marking moments: birthstone jewelry and its meanings

birthstone jewelry has been a popular and meaningful gifting option for generations. whether you choose to wear your own birthstone, or the birthstones of your loved ones, they are a poignant and heartfelt tribute.

what is a birthstone?

birthstones are gemstones that have been associated with each month of the year, celebrating those born on that month. it is believed that wearing your birthstone can bring you good luck, channeling the stone’s properties into your life. 

whether you're seeking meaningful birthday gift ideas for a special someone, a new piece of birthstone jewelry for yourself, or you’re simply curious about the meaning behind these beautiful gems, we've got you covered— read on to learn all about birthstones, the meaning of gemstones, and our gorgeous serendipity birthstone charms.

the serendipity birthstone charms

when added to your favourite necklaces, bracelets, and chains, our serendipity birthstone charms are the perfect meaningful detail. 

designed to blend seamlessly with any 14k gold jewelry, these charms can be affixed onto any fine jewelry as a poignant reminder of your loved ones, or to celebrate the month of your birth. 

our favourite ways to wear birthstone charms:

• as an accent to an anchoring pendant, such as the tree of life ancient coin medallion
• on chain pieces such as our linked permanent bracelets, infinite inseparable bracelet or divine timing bracelet
• as a subtle elevated detail: attach a serendipity charm to the clasp of your favourite necklace when it’s sure to be seen, such as with an updo or short hairstyle!

the history + meaning of birthstones

the concept of birthstones can be traced back to ancient times, when people believed that certain stones had special properties that could bring good luck, health, and protection to the wearer. today, birthstones are mainly worn as a personal ornament, and they make an ideal gift for someone celebrating a birthday.

there are different lists of birthstones depending on the tradition and culture, but the modern birthstone list, established in 1912 by the american national association of jewelers, lists the following 12 birthstones, one for each month of the year.

in this post, we'll take a closer look at the birthstones associated with each month of the year and explore the meanings and properties behind them.

• january birthstone: garnet
  garnet, the birthstone for january, is a deep red gemstone that is known for its durability and versatility. we also have green tsavorite garnets in our tsavorite mystical eye pendant, ring, and earrings!

garnet birthstone meaning: garnets are considered a symbol of love and friendship, and is often given as a gift to represent these feelings. this stone, beloved for its rich, deep red hue, has been widely used in jewelry, particularly during the victorian era.

• february birthstone: amethyst
  amethyst, the birthstone for february, is considered to have calming and spiritual properties. it is naturally occuring in our home province— ontario is home to canada’s largest amethyst deposit.

amethyst birthstone meaning: amethyst is believed to symbolize courage and inner strength, making it a popular choice for spiritual or meditative jewelry. fun fact: the ancient greeks thought that the amethyst guarded against intoxication, and the name “amethyst” comes from amethystos, a greek word meaning “not intoxicating”.

• march birthstone: aquamarine
  aquamarine, the birthstone for march, is a light blue gemstone that is known for its calming and soothing properties. 

aquamarine birthstone meaning: aquamarine is believed to symbolize hope and courage, and promotes creativity and good health. it was historically believed to bring protection to sailors while at sea.

• april birthstone: diamond
  diamond, the birthstone for april, is a clear gemstone that is known for its timeless beauty and durability. thinking of proposing to someone born in april? make your proposal unforgettable with our antique diamond engagement ring!

diamond birthstone meaning: diamonds have been considered the symbol of eternal love and commitment for centuries, and they are considered to amplify positive energy.

• may birthstone: emerald
  emerald, the birthstone for may, is a green gemstone that is beloved for its vibrant colour and clarity. shop our emerald jewelry to add the perfect pop of green to your stack.
  
  

emerald birthstone meaning: emeralds are believed to promote healing and foresight. this vibrant stone symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings, making it a great choice for a gift to mark a milestone birthday.

• june birthstone: pearl
  pearl, the birthstone for june, is a white gemstone that is known for its soft, luminous appearance. shop our pearl jewelry here.

pearl birthstone meaning: pearls are considered to be a symbol of innocence and purity of spirit, warding off anxiety and nervousness and summoning calm energy.

• july birthstone: ruby
  ruby, the birthstone for july, is a red gemstone that is known for its vibrant colour. shop our ruby jewelry here.

ruby birthstone meaning: rubies are believed to ward off negative energy and summon passion and prosperity, making them a perfect choice for a romantic gift or to mark a special achievement or milestone.

• august birthstone: peridot
  peridot, the birthstone for august, is a gemstone in a fresh, soothing shade of green.

peridot birthstone meaning: known for its calming and soothing properties, peridot is believed to symbolize protection and good fortune, and is a great choice for a protective talisman for august-born people.

• september birthstone: sapphire
  sapphire, the birthstone for september, is a blue gemstone that is known for its durability and versatility, as they naturally occur in almost every colour. ethically-sourced montana sapphires are our specialty (we love sapphire engagement rings)! shop our sapphire jewelry here.
  
  sapphire birthstone meaning: sapphires are believed to symbolize truth, wisdom, and good fortune, bringing their wearer prosperity and protection.

• october birthstone: opal
  opal, the birthstone for october, is a gemstone known for its iridescent, rainbow-like appearance. shop our opal jewelry here.
  
  

opal birthstone meaning: opals are believed to symbolize hope and good luck, protecting their wearer from envy and sadness. this beautiful and unique stone is also said to increase creativity.

• november birthstone: citrine
  citrine, a birthstone for november, is a yellow gemstone that is known for its warmth and positive energy. 

citrine birthstone meaning: citrine symbolizes prosperity and abundance, and is a great choice for a gift for november-born people, especially to mark a new job, business venture or financial success. it is believed to heighten intellectual thinking and positive energy.

december birthstone: turquoise

turquoise, the birthstone for december, is a blue-green gemstone that is known for its unique colour and rich history. shop our turquoise jewelry here.

turquoise birthstone meaning: turquoise is believed to carry spiritual and calming properties, summoning good fortune and protection. this vivid gemstone is a great choice for a protective talisman or a gift to mark a special occasion or milestone.

we hope this guide has helped you understand the meaning and significance of birthstones, and provided you with some great gift ideas found on our online jewelry store.

as always, if you have any questions or need assistance choosing the perfect birthstone jewelry, feel free to contact us at guestexperience@bluboho.com — our team of experts is always happy to help.