The concept of birthstones is believed by some to have a connection with Priestly breastplate, a ceremonial breastplate that held four rows of three precious stones symbolising 12 tribes. Some believe there is a connection between these stones and the months of the year.Traditionally, each month is associated with a single gemstone, but as you’ll find below there are a few months with multiple birthstones.Birthstones are surrounded by myths and legends and they're traditionally believed to possess magical energies that could be used as protection. It was thought that wearing the gemstone during its associated month helped to enhance its abilities.Whether or not you believe these myths , it’s hard to disagree that learning about birthstones can be an entertaining experience.Use this guide to birthstones by month and find a beautiful jewellery piece to symbolise birthdays or landmark dates that are personal to you and your loved ones.
January birthstones
tsavorite
A striking green gemstone that is four times rarer than emerald. During the Middle Ages, this precious gemstone was used as a symbol for truth and faith and nowadays some believe that tsavorite is the stone of strength, wealth, energy and confidence.
It's truly a gorgeous gem considered by many a collector's stone and found only in Kenya and Tanzania.
Garnet
The rich dark red gemstone aptly named after the seeds of the luscious fruit pomegranate.Garnets have been symbolically associated with life force, heart and blood and been considered a symbol for love, friendship and passion. The Crusaders used the stone as protection against wounds and accidents during their journeys. Mary Queen of Scots and the Russian Czarinas were all famous for wearing garnets.
february birthstones
The royal stone
Amethyst
Amethyst gemstones have been thought by some to bring clarity to the mind, enhance creativity and protect the wearer from evil thoughts.
According to folklore, Greek hosts would use glasses carved from amethyst to disguise their drinks as wine so as to remain sober among drunken guests. only royals were allowed to wear the gem. The early Egyptians believed that the stone possessed positive powers, and placed it in the tombs of pharaohs and medieval churchmen used amethyst rings and jewels to promote divine revelations and wisdom.
Amethyst was also the stone of royalty, representing power.
March Birthstones
Poseidon's Stone
Aquamarine
Aquamarine, as the name suggests, is named after the element of water. Translated from Latin, aquamarine means 'water of the sea. This gemstone was believed to have originated from the jewel caskets of sirens, washed ashore from the depths of the sea and it was considered sacred to Neptune and Poseidon, Gods of the sea.
It has been said that the ancient Greeks and Romans believed having an aquamarine aboard a ship would protect against evil and bad luck so the sailors wore aquamarine talismans carved with Poseidon on a chariot. Because of the serene colour that the gemstone has to offer, it promotes calmness and peace in the beholder.
April Birthstones
Stone of invincibility
Diamond
The diamond is harder than any other substance on earth and it has become a symbol of enduring love. The product of extreme pressure and temperature, diamonds flaunt a sparkle like no other stone.
The name diamond is derived from the Greek 'adamus' meaning invincible, so it is easy to see how the stone has become a symbol of strength, unity and eternal bonds.The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters of stars fallen to earth and Romans.
