A Guide to Gemstones for Every Month

Gemstones have captivated humanity for centuries with their beauty, rarity, and mystical properties. Birthstones, in particular, hold a special significance, believed to align with the energies and personalities of those born in each month.

From January to December, each birthstone boasts a unique colour, history, and symbolism, making them a cherished choice for personal adornment and meaningful gifts. Let’s embark on a journey through the twelve months of the year, exploring the enchanting world of birthstones.

January - Garnet:

A Garnet is believed to offer its wearer guidance and strength. This gemstone has a rich history, gracing the adornments of ancient civilisations and even adorning the Crusaders' armour during medieval times.The birthstone for January, garnet, comes in various shades, but is commonly associated with deep red hues. 

• Colour: deep red hues
• Symbolises: trust, friendship, and protection
• Countries of Source: India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, USA

February - Amethyst:

Legend has it that wearing amethyst can protect against drunkenness and promote clarity of mind - I am sure we can think of a few recipients for this gemstone, regardless of their birth month!  The gemstone for February radiate a captivating purple hue and has long been associated with luxury and sophistication, making it a popular choice for jewellery lovers worldwide.

• Colour: a royal purple somewhere between violet and deep dark purple.
• Symbolises: peace, courage, and stability. 
• Countries of Source: Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Uruguay, Zambia

March - Aquamarine:

As the name suggests, aquamarine mirrors the mesmerising blue hues of the sea. Representing tranquility, clarity, and harmony, this gemstone is the birthstone for March. Ancient sailors believed aquamarine to be a talisman for safe passage across stormy waters, while others viewed it as a symbol of eternal youth and happiness. Its serene beauty continues to captivate admirers, often adorning elegant pieces of jewellery.

• Colour: a royal purple somewhere between violet and deep dark purple.
• Symbolises: peace, courage, and stability. 
• Countries of Source: Brazil, China, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Russia

April - Diamond:

Renowned as the hardest substance on Earth, the diamond serves as the birthstone for April. Symbolising purity, strength, and everlasting love, diamonds have long been associated with engagement rings and other tokens of commitment. Beyond their romantic connotations, diamonds are prized for their brilliance and clarity, making them a timeless choice for any jewellery collection.

• Colour: a royal purple somewhere between violet and deep dark purple.
• Symbolises: peace, courage, and stability. 
• Countries of Source: South Africa, Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, Russia.

May - Emerald:

Emerald, with its lush green hue, embodies the verdant beauty of spring and is the birthstone for May. Revered for centuries as a symbol of rebirth, fertility, and vitality, emeralds have adorned the crowns of royalty and the jewellery boxes of the elite. Cleopatra famously cherished emeralds for their perceived power to grant foresight and wisdom. Today, these gemstones continue to exude luxury and elegance, making them a coveted addition to any jewellery ensemble.

• Colour: a lush green hue from a lite jade-like shade of green to a deep dark green.
• Symbolises:  rebirth, fertility, and vitality
• Countries of Source: Colombia, Brazil, India, Russia, Zambia, Zimbabwe

June - Pearl and Alexandrite:

June boasts not one, but two enchanting birthstones: pearl and alexandrite.

Pearls:

A pearl is a rare phenomenon formed within the depths of the ocean not by the force of nature and rocks during phases of extreme heat and cold, but rather a gemstone formed by a creature - the oyster.

Revered by ancient civilisations as symbols of wealth and status, pearls have adorned the crowns of monarchs and the necks of fashion icons throughout history.

• Colours: white, off-white, black
• Symbolises: purity, innocence, and wisdom
• Countries of Source: Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Tahiti

Some of the most sought after white and cream coloured pearls are found in the South China Seas and Tahiti is most famed for its black pearls.

Alexandrite:

Is a rare and remarkable gemstone that changes colour depending on the light, shifting from green to red. This mesmerising phenomenon symbolises creativity, intuition, and luck, making alexandrite a highly sought-after gem for collectors and connoisseurs alike. 

• Colour: depending on the light it shifts from green to red.
• Symbolises: creativity, intuition and luck.
• Countries of Source: Russia, India, Sri Lanka

John Franich Jewellers does not currently stock Alexandrite, however we would be happy to work on sourcing a stone for you and creating something custom made using Alexandrite - please send an enquiry to info@jfj.co.nz

July - Ruby:

Radiating with fiery passion, the ruby is the birthstone for July. Symbolising love, courage, and vitality, rubies have long been revered as the "king of gemstones." Ancient cultures believed rubies held the power to bestow good fortune and protection upon their wearers. Today, these vivid red gems continue to command attention, adding a touch of glamour and allure to any piece.

• Colour: synonymous with range of reds from scarlet to a deep blood red.
• Symbolises: peace, courage, and stability.
• Countries of Source: Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam 

August - Peridot:

August claims peridot as its birthstone, a gemstone as vibrant as the summer sun.  Ancient Egyptians treasured peridot for its supposed ability to ward off evil spirits and nightmares. Today, peridot's luminous beauty continues to captivate, offering a refreshing burst of colour to any collection.

• Colour: a refreshing green hue.
• Symbolises: strength, prosperity, and healing.
• Countries of Source: USA, Egypt, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Burma, Pakistan

September - Sapphire:

Ancient Persians believed the Earth rested on a giant sapphire, lending the gem its heavenly associations. From royal engagement rings to iconic pieces of jewellery, sapphires remain a timeless symbol of elegance and sophistication.

• Colour: traditionally famous for its celestial blue, Sapphires also come in pink, yellow, purple, pale blue and green.
• Symbolises: wisdom, loyalty, and nobility.
• Countries of Source: Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, USA, Cambodia, Burma, Sri Lanka, Laos, India.

 

Sapphires have enchanted admirers for centuries. It's worth noting that some of the most valuable and sought-after sapphires come from specific regions, such as:

• Kashmir sapphires: Known for their vibrant blue colour and fine clarity, Kashmir sapphires are considered some of the finest in the world.
• Mogok sapphires: Myanmar's Mogok Valley is famous for producing high-quality sapphires, particularly in shades of blue, pink, and yellow.
• Montana sapphires: Montana is known for producing sapphires with a unique, pale blue colour, often referred to as "Big Sky Blue".

October - Opal and Tourmaline:

October presents a delightful duo of birthstones: opal and tourmaline.

Opal:

Opals are known for their iridescent play-of-colour, symbolise creativity, passion, and spontaneity. Associated with magic and mystery, opals have inspired countless myths and legends throughout history.

• Colours: an iridescent play of off-white, gold and blues 
• Symbolises: creativity, passion, and spontaneity.
• Countries of Source: Australia, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Mexico, USA

 

Tourmaline:

Believed to aid in concentration and creativity, tourmaline is cherished for its unique beauty and metaphysical properties.

• Colours: available in a kaleidoscope of colours,
• Symbolises: energy, balance, and protection. 
• Countries of Source: Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, China, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, USA

November - Topaz and Citrine:

November offers a choice between topaz and citrine as its birthstones, both radiating warmth and vitality.

Topaz:

Ancient Greeks believed topaz to possess the power to increase strength and intellect.

• Colours: available in a spectrum of colours
• Symbolises: strength, wisdom, and courage. 
• Countries of Source: Brazil, India, Mexico, Namibia, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, USA

Citrine:

Associated with the sun, citrine is believed to carry the warmth and energy of sunlight, bringing positivity and vitality to its wearer.

• Colour: a sunny yellow hue.
• Symbolises: joy, abundance, and prosperity. 
• Countries of Source: Argentina, Brazil, India, Mexico, Russia, Spain, Zambia

December - Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon:

December concludes the year with a trio of enchanting birthstones: tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon.

Tanzanite:

Discovered relatively recently, tanzanite is uniquely found in its namesake country, Tanzania. It has quickly become a favourite among gemstone enthusiasts for its captivating colour and rarity.

• Colour: a range of mesmerising violet-blue hues
• Symbolises: transformation, spirituality, and intuition. 
• Country of Source: Tanzania

Turquoise:

A gemstone highly prevalent in Mexican, South American and Native American jewellery. Revered by ancient civilisations as a talisman of protection and prosperity, symbolises tranquility, strength, and friendship. 

• Colours: vibrant blue-green hues
• Symbolises: tranquility, strength, and friendship. 
• Countries of Source: Chile, Iran, Mexico, USA

Zircon:

Often mistaken for diamond due to its brilliance and clarity, zircon offers an affordable yet dazzling alternative for those born in December.

• Colours: Available in an array of colours
• Symbolises: prosperity, wisdom, and protection. 
• Countries of Source: Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Vietnam

In Conclusion

Birthstones have been identified to signify a time of birth, much like zodiac signs, star signs and other ancient forms of attaching talisman and meaning to the day, time or year you were born.  The encapsulate the essence of each month, offering a tangible connection to one's birth month and a timeless symbol of personal significance. Whether chosen for their beauty, symbolism, or metaphysical properties, birthstones continue to enchant and inspire generations of jewellery lovers worldwide.