Your Guide To The Best Birthstone Jewelry
Birthstone jewelry can sometimes seem so old school and an out of date piece to wear. Unlike your horoscope, you probably don't know much about the history of birthstones or what yours really means. Did you know, the origin of birthstones is actually biblical, being first cited in the Book of Exodus? And, that the first recorded use of gemstones as decorations and symbols was there, where Aaron, a high priest, had a breast plate embedded with 12 unique jewels? Maybe not. Today, this type of jewelry offers a more secular and aesthetic connotation. Luckily, I am not going to give you any more info on birthstone history but I did pull together a crash course of birthstone meanings and a few super chic birthstone pieces.
The Month: January
The Stone: Garnet
Garnet means perseverance, truth, patience and consistency. Although most people think that garnets are only red in color, but garnets come in a variety of colors like pink, green, yellow, violet and orange.
MELISSA JOY MANNING 14-karat gold garnet earrings $190
The Month: February
The Stone: Amethyst
Amethyst is a beautiful purple stone associated with sincerity, peace of mind and good health. Amethyst is also believed to encourage self control and strengthens the bond in a love relationship.
David Yurman Chatelaine Drop Earrings with Lavender Amethyst and Purple Sapphires $1,950.00
The Month: March
The Stone: Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a pale blue colored gemstone and is associated with foresight, knowledge and inspiration. Aquamarine brings courage, creativity, perception, hope and self-expression.
Chan Luu Cultured Freshwater Pearl Y Necklace, PRICE: $120.00
The Month: April
The Stone: Diamond
The diamond is a symbol of purity, innocence, eternity and courage. Diamond is the most sought after and expensive gem and in ancient times diamonds were believed to be tears of the Gods.
The Month: May
The Stone: Emerald
Emerald brings happiness, prosperity, success and goodness. Emeralds signify honesty, wisdom, growth and patience.
Alexis Bittar Green Crystal Deco Emerald Stacked Bracelet $375 From Marissa Collections
The Month: June
The Stone: Pearl
The pearl, has long been a symbol of purity. It is believed that people who wear pearl can succeed in creative work and it is also linked with a successful married life.
LULU FROST URSULA STATEMENT NECKLACE $450.00
The Month: July
The Stone: Ruby
The ruby has been regarded by ancient Hindus as the "king of gems." It was believed to protect its wearer from evil. The ruby's deep-red color signifies love and passion.
DELFINA DELETTREZ Kiss My Hand 18-karat gold ruby finger bracelet $2,970
The Month: August
The Stone: Peridot
Peridot signifies innocence, fidelity, strength and faith. It is sometimes called the evening emerald for its light green color.
Delfina Delettrez Peridot and Marquee Triple Ring, $955, available at Moda Operandi.
The Month: September
The Stone: Sapphire
Sapphire is associated with faith, honesty, wisdom and serenity. It is believed to increase mental clarity and enhance spirituality in a person.
Mociun Stacked Sapphire Ring, $985, available at Mociun.
The Month: October
The Stone: Opal
Opal means hope, innocence and purity. The word comes from the Latin opalus, meaning "precious jewel."
Catbird Opal Teardrop Ring, $198, available atCatbird.
The Month: November
The Stone: Citrine
Citrine is a yellow-to-golden member of the quartz mineral group. Citrine has been called the "stone of the mind" because it helps mental and intellectual functions and increases your self-esteem and energy.
Melissa Joy Manning Citrine Post Earrings With Chain Wrap, $300, available at Melissa Joy Manning.
The Month: December
The Stone: Blue Topaz
The Blue Topaz was considered by ancient civilizations to have cooling properties. Believed to calm hot tempers, the Blue Topaz is a symbol of love and fidelity.
Astley Clarke Blue Topaz Ring, $164, available at Selfridges & Co.
