Personalised birthstone jewellery: which birthstone should I pick?

Personalised birthstone jewellery is a common present idea for special occasions such as birthdays, christenings or anniversaries. Thought to provide both good luck and protection, birthstones are most commonly used in necklaces and bracelets for both adults and children.

Just what is a birthstone?



A birthstone is a gemstone which represents the month you were born in the Gregorian calendar, that has poems which match every month with its birthstone. Many different cultures do have their own listing of birthstones yet this particular calendar reflects those of English-speaking societies.



January

Birthstone: Garnet

This specific January birthstone naturally comes in a range of different shades, with the most popular colour being rhodolite (a pink-purple.) With its supposed healing powers, this specific birthstone safeguards and offers strength to the person wearing it. Many people wear personalised birthstone jewellery with garnet as a means of showing commitment and devotion.



February

Birthstone: Amethyst

The most valued part of the quartz family, amethyst is a beautiful birthstone for February. It's a purple birthstone, with hues varying from lavender to deep purple. High-quality amethyst is deep purple with flashes of rose pink, which makes it a common choice for personalised birthstone jewellery. In the past it's been employed to cure various complaints which range from hearing problems or headaches to alcohol dependency.



March

Birthstone: Aquamarine

Aquamarine, as the name indicates, is a blue stone which belongs to the beryl family. Variety of shades include the palest blue (so pale that it’s almost colourless) to a deep blue-green (teal). This array of shades means that aquamarine will complement any skin tone or eye colour, which makes it excellent for a personalised birthstone jewellery present. This birthstone also brings courage, tranquility and contentment to the wearer.



April

Birthstone: Crystal Quartz

In the past it was believed that April’s birthstone, crystal quartz was a compressed piece of ice (from the Greek name ‘crystallos’, that means ‘ice’.) It's a less costly replacement for diamonds, and thus can often be used in personalised birthstone jewellery. Just like various other birthstones it offers healing properties and boosts one’s spiritual well-being.



May

Birthstone: Emerald and Chrysoprase

Just like aquamarine, emerald (from the old French word ‘esmeralde’ that means ‘green gemstone’) comes from the beryl family, while chrysoprase is a green variety of chalcedony. Coming in a variety of shades of green (greenish-yellow to apple green), it gives the individual many choices when selecting what kind of personalised birthstone jewellery they would like. It is said to boost memory as well as mental capacity whilst eliminating negative thoughts.



June

Birthstone: Pearl

Organic gemstones found in oysters (sea pearls) as well as mussels (freshwater pearls), pearls range in colour from creamy-white, lilac-pink or peach-pink to grey and also black. Once more this colour selection gives the individual a wide choice when building their personalised birthstone jewellery. They make for a great present at a religious ceremony because pearls are believed to bring purity, faith, wisdom and also sincerity.



July

Birthstone: Ruby

July’s birthstone, ruby (from the Latin ‘rubens’, which means ‘red’) has always been considered one of the most valuable birthstones. This is an expensive choice in personalised birthstone jewellery however traditional gem lore declares that rubies bring financial stability to the wearer.



August

Birthstone: Peridot

A precious variety of the mineral olivine, peridot is amongst the oldest known birthstones, going back to the ancient Egyptians. One might pick peridot as a birthstone jewellery gift because it literally means ‘give richness’ in Greek. It will also bring the wearer openness in love and relationships.



September

Birthstone: Sapphire

Sapphire offers any purchaser of birthstone jewellery a vast choice, since it is a type of corundum which is available in several colours. The cheaper sapphire found on the high-street has normally been produced in laboratories but natural mined sapphires are recommended for personalised birthstone jewellery. Sapphires bring the wearer peace, joy as well as wealth.



October

Birthstone: Opal

Opal come in numerous colours and varieties, but the natural pink variety is used most often in personalised birthstone jewellery. It is a soft birthstone, which is believed to soothe depression, promote creativity and help the wearer find true love.



November

Birthstone: Citrine

This birthstone is a yellow variety of quartz, varying in colour from pale yellow to reddish brown. If the individual wishes to promote comfort and protection, they should choose citrine to put in their personalised birthstone jewellery.



December

Birthstone: Turquoise

Personalised birthstone jewellery - Turquoise is a birthstone that varies in colour from green to sky blue, with or without matrix (black lines running through the stone.) Particularly favoured by the ancient Egyptians, turquoise is thought to relieve the wearer of depression and enhance confidence. It is a token of friendship and makes an ideal choice for a personalised birthstone jewellery gift to a friend or loved one.

Published September 9th, 2011

Tags: Personalised, birthstone, jewellery