Birthstones have long been celebrated for their beauty and symbolic meaning. Each month is associated with a unique gem, believed to carry qualities that reflect and enhance the traits of those born during that time. Whether worn for personal connection, tradition or style, these stones continue to enchant across cultures and generations.

• January - Garnet, typically red but can come in various colours. It is associated with love, friendship and protection.
• February - Amethyst, a purple variety of quartz that is believed to bring peace, courage and stability.
• March - Aquamarine a pale blue or greenish-blue beryl gemstone that represents calmness, courage and communication.
• April – Clear quartz & Diamond, both symbolise strength, purity and unity.
• May - Emerald, these are green beryl gemstones associated with fertility, rebirth and love.
• June - Pearl & Moonstone: Pearls symbolise purity and courage. Moonstone is associated with feminine energy and emotional well-being.
• July - Ruby, a pink to red corundum gemstone that symbolises love, joy and vitality.
• August - Peridot a bright green gemstone associated with protection, joy and prosperity.
• September - Sapphire, this corundum gemstone occurs in many colours, blue sapphires are the most famous. They symbolize wisdom, loyalty and nobility.
• October - Opal & Tourmaline: October has two birthstones. Opals represent hope and creativity, while tourmalines in their many colours are associated with healing and protection.
• November - Citrine & Topaz: Citrine is a yellow quartz gemstone symbolising prosperity and happiness, while topaz represents strength and healing.
• December - Turquoise & Tanzanite: Turquoise is associated with protection and good fortune, tanzanite represents transformation and spirituality

While the idea of attributing meaning to gemstones dates back thousands of years, the tradition of wearing a specific stone based on one’s birth month is a more recent development. Many ancient cultures, including the Greeks, Romans and Hindus, believed that certain stones held special powers, such as protection, healing or good fortune. These beliefs were often tied to astrology, seasonal changes or religious symbolism, rather than the calendar months.

The concept of twelve significant stones does appear in early religious texts, such as the description of the High Priest’s breastplate in the Book of Exodus. However, this is more of a symbolic parallel than a direct origin of the modern birthstone tradition.

The idea of linking particular gemstones to the months of the year began to take shape in the eighteenth century, especially in Eastern Europe. It became common to associate one stone with each month and to wear the stone that matched one’s birth. In the early twentieth century, jewellers’ associations formalised the lists of birthstones, creating the version we recognise today. Though modern in structure, the tradition remains rooted in a deep human fascination with the beauty and meaning of natural stones.

It's important to note that the meanings and associations of birthstones can vary across different cultures and belief systems.