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The Prettiest Birthstone Jewelry to Wear and Give
From glittering diamonds to regal tanzanite, here’s what each stone symbolizes.
Birthstones aren’t just known for their beautiful colors and varying textures—each one is imbued with its own spiritual meaning and symbolism. Some speculate that the idea of birthstones actually had biblical origins—specifically from the mention of the breastplate of Aaron in the Book of Exodus. Aaron, the first high priest of the Israelites, reportedly had a breastplate adorned with 12 different stones, and each one represented one of the tribes of Israel. According to the International Gem Society, “These stones were said to have possessed great powers and had the ability to tell people their fate. According to first-century translations, the first row contained carnelian, chrysolite, and beryl. The second row contained jacinth, agate, and amethyst, and the third row contained topaz, onyx, and jasper.”
Though not all of those stones align with modern-day birthstones, it’s worth noting that minerals during that time were named for their color, not their chemical composition, so, in theory, chrysolite—which was used to describe any gems with gold flecks—could have actually been yellow topaz or peridot (both of which are modern birthstones).
During the first century, the historian Joseph believed there to be a connection between the 12 stones in Aaron’s breastplate, the 12 months of the Julian calendar year, and the 12 different zodiac signs. During the 5th century, historian St. Jerome—referencing Joseph's beliefs—encouraged Christians to wear all 12 of these stones at once in ornate belts, jewelry and more.
According to the International Gem Society, “By the 8th and 9th centuries, this trend evolved to where people would own a collection of all of the jewels but only wear a single stone during a given month, where it was believed to have heightened powers. This most likely came from eastern traditions believing that birthstones can provide the wearer with protection and powers, as trade between the east and west began to surge during this time period.”
It’s believed that the modern-day concept of birthstones—or wearing just one stone to symbolize your month of birth—didn’t actually catch on until the 16th century. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers (known today as the Jewelers of America) standardized the list of American birthstones for each month. Below are the birthstones for each month, as well as a beautiful piece of jewelry to go with each.
Birthstones for Each Month
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This beautiful vintage ring is from the 19th century and features a garnet center stone and Victorian gold engraved band. According to the Old Farmers Almanac, garnet reportedly keeps the wearer safe during travel.
These sterling silver studs designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany feature two round, bright purple amethysts and have a total carat weight of .28. Amethysts are said to strengthen relationships and bolster courage.
This vintage aquamarine cocktail ring is sure to earn you compliments. According to GIA, aquamarine's name is derived from the Latin word for "seawater," and ancient mariners claimed that it would help calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. Others say wearing aquamarine can bring happiness to marriage.
Diamonds are symbolic of love, strength and commitment (there's a reason why they're the traditional stone used in engagement ring or wedding bands!). Though we love this sparkly stone in any form, this diamond-studded Lady-Datejust from Rolex is a classic, heirloom-worthy piece of jewelry you'll want to wear time and time again.
The International Gem Society says that emeralds symbolize royalty, wit, eloquence, and foresight. They also tout this May birthstone as "the jewel of kings," for its rare and striking green color. We love how the verdant stones shine in these classic hoop earrings from Angara.
If you've ever heard the saying "pearls of wisdom," you can probably guess what June's birthstone symbolizes. Beyond wisdom gained through experience, pearls are also believed to offer protection as well as attract good luck and wealth for their wearer, according to The Pearl Source. We love these go-with-everything pearl earrings from Elizabeth Locke; the gold and diamonds give just the right touch of glamour.
This natural, mixed-cut, 10.48-carat Mozambique ruby ring makes quite the statement. According to GIA, rubies symbolize health, wealth, wisdom, passion, and success in love—we think this beautiful symbolism, coupled with an impressive stone and halo of colorless diamonds, would make a gorgeous engagement ring.
August's birthstone resembles the color of money, so it's fitting that it's associated with prosperity and good fortune. According to the Old Farmers Almanac, ancient Egyptians "called the peridot 'the gem of the sun,' as they believed it protected those who wore it from the terrors of the night. Those with August birthdays would look gorgeous in this tennis bracelet studded with 35 princess-cut peridots.
Sapphire's deep blue-violet color has imbued it with many mystical associations. The International Gem Society says that "petitioners often wore the gem while consulting oracles, such as the one at Delphi. Supposedly, sapphire taps the power of the 'third eye' and makes clear oracular pronouncements otherwise too difficult to hear or understand. Necromancers sought this stone for its purported ability to influence spirits." Even those not into the woo-woo can certainly appreciate the beauty of these deep blue gems—especially when they're set into a stunning ring by Suzanne Kalan.
Opal is symbolized by hope, beauty and truth. There are some unfounded beliefs that wearing opal is bad luck, while other folks say you shouldn't opt for opal jewelry unless it's your birthstone. We personally love opal jewelry—especially in vintage silhouettes like this Edwardian pendant necklace.
Topaz is associated with health, wealth, love and astrology, according to the International Gem Society. "If worn on the left arm, some believed a topaz amulet could protect the wearer from dark magic. In addition, this could relieve arthritis pain, improve digestion, aid in weight loss, and attract love." While we can't speak to these specific claims, we'd find any excuse to wear this star-studded vintage topaz ring from Boudoir Vintage.
"From Afghanistan to the Zuni Pueblo, people the world over have revered turquoise as a good luck stone for centuries," according to the International Gem Society. Additionally, it's widely viewed as a protective stone. We think this versatile turquoise bangle would look beautiful with a white button-down shirt and jeans or a black cocktail dress.
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