When it’s time to celebrate a special someone’s birthday, few presents can express what’s in the heart quite like a beautiful piece of jewelry handcrafted with the appropriate birthstone serving as the centerpiece. Each month of the year has its own precious or semiprecious gemstone associated with it, providing a beautifully personalized option that is sure to dazzle.
Not sure what stone to explore for a particular birth date? Here’s a brief guide that covers each month and the stone traditionally associated with it:
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January (Garnet)
The garnet is technically found in a variety of colors, but the stone is most famed in its rich red form. The stone is also found in greens, blues, purplish reds and even oranges. Garnets are known to be a bit softer than some of the other precious gemstones, falling between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. The stone is associated not only with January births, but also was once used in the creation of ancient Roman signet rings. They are also traditional gifts for 2nd wedding anniversaries.
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February (Amethyst)
The amethyst is a type of quartz mineral that is highly sought after for its eye-catching purple tones. The stone ranks a 7 on the Mohs scale and is also a traditional gift for 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries. Some believe it has the property to protect its wearers from temptation.
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March (Aquamarine)
The aquamarine is most commonly known in its light blue form, but may also be found in greenish-blue shades, as well. The stone was once believed to have properties that could keep sailors safe at sea. It rates between a 7 and 8 on the Mohs scale, tying with the emerald.
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April (Diamond)
Those born in this month will find the diamond, the hardest mineral known to man, is the gem that signifies their birth month. Diamonds are found in a variety of colors with true “colorless” pieces among the most highly sought after. Some believe diamonds have powerful healing properties. They are also a traditional gift for 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries.
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May (Emerald)
Emeralds are best known for their rich, deep green hue, but may also be found in varying shades that range from spring green to a more bluish-green. This stone rates an 8 on the Mohs scale and is believed by some to have calming properties. The emerald is also a traditional gift for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
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June (Alexandrite)
Alexandrite is favored for its beautiful coloration that may change depending on the light. The stone is often seen as green in direct sunlight, but might appear red under a lamp. This color-changing gem falls around 8.5 on the Mohs scale and is believed by some to promote prosperity and longevity. It also happens to be the gemstone associated with the 55th wedding anniversary.
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July (Ruby)
Rubies belong to the same family as sapphires and are characterized by their rich red color in most cases. These hard stones come in just behind diamonds on the Mohs scale with a 9 rating. Some believe rubies have the power to fight darkess and fear while bringing happiness and love. They are also associated with the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
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August (Peridot)
This month’s birthstone is the peridot. The stone is generally a yellowish-green in color and is found in lava, in the earth’s mantle and also in meteorites. Softer than some of the other precious gems, this stone rates a 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Some believe peridots have the power to strength the spirit of their owners while promoting emotional balance. The stone is also associated with the 15th wedding anniversary.
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September (Sapphire)
Sapphires take center stage for those born in September. Although best known as a deep blue stone, they are also found in violets, greens, pinks, purples and other shades. Like the ruby, they are corundums and rate a 9 on the Mohs scale. This stone is believed to protect its wearer while offering healing properties. It is also associated with the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
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October (Tourmaline)
Tourmalines are found in a wide variety of colors, but it is the pink variety associated with this month. The stone tends to rate between a 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is believed by some to have the ability to boost energy and bring love. It is also believed to have some healing properties. Tourmaline is also associated with the 8th wedding anniversary.
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November (Topaz)
Topaz is found in a variety of colors that range from a honey yellow to pink. It is most commonly recognized in that yellowish honey form, however. The stone rates an 8 on the Mohs scale. It is believed to help combat insomnia while promoting internal enlightenment. It is also a traditional 4th and 23rd anniversary gift.
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December (Zircon)
The zircon, not to be confused with a cubic zirconia, occurs naturally in a wide variety of colors that range from yellow and green to blue and reddish brown. It is also found in a colorless form that is known for its brilliance. That particular form is often confused with a diamond. While remarkably similar in appearance to a diamond, the zircon is known to be a fair amount softer. It rates a 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Some believe the zircon has the ability to sharpen focus and it is thought to help speed along birth, as well.
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To explore the beauty of birthstones in greater depth, we invite you to explore our extensive collection of handcrafted,
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