The history of birthstones.
Way back in the days of Exodus, Aaron, the high priest of the Israelites — and brother to the prophet Moses — wore a breastplate adorned with 12 different gemstones. Years later, Titus Flavius Josephus, a Romano-Jewish scholar, connected each stone to the 12 signs of the zodiac. By 1870 the idea went mainstream when Tiffany & Co. published a pamphlet outlining each month’s birthstone.
Your birthstone says a lot about your personality. Do you love to shop? Perhaps you’re a diamond, born in April. Can you remain focused under pressure? Maybe you have the endurance of amethyst, born in February.
What is your birthstone, and what does it say about you?
January – Garnet
This unique gem comes in a variety of colours, including green, orange, pink and purple. However, it’s most known for its pomegranate-red hue. Garnet refers to a group of related stones, not just one, almandine and pyrope of which are the most popular.
Garnet represents confidence, energy and willpower. Those born in this month tend to be feisty and spontaneous, willing to take on any challenge that comes their way.
February – Amethyst
Due to its deep purple color, early legends associated amethyst with Bacchus, the god of wine. People believed wearing the stone would prevent drunkenness. Others thought amethyst would wearer clear-headed and sharp-witted during battle and business.
Those with an amethyst birthstone are known for being highly intelligent with excellent business sense. They often have a pure mind full of positive and optimistic thoughts. With a simple word or calming presence, they can set others at ease. They are also known for being great listeners, able to lend an ear to a friend in need.
March – Aquamarine
Some ancient cultures believed this sea-colored stone could protect sailors and guarantee a safe voyage. During the Middle Ages, many thought wearing aquamarine would keep them safe from poisoning.
Most stones range in colour from green to blue, with dark blue stones the rarest. Like emeralds, aquamarine belongs to a variety of mineral called beryl.
March babies can summon a sense of calm in the people around them. They’re known as great communicators, deeply valued for their compassion and honesty.
April – Diamonds
If you were born in April, your birthstone is the opulent diamond. These gems form under immense pressure, about 200 kilometres below the Earth’s surface. Then, deep volcanic eruptions eject them violently upward, at around 40 to 50 kms per hour. Here, humans eventually uncover them.
Those with diamond personalities are known for their stubbornness and determination. Nothing can hold them back. Diamond personalities are incredibly hard to break, and that strength makes them courageous. They’re not afraid to tackle any problem that comes their way.
May – Emerald
Those born in May bear an emerald birthstone, a favorite of Cleopatra’s. Legend states the gem was one of four stones given by God to Solomon, giving him power over all creation. When placed under the tongue, it supposedly provides the ability to see the future. Some also believed emerald could cure diseases like cholera and malaria, as well as protect against evil spells.
Emerald’s luxurious green color reflects new growth. Those born in this month tend to be loving and compassionate. They have a knack for helping people see past their differences and find common ground.
June – Pearl
During the Renaissance, pearls were a symbol of nobility and prestige, worn mainly by royals. Mythology claimed pearls were the teardrops of mermaids, angels or pieces of the moon that fell into the sea.
Those with a pearl personality have a reputation for being spontaneous and adept at navigating new situations. They often love to travel, even if it means leaving their comfort zone.
July – Ruby
The nobility wore it to symbolise their power and wealth. People once thought rubies, when worn over the heart on the left side of the body, would protect the wearer and their home from threats.
It’s no surprise those with a ruby personality are often showy and prone to drama. They love to sing and take part in theater performances. Their self-confidence makes them excellent leaders, even at a young age.
August – Peridot
With a deep green colour, the gem resembles emerald. Peridots form deep below the Earth’s mantle before being propelled to the surface by volcanoes. It’s also found in meteorites. Ancient Egyptians believed peridot would protect the wearer from terrors of the night, calling it the “gem of the sun.”
Those born in this month have a reputation for being incredibly kind. They offer a welcoming light to anyone they see, both strangers and friends. They tend to be open with others because they are unafraid to be themselves. Others tend to trust peridot personalities instantly due to their friendly and welcoming nature.
Those born in August tend to be highly extroverted and effortlessly charming.
September – Sapphire
September is the month of sapphire, a stone said to instill wisdom, loyalty and nobility. While traditional sapphires are blue, the gem occurs in all colours, except red. The stone has been popular since the Middle Ages. Greeks wore it for guidance, and Buddhists thought it could bring spiritual enlightenment.
Sapphire personalities tend to be calm and reserved, only opening to those closest to them. They consider everything they say carefully and don’t often chime in with their opinion in big groups. When they do build a sense of trust with others, it’s usually deep, long-lasting and dependable.
October – Opal and Pink Tourmaline
If you were born in October, you can lay claim to two different birthstones — opal and pink tourmaline. Tourmaline is one of the most colorful minerals on Earth, and the pink variety perfectly represents an October-born personality. It forms in the fractures of Earth’s cavities during hydrothermal activity.
Those with a pink tourmaline personality tend to be restless, explorers and adventurers looking for an untouched corner of the world. While they might seem calm and composed on the outside, those born in October tend to have racing minds, always thinking about what’s coming next. They’re also known for their strong intuition.
Opals, on the other hand, hold the richest and deepest colors. Each gem has a kaleidoscope effect, with blazing reds, greens, blues and purples. Many cultures have described opals as supernatural, able to guard against disease and give the gift of prophecy. The stones are also a symbol of hope, truth and purity.
Opal birthstone holders are supposedly protective and faithful, loyal to those close to them. They tend to inspire positivity everywhere they go making them both good leaders and effective mentors.
November – Topaz
Those born in November have a birthstone of topaz, a label that encompasses all brown, orange and yellow transparent gems before the 1900s. Some believed stone could attract gold, wealth and esteem.
Topaz birthstone holders have a reputation for being lucky — especially when it comes to finances. Whether it’s a fun vacation, stellar career or new car, outsiders see those born in November as having it all. That’s because they work hard and persevere, even when facing insurmountable odds.
December – Tanzanite
Tanzanite, another December birthstone, takes its name from the blue gem’s only known deposit in northern Tanzania.
Those with this birthstone tend to have a love for knowledge — they’re always attending a new class or have a book in their hands. They’re happy to start a conversation with a stranger and debate differing opinions. This type of person can discuss politics while keeping an open and accepting mind.
Can’t find your birthstone in our store? Email through your query to rolling@stonz.diamonds