The idea of a birthstone, which is a gemstone that corresponds to a person’s birth month, is a relatively modern creation. The modern association of one gem to each month, and the practice of wearing just the stone connected to your birth month, arose between the 16th and 18th centuries.
In the very early centuries, gemstones were originally linked to the signs of the zodiac where each stone offered the wearers ‘special powers’. Therefore, people tried to collect and wear all twelve gemstones throughout the year to reap the therapeutic benefits.
However, now people don’t associate gemstones with special powers, they are now worn due to their popular meanings and associations.
Birthstones by Month
January – Garnet
Garnet is January’s traditional and modern birthstone. Garnets are typically known as a deep red, but they can range from dark pink/purple to yellow, orange, green or the incredibly rare blue. It has been said that wearing garnet can prevent children having nightmares and could even protect vital organs. It’s also said to evoke romance!
February – Amethyst
If you were born in February, your birthstone is amethyst – the purple variety of quartz that has captivated people for years. The gemstone varies in hues from deep mystical dark purple to delicate lilacs. The birthstone of February is said to hold powerful influences and act as a barrier against low energies whilst holding purifying properties, clearing the mind of negativity. Amethyst is also a popular gift on 6th wedding anniversaries.
Shop our some of our amethyst range here.
March – Aquamarine
Aquamarine is recognised as the birthstone of March. This modern birthstone is a member of the beryl family of minerals and is a beautiful pale bluish-green or aqua in colour. The bluish-green gemstone was once believed to preserve the health of the wearer. Aquamarine symbolises faithfulness and friendship, and is a popular gift given on 19th wedding anniversaries.
April – Diamond
April’s birthstone is Diamond, which is of course the most sought after and popular birthstone of all. Diamonds are associated with eternal love and are known to symbolise romance, courage, strength, and purity. After all, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
You can view the full collection of McGowans Diamond products here.
May – Emerald
The birthstone of May is the Emerald. It used to be desired by ancient empires and was said to have mystical health-healing powers. However, today the stunning stone is a symbol of loyalty, new beginnings, peace, and security. It is still highly sought-after, as its rarity has increased over time.
We sell a range of stunning Emerald jewellery, from rings to necklaces and wristwear to earrings.
June – Pearl
June has 3 birthstones, pearl (pictured in bracelet above), alexandrite and moonstone. Pearls are a symbolism of purity.
Alexandrite is a mystical stone with colour changing properties. For example, it can appear green in daylight, and change to red/purple in darker lighting. They are said to encourage romance and promote self-esteem.
Moonstones tend to be white/blue in colour and can hold visual similarities to pearls. Moonstones are said to protect people travelling at night and help with sleep problems.
Have a look at some of our collection online or visit in store to see our full collection of pearls. Our online collection is only a selection of our in-store range.
July – Ruby
One of the most iconic gemstones is July’s birthstone, the ruby. This gemstone has a fiery, deep red hue which has made it a popular gemstone at the forefront of luxury for many years. It is also the celebratory stone for 40th wedding anniversaries. Rubies traditionally represent love, health, and wisdom. Although, they are also associated with protection, power, and good fortune.
We sell a range of stunning ruby jewellery, from rings to pendants and wristwear to earrings. Browse a few of our favourites online or discover our full selection of ruby in stores.
August – Peridot
If you were born in August, you have two birthstones, Peridot (pictured in ring above) and Spinel.
Peridot is a lime green stone and is believed to represent power and influence for the wearer.
Spinel is associated with protection and is also said to soothe sadness. Red spinel is the most desirable of the colours, followed by blue, hot pink and orange stones.
September – Sapphire
The birthstone of September is the enchanting Sapphire! Sapphires are prized as one of the world’s most popular gemstones due to their alluring beauty. Although almost always associated with the colour blue, sapphires exist in a whole spectrum of colours.
Sapphires has many different meanings across the world. Where some believe they are used for self-expression and sincerity. They are also associated with wisdom, which forces and calms the mind and releases unwanted thoughts and mental tension.
We sell a range of stunning ruby jewellery, browse some of it online here or visit us in store.
October – Opal
If you are born in October, you’re lucky to have 2 birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline.
Opals are often compared to fireworks and the galaxy for its unique rainbow of colours that is released from the gemstone when the light hits the structure of the gem. Opals are said the bring about loyalty and faithfulness to those who wear it. Tourmalines are often associated with protection and creativity.
We have a selection of vintage Opal jewellery you can view on our website, here or visit us in store for more pieces.
November – Topaz
Topaz is one of the most popular and sought-after gemstones. It also happens to be the birthstone of November, along with Citrine. Citrines are well renowned for their excellent warm shading and the glowing quality of the fair gemstones. They can be found in shades starting from bright yellows to stunning tangerines to sober burned orange hues.
Topaz is thought to bestow strength and intelligence on the person who wears it, and Citrine is associated with abundance and happiness.
Check out some of our Topaz jewellery here, or visit us in store for a larger range.
December – Tanzanite
Tanzanite, one of the birthstones of December, is a stunning gemstone recognised for its mesmerising blue/violet colouring. It was only recently discovered in the 1960’s in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, so it is relatively new and becoming ever more popular. Because of its growing popularity, Tanzanite was designated as the modern birthstone for the month of December in 2002, previously it was the turquoise.
Tanzanite doesn’t have a long history from which to draw associations and legends. However, in its short time it is said to be associated with nurturing, emotionally supportive and cheering energies.
View some of our Tanzanite rings here, or visit us in store for our full collection.
If you are looking for a gemstone to reflect your birth month, then you can shop our collections here or visit us in store at 4 and 41 Argyll Arcade. Our in-store advisors are experienced in helping you find the perfect piece that will suit you and your style. Please note that our online items only represent a small selection of our stock. Any enquiries please call us on 0141 221 0101.