Discover Your Birthstone: Lucky Gems By Month
As the famous adage goes, ‘a gemstone is a piece of mineral crystal which, in cut and polished form, is used to make jewelry or other adornments.’
However, for centuries, gemstones have been believed to hold mystical properties and serve as a symbol of good luck and protection. Birthstones, in particular, are believed to bring good fortune to those who wear them, making them a popular keepsake gift for special occasions.
Every month has its own unique birthstone with its own symbolic meaning and healing properties.
From the versatile garnet of January to the soothing amethyst of February, the adoration-bringing aquamarine of March to the wisdom-enhancing emerald of May, and the intense blazing ruby of July to the mental and spiritual clarity-promoting turquoise of December, discovering your birthstone can be a fascinating and enlightening experience.
This article will provide an overview of the lucky gems associated with each birth month, their meanings and symbolism, as well as their relevance in gift-giving and anniversary celebrations.
January to June Birthstones
The first half of the year features an array of birthstones, each with their own unique qualities and symbolic meanings.
January is represented by Garnet, a versatile gemstone with healing powers that is often given as a gift to demonstrate commitment and affection.
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is highly valued for its soothing effects and its ability to enhance learning abilities.
March is symbolized by the Aquamarine, which brings adoration, affection, knowledge, foresight, and individual inspiration, and symbolizes youth, fidelity, hope, and wellbeing.
For April, the diamond is the birthstone, symbolizing love, might, and courage.
Emerald, the birthstone for May, is known for bringing wisdom and growth. It is often given as a gift for anniversaries or as a sign of love and devotion.
June is represented by three birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone. Pearl is associated with purity and innocence, while Alexandrite changes color in different lighting. Moonstone brings good fortune and is associated with feminine energy. Pearls are also known as the anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage.
July to December Birthstones
From July to December, a range of birthstones are associated with each month, each with their own distinct meanings and qualities.
The July birthstone is the ruby, a precious gemstone symbolizing passion, love, and courage. It is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who wear it. Rubies are often given as gifts for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries and are considered to be one of the four precious gemstones alongside diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.
The August birthstone is the peridot, a green gemstone that is sometimes called the ‘evening emerald’due to its color. Peridot is believed to bring prosperity, growth, and good luck to those who wear it, and it is often given as a gift for the 16th wedding anniversary.
The September birthstone is the sapphire, which comes in a range of colors, from deep blue to pink, yellow, and purple. Sapphires are thought to represent wisdom, truth, and faithfulness, and they are often given as gifts for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
The October birthstones are the opal and tourmaline, both of which are known for their beautiful, multi-colored appearance.
The November birthstones are topaz and citrine, with citrine being associated with creativity and joy, and topaz being the anniversary gemstone for the 13th year of marriage.
Finally, the December birthstones are turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite, with turquoise known for its calming and purifying qualities and zircon and tanzanite being relatively new additions to the birthstone list.
Overall, birthstones offer a unique and personal way to celebrate one’s birth month and can make for meaningful gifts for loved ones.
Meaning and Symbolism
Meaning and symbolism are important aspects of birthstones, as each gemstone is believed to hold unique properties and characteristics that can bring good fortune and positive energy to its wearer.
Here are three examples of the symbolic meanings associated with some of the birthstones:
- January’s birthstone, garnet, is believed to bring healing and protective energies. It is also considered to be a symbol of love and devotion, making it a popular choice for anniversary gifts.
- May’s birthstone, emerald, is associated with growth, wisdom, and abundance. It is often given as a symbol of love and commitment, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.
- September’s birthstone, sapphire, is known for its deep blue color and association with wisdom, nobility, and truth. It is believed to bring protection and good fortune to its wearer, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other special occasions.
Gift Giving and Anniversary Stones
Gift giving and anniversary stones are significant factors in the selection of birthstones for special occasions. Birthstones are often given as gifts to commemorate important milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. They are also used to symbolize love, loyalty, and affection. The choice of a birthstone as a gift can convey a message of commitment and devotion, making it a meaningful and cherished keepsake.
Anniversary stones are particularly important when selecting a birthstone to give as a gift for a wedding anniversary. Each year of marriage is associated with a specific gemstone, which is believed to bring good luck, happiness, and prosperity to the couple.
For example, the 5th wedding anniversary is traditionally celebrated with sapphires, while the 13th year is marked by citrine. The 15th and 40th anniversaries are celebrated with rubies, and the 30th anniversary is marked by pearls.
By selecting a birthstone that is also an anniversary stone, the gift becomes even more significant and meaningful, representing the couple’s enduring love and commitment to each other.
