Your Birthstone - What Does it Mean?

THE BRILLIANCE OF BIRTHSTONES

A Guide to The Gemstones That Represent Each Birthday 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 great choice for meaningful birthday gifts.

Just like every person in this world, every gemstone holds a special quality that is unique to that stone. John Franich has many years of training to identify these unique properties - the stone's internal structure, colour, composition and clarity - as well as the craftsmanship of the cut. It is these characteristics that John Franich looks at - and what gives the stone its value. 

In this article we will take you on a journey through the twelve months of the year, exploring the enchanting world of birthstones and their meaning. We'll provide  you a few visuals and links for gift options available at John Franich Jewellers.

JANUARY - GARNET

The birthstone for January, Garnet, comes in many shades of red and pink, but is commonly associated with deep red hues. Symbolising trust, friendship, and protection, 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.

FEBRUARY - AMETHYST

Radiating a captivating purple hue, Amethyst is the gemstone for February. Legend has it that wearing amethyst can protect against drunkenness and promote clarity of mind. Beyond its folklore, amethyst symbolizes peace, courage, and stability. Its royal purple color has long been associated with luxury and sophistication, making it a popular choice for jewellery lovers worldwide.

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.

APRIL - DIAMOND

Renowned as the hardest substance on Earth, the Diamond serves as the birthstone for those lucky to be born in April. As the most valuable of the gemstones, diamonds symbolise 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.

MAY - EMERALD

Emerald, with its lush green hue, embodies the verdant beauty of spring (in the northern hemisphere that is) so it is the birthstone for May. However, what better accent for your winter wardrobe than a deep rich forest, or emerald, green. 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.

JUNE - PEARL OR ALEXANDRITE

June boasts not one, but two enchanting birthstones: Pearl and Alexandrite. Pearls, formed within the depths of the ocean, symbolise purity, innocence, and wisdom. Revered by ancient civilizations as symbols of wealth and status, pearls have adorned the crowns of monarchs and the necks of fashion icons throughout history.

Alexandrite, on the other hand, is a rare and remarkable gemstone that changes color 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. This is the only gemstone in the list not stocked at John Franich, but speak to us if this is something you are interested in sourcing.

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 jewellery piece.

AUGUST - PERIDOT

August claims Peridot as its birthstone, a gemstone as vibrant as the summer sun. With its refreshing green hue, peridot symbolizes strength, prosperity, and healing. 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 color to any jewellery collection.

SEPTEMBER - SAPPHIRE

Sapphire, with its celestial blue allure, is the birthstone for September. However, not all sapphires are blue! As pictured below, sapphires in fact come in many different colours such as pink, purple, orange and even green, making them the most colourful of any precious gemstone variant. Symbolising wisdom, loyalty, and nobility, sapphires have enchanted admirers for centuries. 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.

OCTOBER - OPAL OR TOURMALINE

October presents a delightful duo of birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline. Opals, known for their iridescent play-of-color, symbolize creativity, passion, and spontaneity. Associated with magic and mystery, opals have inspired countless myths and legends throughout history.

Tourmaline, also available in a kaleidoscope of colours from greens and blues to reds and pinks; symbolise energy, balance, and protection. Believed to aid in concentration and creativity, tourmaline is cherished for its unique beauty and metaphysical properties.

NOVEMBER - TOPAZ OR CITRINE

November offers a choice between Topaz and Citrine as its birthstones, both radiating warmth and vitality. Topaz, available in a spectrum of colors, symbolizes strength, wisdom, and courage. Ancient Greeks believed topaz to possess the power to increase strength and intellect.

Citrine, with its sunny yellow hue, symbolises joy, abundance, and prosperity. Associated with the sun, citrine is believed to carry the warmth and energy of sunlight, bringing positivity and vitality to its wearer.

DECEMBER - TURQUOISE OR TANZANITE

December concludes the year with a two enchanting birthstones: Tanzanite and Turquoise. Tanzanite, with its mesmerising violet-blue hues, symbolizes transformation, spirituality, and intuition. Discovered relatively recently, in its namesake country, Tanzania, tanzanite has quickly become a favourite among gemstone enthusiasts for its captivating colour and rarity.

Turquoise, revered by ancient civilizations as a talisman of protection and prosperity, symbolizes tranquility, strength, and friendship. Its vibrant blue-green hues evoke the beauty of the natural world, making turquoise a cherished gemstone for jewellery aficionados.

In conclusion, birthstones, much like astrology and star signs, 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.

Note: The product images selected for this article may no longer be available in the store. Please reach out to us if you have a specific request and we will try to source the same or similar item for you, or we can custom make any item to your liking, personalised for the recipient.