone for commitment and trust.
The name "sapphire" comes from the Latin sapphirus, meaning "blue stone." In ancient times, sapphires were worn by royalty for protection and to invoke divine favour. The Greeks believed these gems could call on the gods for guidance, while in Buddhist tradition, they were seen as a path to spiritual enlightenment. Hindus also cherished sapphires for their connection to worship.
With a remarkable hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale—second only to diamonds—sapphires are highly durable, making them a popular choice for both fine jewellery and industrial uses.
October Birthstone: Opal (also Tourmaline)
- Colour: Multi-coloured; play-of-colour effect for opals
- Origin of Name: Greek "opallos", meaning "to see a change in colour"
- Historical Significance: Believed to possess magical qualities
- Associated Qualities: Hope, innocence, and purity
October offers a unique duality of choice, with both opal and tourmaline serving as its birthstones. Opals are famed for their captivating play of colour, shifting hues that mesmerise as the stone moves. Derived from the Greek word "opalus", meaning "colour change," opals were believed to hold the colours of all gemstones, representing love, passion, and protection, while also symbolising luck and desire.
On the other hand, tourmaline is admired for its wide spectrum of colours, often displaying multiple hues within a single stone. Its name comes from the Sinhalese term "turmali," meaning "mixed gems." Tourmaline is associated with artistic expression, emotional balance, and creative inspiration.
In terms of durability, tourmaline scores between 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it the harder of the two, while opals range between 5.5 to 6.5.
November Birthstone: Topaz (also Citrine)
- Colour: Yellow to orange; also available in blue
- Origin of Name: Sanskrit "tapas", meaning "fire"
- Historical Significance: Used by ancient Egyptians and Romans for protection
- Associated Qualities: Strength, tenacity, and dedication
November's birthstones, topaz and citrine, bring warmth and vitality with their golden hues. Topaz, renowned for its yellow and golden-brown shades, can also be found in blue, pink, and even fiery red-orange. In ancient Egypt, topaz was associated with the sun god Ra due to its radiant colour, and it was believed to provide strength and intelligence to its wearer.
Citrine, another gemstone of November, glows with a sunny, cheerful colour ranging from pale yellow to brownish hues. The name comes from the French word citron, meaning lemon, perfectly capturing its vibrant yellow tones. Citrine is often linked to positivity, energy, and abundance, earning the nickname "merchant's stone" for its alleged ability to attract wealth.
Topaz is quite durable, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, while citrine has a hardness of 7, making both stones suitable for various jewellery designs.
December Birthstone: Turquoise (also Tanzanite and Zircon)
- Colour: Blue to green for turquoise and zircon; deep blue-violet for tanzanite
- Origin of Name: French "pierre turquoise", meaning "Turkish stone"
- Historical Significance: Used as talismans in ancient civilizations
- Associated Qualities: Protection, wisdom, and positive thinking
December’s birthstones—turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite—capture the beauty of winter’s chill and the magic of the night sky. Turquoise, with its distinctive blue-green hue, has been revered for thousands of years. Ancient cultures valued it for its protective and healing properties, and it is thought to promote peace and tranquillity by dispelling negative energies.
Zircon, commonly found in blue, is another gemstone linked to wisdom, honour, and prosperity. It is considered to provide spiritual insight and balance.
Tanzanite, a recent addition from Tanzania, dazzles with its deep blue-violet colour. Known for fostering clarity and calmness, it is believed to help connect its wearer with their spiritual side.
In terms of durability, zircon is the hardest of the three, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, while turquoise is the softest with a hardness of 5 to 6.
Setting Birthstones in Silver Jewellery
Silver, renowned for its lustrous shine and timeless elegance, serves as the perfect setting for the vibrant colours and textures that birthstones offer. When these stones are set into silver, their natural beauty is beautifully enhanced, creating a striking contrast that is both visually captivating and rich in symbolism.
The cool tones of silver effortlessly complement a wide range of birthstones, making their colours pop and adding depth to the gem. For instance, the deep red of garnet or the tranquil blue of aquamarine come alive against the sleek backdrop of silver, intensifying their brilliance.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the combination of silver and birthstones elevates the meaning of each piece. Silver, often associated with purity and clarity, can amplify the powerful symbolism of birthstones, turning the jewellery from a mere accessory into a meaningful talisman of personal significance.
Browse Our Range of Birthstone Jewellery
Find a Piece of Silver Jewellery Just for You
Birthstones are more than just gems; they are woven into the tapestry of time, each carrying its own history, colour, and significance. These stones tell stories that connect us to our heritage and aspirations. As we've explored each month's unique gem, we discover how their meanings continue to captivate and inspire, inviting us to carry a bit of that magic with us.
Setting birthstones in silver is not only about enhancing beauty; it's about weaving the rich narratives of these stones with the timeless elegance of silver. The result is jewellery that does more than dazzle—it tells a story, carries personal meaning, and endures through the ages.
Our curated collection of silver jewellery, adorned with these enchanting birthstones, allows you to wear more than just an accessory. Each piece is a personal emblem, rich in history and sentiment, waiting to be cherished and treasured for years. Explore our range and find the perfect piece to reflect your story.