Not all gems are created equal. Let's be honest: we all have our favourites. Whether it’s the generous sparkle of a diamond or the calm lustre of pearls, most of us have a gemstone that speaks to us on some personal level.
This attachment to certain precious stones isn’t something new. From as far back as 3600 BC, humans have associated gems with certain qualities, and more recently, birth months. These fascinating gems with their ascribed meanings became known as birthstones. They were long believed to hold protective powers, offer glimpses into the future, and symbolize virtues their wearers aspired to.
Keep scrolling to discover your birthstone's meaning, history, and style tips below.
What are birthstones and how did they come about?
Birthstones are special gemstones connected to your birth month. Each one holds a unique history and meaning. Their beauty and symbolism make them popular choices for jewellery – think rings, necklaces, charms, or earrings. They make truly personal gifts: perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want to express how much you know and care for a person.
The concept of birthstones reaches far back into history, right to the book of Exodus in the Bible. Specifically, in the story of Aaron's breastplate, a sacred piece of attire for the high priest of Israel. This breastplate was adorned with twelve unique gemstones, each representing one of the twelve Israelite tribes. Centuries later, scholars like Flavius Josephus and St. Jerome drew connections between these gems and zodiac signs — an idea likely influenced by the rising popularity of astrology at the time. In 1912, the official modern birthstone list was established, and its popularity soared.
| Month | Birthstone | Meaning |
| January | Garnet | Enlightenment, Memory, Hope, Joy |
| February | Amethyst | Courage, Peace, Protection, Memory |
| March | Aquamarine | Protection, Energy, Clarity |
| April | Diamond | Love, Clarity, Independence |
| May | Emerald | Youth, Fertility, Good Fortune |
| June | Pearl | Innocence, Wisdom, Contentment |
| July | Ruby | Passion, Love, Vitality |
| August | Peridot | Strength, Awareness, Change |
| September | Sapphire | Protection, Purity, Loyalty |
| October | Opal | Luck, Hope, Harmony |
| November | Topaz | Love, Peace, Balance |
| December | Turquoise | Friendship, Success, Protection |
Birthstones by Month
We discuss each month's birthstones, their meanings, and practical tips to incorporate them into your fashion ensemble.
January’s Birthstone – Garnet
Garnets aren't a single gemstone, but a diverse family offering a wide range of colours. Historically, garnets were valued for their protective qualities, particularly in battle. The red garnets, in particular with their resemblance to blood, symbolize love, passion, and vitality.
Style Tips: Deep red garnets demand attention. Pair them with neutrals like black, white, and tan for a classic look, or play with rich, complementary hues like navy, forest green, and even a bold mustard yellow.
February's Birthstone – Amethyst
Amethysts symbolize serenity, peace, wisdom, and balance. Ancient Greeks believed they could prevent intoxication — the word "amethyst" comes from the Greek amethystos meaning "not intoxicated". They were often used in goblets for this very reason.
Style Tips: Amethyst’s purple shade exudes a cool, regal quality. Consider this birthstone in delicate pieces — pendants, earrings, and rings — set in white gold. Amethyst also complements pastels like lavender, periwinkle, and pale pink, or bolder colours like emerald green and deep blue.
March's Birthstone – Aquamarine
March, a month of renewal and fresh beginnings, is mirrored in the serene beauty of its birthstone, aquamarine. This gemstone's cool, watery green evokes the tranquillity of the sea — and all the other emotions that come with it, like courage, calmness, and clarity. Sailors often donned aquamarine as a protective charm on their voyages.
Style Tips: Aquamarine's soft blues offer endless possibilities. Pair it with crisp whites or light greys for a timeless look. Consider an aquamarine centrepiece in a bolder necklace, set in gold to create warmth and contrast. Aquamarine also sings alongside delicate floral patterns.
April’s Birthstone – Diamond
Diamonds, the ultimate symbol of love, commitment, and resilience, are April's dazzling birthstone. Their unmatched brilliance and fire are a testament to their enduring beauty. Diamonds also carry another meaning: believed to enhance the wearer's clarity and courage.
Style Tips: Diamonds truly do sparkle with everything! But they are undoubtedly the most dazzling in simple settings. Classic solitaires, diamond stud earrings, and tennis bracelets offer everyday brilliance. Browse our diamond collection.
May's Birthstone – Emerald
The most prized emeralds have a deep, rich green tone with a slight blue hue. This lush green jewel symbolizes growth, abundance, and good fortune. Cleopatra famously adored emeralds.
Style Tips: Emeralds pair beautifully with vintage styles. The deep green of this birthstone looks stunning with neutrals like black and white, creating bold looks. Pair with rose gold or yellow gold for traditional elegance. Or for something unique, combine with complementary hues like burgundy and dusty pink.
June's Birthstone – Pearl or Alexandrite
June is unique in that it boasts two distinct birthstones! First, pearls, a classic symbol of purity, wisdom, and innocence. Formed organically, natural pearls were incredibly rare throughout history, making them a true luxury.
There's also the mesmerizing alexandrite, which is known for its fascinating colour-changing properties. It appears greenish-blue in daylight and purple-red in incandescent light. It represents balance, joy, and confidence.
Style Tips: Pearls are timeless. Try a classic strand paired with a simple dress, or go for bold pearl earrings against sleek, dark hair. Showcase alexandrite's unique colour-shift with more dramatic pieces. Long statement necklaces or rings with a central alexandrite stone allow for the most impact.
July's Birthstone – Ruby
The fiery ruby is July's birthstone, carrying meanings of passion, vitality, and protection. Its deep red hue instantly commands attention. Rubies were also believed to bring good luck and protect against negativity.
Style Tips: Pair with classic cuts and styles, keeping other elements simple to let the ruby shine. This birthstone is particularly stunning when paired with yellow gold — the warmth of the metal amplifying ruby’s intensity.
August's Birthstone – Peridot
Peridot's unique lime-green colour represents vitality and harmony. To the Ancient Egyptians, this was the "gem of the sun", tied closely to the belief that Peridot could protect its wearer from the dangers of the night.
Style Tips: Play with peridot's fresh, energetic colour! Layer delicate peridot necklaces for a summery touch or use a statement peridot ring to accentuate a cool-toned outfit. Pair this birthstone with complementary wardrobe colours like peach, pink, and citrus.
September’s Birthstone – Sapphire
September's birthstone is the sapphire. Its most common hue, deep blue, remains the most iconic, but sapphires can also surprise with yellows, pinks, and other vibrant hues (only red belongs to its cousin, the ruby). Sapphires have a beautiful meaning, and have long been associated with protection, truth, and loyalty.
Style Tips: Sapphires suit both elegant and modern styles. Play with deeper blues for dramatic, glamorous pieces while lighter sapphires work effortlessly in delicate everyday jewellery. Pair sapphires with white gold or platinum for a truly dazzling effect.
October’s Birthstone — Opal
Shrouded in swirling colour, the opal is the captivating birthstone for October. This gem dances with flashes of yellow, blue, red, and green. Opals are believed to symbolize faithfulness, luck, and hope, while also bringing great insight to their wearers.
Style Tips: Opals offer a unique style challenge — their pattern can be so vibrant it could clash with certain patterns or colours in your wardrobe. For this reason, pair opals with solids or subtle patterns in neutral tones like black, white, or beige, to let their hues really stand out.
November's Birthstone - Topaz
Topaz is known for its calming energies, bringing warmth and peace to those close. Commonly seen today in a beautiful sky blue hue, it’s also available in various shades such as yellow, pink, and brown.
Style Tips: This gemstone looks stunning set in white gold, and it complements an array of wardrobe colours from cool pastels to rich jewel tones.
December's Birthstone - Turquoise
Turquoise is the zodiac stone for Sagittarius, and the birthstone for December. It is believed to bring protection, fortune, and great success.
Style Tips: Pair your turquoise gemstone with neutral or earth-tone outfits for a softer look, or create a striking contrast with coral or black apparel.
Incorporating Your Birthstone Into Your Everyday Look
For a fun pop of colour in your everyday outfits, grab a pair of gemstone stud earrings or a cool ring — just a little touch of colour really perks things up. For more formal occasions, pair a glam necklace with a dress. Depending on the neckline, you can opt for a simple pendant or a more opulent gem-studded necklace. Here's a helpful guide on choosing the perfect pendant shape.
Feeling adventurous? Play with contrasting colours to create extra visual interest. And remember, there's no rule saying you can't rock a birthstone that isn't your own — gemstones are all uniquely beautiful, so enjoy trying different ones and see what speaks to you.
Preserve The Brilliance Of Your Birthstone Jewellery With Proper Care
Store your gems in a cool, dark place. Keep them away from extreme heat and sunlight, which can cause discoloration and fading. Avoid exposure to perfumes, chlorine and other chemical substances to prevent corrosion. Store them separately in soft pouches or lined jewellery boxes to prevent scratches.
Most gemstones appreciate a simple cleaning routine. Use warm, soapy water (mild dish soap works fine) and a soft cloth. Dip, gently scrub, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry. For organic gemstones like pearls, amber, and coral, only wipe them with a soft, damp cloth and avoid any contact with chemicals.
Tying It All Together: Decoding Your Birthstone
Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but your birthstone is your soulmate — a timeless reflection of your individuality. And that never goes of style. With this guide to birthstone colours and meanings, you're ready to choose the perfect gem for yourself or a loved one.
Let your birthstone tell your story. From fiery rubies to luminous pearls, celebrate your unique connection to your birthstone with Diamond & Platinum’s gemstone jewellery. Shop online for rings, necklaces, earrings, and more.