Gemstones – what makes them so very desirable?
There’s Beauty of course, Rarity is important and Durability equals ‘everlasting’… together they amount to nature at its most valuable. However, that certainly isn’t where their worth ends. We can also add Emotion, Celebration, Commemoration, Mysticism, Healing, Energy, Friendship… to the list. And Birthstones – should you wish them to – carry a great deal of positive weight.
For centuries people from across the globe have used different coloured gemstones to mark occasions, to send subliminal messages, to show status, to treat illness and even to prevent drunkenness! Sublime beauty and fashion aside, particular coloured gemstones, particularly Birthstones, have always conveyed meaning… for the giver and for the wearer.
Celebrating a new beginning, a birthday, an anniversary with a piece of jewellery set with a meaningful gemstone is as thoughtful and relevant today as it has ever been. Below we outline the various gemstones that are traditionally associated with the months of the year, together with a few of the alternative birthstone gems, should you prefer to have a choice.
And of course, if you would like to know how to find a jeweller in your area who will be only to happy to show you a great selection and advise on the various gemstones:
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Or perhaps you would like to discover how much your ruby ring or peridot pendant is worth, in which case be sure to ask for a member of the NAJ-regulated Institute of Registered Valuers:
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Zodiac birthstone chart
| Month |
Star Sign |
Traditional Gemstone |
Alternative Gemstone |
| January |
Capricorn |
Garnet |
Rose Quartz |
| February |
Aquarius |
Amethyst |
Amber |
| March |
Pisces |
Aquamarine |
Jade |
| April |
Aries |
Diamond |
Clear Quartz / Rock Crystal |
| May |
Taurus |
Emerald |
Chrysoprase |
| June |
Gemini |
Pearl |
Moonstone |
| July |
Cancer |
Ruby |
Carnelian |
| August |
Leo |
Peridot |
Spinel |
| September |
Virgo |
Sapphire (blue) |
Lapis Lazuli |
| October |
Libra |
Opal |
Pink Tourmaline |
| November |
Scorpio |
Topaz |
Citrine |
| December |
Sagittarius |
Tanzanite |
Blue Topaz |
Birthstone jewellery and their meaning
January - Faith, Eternity, Truth
Garnet
Rose Quartz
February - Luck, Wittiness, Health
Amethyst
Amber
March - Happiness, Understanding
Aquamarine
Jade
April - Eternity, Courage, Health
Diamond
Clear Quartz / Rock Crystal
May - Fidelity, Goodness, Love
Emerald
Chrysoprase
June - Peace, Nobility, Beauty
Pearl
Moonstone
July - Love, Enthusiasm, Strength
Ruby
Carnelian
August - Success, Peace, Love
Peridot
Spinel
September - Serenity, Truth
Sapphire (blue)
Lapis Lazuli
October - Purity, Hope, Health
Opal
Pink Tourmaline
November - Wisdom, Courage, Sincerity
Topaz
Citrine
December - Love, Happiness, Luck
Tanzanite
Blue Topaz
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