Published by Mat @Victoria James on Thursday, June 26, 2025
A breakdown of gemstones throughout history, their origins and how they've influenced life as we know it today!
Origins
The tradition of birthstones can be traced all the way back to biblical times and the Book of Exodus. It describes the breastplate worn by Aaron, the first high priest of the Israelites, which was to be worn by all future high priests. The breastplate was adorned with 12 different stones, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. These stones were said to have possessed great powers and had the ability to tell people their fate.
Around 500 years later, with the introduction of the first century historian Joseph, these stones then became associated with the twelve months of the year and the zodiac signs. Historian St. Jerome, referencing Joseph, began to encourage the use of these stones by Christians in the 5th century. This established a tradition that would last for centuries.
However, it is not only biblical texts that show us this. The tradition of stones representing your birth month with mystical powers can also be found in other ancient cultures including the Babylonians and Hindus, who linked gemstones to celestial bodies and believed they possessed protective and healing powers. The idea emerged to connect these stones to the twelve months of the year and, by extension, the zodiac signs.
Modern Traditions
In 1912 the modern list of birthstones as we know it was born. Standardized by the American National Retail Jewellers Association, this list was influenced by older traditions but also took into account the availability and popularity of certain gemstones.
It was then modified in 1952 by the Jewellery Industry Council of America, adding alexandrite to June, citrine to November, pink tourmaline to October, and zircon to December. Although the list has nearly remained the same since then, in 2002 the gem Tanzanite was added to December's stones, and just as recently as 2016 spinel was added to the month of August.
While the 1912 list is widely recognized, some countries and cultures have their own variations on the birthstone chart. Here in the UK, our birthstone list comprises of the following:
January: Garnet
The word Garnet comes from the 14th-century Middle English word "Gernet", meaning 'dark red'. It can also be derived from the Latin word "Garanatus," meaning 'seedlike', in reference to a pomegranate. This reference makes sense as small garnets look like the bright red seeds you find inside in a pomegranate.
Both meanings of the word itself reference the deep red colour garnets are usually found in. Beyond the familiar red, garnets can be found in orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, black, and even colourless. Rare colors include blue and peach.
Garnets are said to have many healing properties for both physical and mental ailments. It is known for its ability to re-energise the body, strengthening the immune system in recovery from illness or trauma. It is also thought to improve blood circulation and enhance phisical strength and stamina while also promoting overall vitality and well-being.
Garnets are not only beautiful, they’re useful too! 150 years ago manufacturers discovered that low-grade garnets were an abundant material for practical purposes. They’re still used to this day. Ground-up garnets cut through steel when mixed with water as sandblasting material.
Garnet is also used to celebrate a 2nd wedding anniversary.
If you'd like to enquire about loose garnets or perhaps a garnet ring, pendant, bracelet or earrings, get in contact today!
February: Amethyst
The word Amethyst is derived from the Greek word "methysko", meaning 'intoxicated'. Thus, ancient wearers believed that amethyst would protect onesself from drunkenness.
Amethysts are known for their distinct purple colour and can be found in varying hues, the deeper of which containing flashes of red under certain light. Amethyst can change color when heated. When heated to a high temperature, it can turn into citrine, a yellow or orange gemstone
Amethysts are thought to reduce stress and anxiety, promote restful sleep, and enhance intuition and spiritual awareness. Additionally, it's thought to have physical healing benefits like pain relief, immune system support, and hormone regulation.
Highly valued by royalty and clergy throughout history, amethysts were included in the British Crown Jewels and are still used in Episcopal rings.
Amethyst is also used to celebrate a 6th wedding anniversary.
If you'd like to enquire about loose amethyst stones or perhaps an amethyst ring, pendant, bracelet or earrings, get in contact today!
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine gets its name from the Latin "aqua marina", meaning 'water of the sea'. In folklore, aquamarine represented not only the sea, but also the heavens since the sky reflected in the water. Aquamarine was believed that its reflective properties and symmetry could reveal hidden aspects of reality and things deep within our souls.
Aquamarine is traditionally a light blue to blue-green gemstone and can only be found in varying hues of blue and green.
Known for its calming and soothing properties, aquamarine is associated with symbols of eternal life, youth, hope, and fidelity. Aquamarine is also believed to have healing properties, particularly related to respiratory issues. Historically, aquamarine was believed to protect sailors and keep them safe at sea, warding off storms and seasickness.
The largest faceted aquamarine, known as the "Dom Pedro," weighs over 10,000 carats and is displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Aquamarine is also used to celebrate a 19th wedding anniversary.
If you'd like to enquire about loose aquamarine stones or perhaps an aquamarine ring, pendant, bracelet or earrings, get in contact today!
April: Diamond
The word Diamond derives from the Ancient Greek word "adámas", meaning 'unalterable', 'unbreakable', and 'untamed'. Appropriately named, diamond is the hardest naturally occuring material and can only be shaped using a diamond-coated blade.
Diamonds are available in a variety of colours, including:
Yellow Diamonds: One of the most common fancy colours, with variations in intensity.
Blue Diamonds: Known for their striking hue, often associated with the presence of boron.
Pink Diamonds: Highly coveted, with colours ranging from light pink to deep purplish-red.
Green Diamonds: Extremely rare, with the colour derived from exposure to radiation during formation.
Red Diamonds: The rarest of all fancy colours, with a colour caused by a unique atomic structure.
Brown Diamonds: Often called chocolate or cognac diamonds, they get their colour from impurities.
Black Diamonds: Can be naturally occurring or treated, but are still considered fancy colours.
Most natural diamonds have ages between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years. Most were formed at depths between 150 and 250 kilometres (93 and 155 mi) in the Earth's mantle, although a few have come from as deep as 800 kilometres (500 mi).
Diamond is well-suited to daily wear because of its resistance to scratching - perhaps contributing to its popularity as the preferred gem in engagement or wedding rings, which are often worn every day.
Most natural diamonds have ages between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years. Diamonds have been treasured as gemstones since their use as religious icons in ancient India. Their usage in engraving tools also dates to early human history.
Diamonds are renowned for their healing properties, often described as a "master healer" for their ability to unify the mind and body. Diamonds are thought to help alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and balance. Their use in engagement and wedding rings is beneficial as they are believed to bring clarity and balance to relationships, fostering love and commitment.
Diamonds are also used to celebrate a 60th wedding anniversary.
If you'd like to enquire about loose diamonds or perhaps a diamond ring, pendant, bracelet or earrings, get in contact today!
May: Emerald
The origin of the word Emerald comes from the Vulgar Latin: "esmaralda / esmaraldus", a variant of the Latin smaragdus, meaning 'green gem'. It also references Mount Smaragdus, where emeralds were mined in Egypt as early as 1500 BC, however the oldest emeralds date back almost three billion years!
Primarily known for their vibrant green hue, emeralds can range from bluish-green to pure green, and may also have yellow-green or dark forest-green tones. They get their green colour from trace amounts of chromium and/or vanadium. Unlike the other precious stones, which can be found in a variety of colours, emeralds are only ever green, though their hues range from yellow-green to deep jade.
Colombian emeralds are praised worldwide for their exceptional quality and deep green colour. Emerald mines from Colombia are some of the most lucrative mines in the world. The Gachala emerald found in Colombia in 1967 weighs 858 carats and is among the world's largest and most famous examples of the stone.
Emeralds have been highly valued since ancient times, with the first known mines located in Egypt. Significant in ancient Egyptian history, Cleopatra was known for her fondness for emeralds.
Emeralds are associated with various beliefs, such as strengthening the heart, calming the mind, and even granting foresight.
Emeralds are also used to celebrate 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
If you'd like to enquire about loose emeralds or perhaps a emerald ring, pendant, bracelet or earrings, get in contact today!
June: Pearl
The word Pearl is derived from the French "perle", originally from the Latin "perna", meaning 'leg', referencing the ham- or mutton leg-shaped bivalve (mollusks (marine and freshwater) that have laterally compressed soft bodies with a hinged pair of half-shells known as valves)
A pearl is a hard, glistening object produced within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk. Pearls are unique among gemstones because they are the only gem formed by a living creature. Just like the shell of a mollusk, a pearl is composed of calcium carbonate (mainly aragonite or a mixture of aragonite and calcite).
Pearls come in a spectrum of colours, including black, gray, yellow, orange, pink, lavender, green, and blue. The most common and well-known colour of pearls is white. Naturally formed blue is the rarest pearl color in the world, and while they can be lab-grown, the ones found in the sea are extremely valuable and striking.
In 1BC, Julius Caesar created a law which stated that only rulers of Ancient Rome would be permitted to wear pearls. This is because pearls were seen as a strong indication of social class in Ancient Rome. They were considered to be a symbol of wealth and prestige, and as such, Caesar wanted to ensure that they were reserved for those of the highest class only.
Pearls are believed to possess various healing properties, both physically and emotionally. They are thought to calm and center the mind, promote emotional balance, and enhance physical well-being. Specifically, pearls are associated with assisting with digestive disorders, heart problems, and skin conditions, and may also aid in fertility and childbirth.
Pearl is also used to celebrate a 30th wedding anniversary.
If you'd like to enquire about loose pearl or perhaps a pearl ring, pendant, bracelet or earrings, get in contact today!
July: Ruby
The word Ruby originates from the Latin word "ruber," which means 'red'. Alongside sapphire, emerald, and diamond, ruby is one of the traditional cardinal gems, is one of the most popular traditional jewellery gems and is very durable. In ancient Sanskrit, rubies were called "Ratnaraj," meaning "king of the gems".
The colour of a ruby is its most defining and valuable feature. Known for their rich red hues, rubies range from deep, velvety crimson to vibrant, fiery pinkish-red tones. This captivating colour comes from traces of chromium within the crystal structure, giving rubies their signature glow. While pure red is the most prized, slight variations in tone and saturation can influence a ruby’s beauty and worth.
The current titleholder of the largest ruby is the 125West Ruby. This unpolished rough-cut gemstone weighs 8.2 pounds/18,696 carats. The Liberty Bell Ruby is the largest mined ruby at 8,500 carats. It was carved and polished to resemble the actual Liberty Bell.
Physically, rubies are thought to stimulate the heart, improve blood circulation, and detoxify the body. Mentally, rubies are said to reduce stress, enhance self-confidence, and promote mental clarity. Spiritually, they are believed to open the heart chakra, foster love and compassion, and aid in spiritual development.
Rubies are also used to celebrate a 15th and a 40th wedding anniversary.
If you'd like to enquire about loose rubies or perhaps a ruby ring, pendant, bracelet or earrings, get in contact today!
August: Peridot
The origin of the name Peridot is uncertain. The Oxford English Dictionary suggests an alteration of the Anglo–Norman word "pedoretés", a kind of opal.
Peridot (sometimes called chrysolite), is a yellow-green transparent variety of olivine, and is one of the few gemstones that only occur in one colour.
Peridot has actually been found in meteorites, making it a gemstone that literally comes from space! Typically however, peridot forms in the Earth's mantle, deep below the crust, and is brought to the surface by volcanoes.
Ancient Egyptians mined peridot on a Red Sea island, now called Zabargad, which was known for its rich deposits of the gem. In Hawaiian folklore, peridot is believed to be the tears of Pele, the volcano goddess.
This gemstone is believed to offer physical healing benefits such as detoxification, cell regeneration, metabolism enhancement, and alleviation of skin problems. Peridot also offers mental and emotional healing by stabilizing moods, reducing jealousy, resentment, and increasing positivity. Historically prized by high priests and kings, peridot is also said to ward off evil spirits and negative emotions, providing a protective shield against harmful energies.
Peridot is also used to celebrate a 16th wedding anniversary.
If you'd like to enquire about loose peridot stones or perhaps a peridot ring, pendant, bracelet or earrings, get in contact today!
September: Sapphire
The name Sapphire originates from the Latin word "sapphirus," which is derived from the Greek word "sáppheiros." While "sáppheiros" is generally translated as 'blue stone', it was historically used to refer to the gemstone lapis lazuli, which is also blue. Thus, the etymology of sapphire is rooted in the concept of a blue gemstone.
Sapphire is a precious gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum, known for its hardness and vibrant blue colour. Corundum is the mineral species that includes both sapphire and ruby as varieties. Red corundum is known as ruby and all other coloured corundum (including colourless, or white sapphire as it is known in the trade) is sapphire, although blue is the most well-known colour.
The rarest sapphire color, Padparadscha, exhibits a unique blend of pink and orange hues, resembling a lotus flower. Some sapphires display asterism, creating a star-like pattern on their surface due to light reflecting off needle-like inclusions within the stone; these are referred to as Star Sapphires.
The Star of India (a massive 563-carat star sapphire) and Princess Diana's engagement ring (now worn by Kate Middleton) are among the most famous examples of the dazzling gemstone.
Sapphire, particularly blue sapphire, is believed to have various healing properties, both physically and metaphysically. It's associated with wisdom, clarity, and spiritual insight, and is thought to promote emotional balance, focus, and protection from negative energies. Additionally, some believe it can aid in physical healing, particularly for eye problems, inflammations, and nerve pain.
Sapphires can also be used to celebrate a 5th and a 45th wedding anniversary.
If you'd like to enquire about loose sapphires or perhaps a sapphire ring, pendant, bracelet or earrings, get in contact today!
October: Opal
The word Opal is thought to have originated from the Sanskrit word "upala", meaning 'precious stone'. This Sanskrit term is believed to be the root of both the Latin "opalus" and the Greek "opallios". The Greek word "opallios" specifically referred to the stone's ability to display a change in colour.
Known for their vibrant play-of-colour caused by defracted light, opals can vary widely in appearance and quality. As diverse as snowflakes or fingerprints, each gem can differ noticeably, with hues that can range across the spectrum. Historically the brilliant colours of precious opal have made it a favourite amongst royalty.
An opal might display a single color, two or three colors, or several! Background color (also called bodycolour) is caused by the suspension of tiny impurities within opal’s silica spheres. Predominantly found with a white bodycolour, opals can occur in black, red (known as fire opals) and blue.
Australia is the most abundant source of opals, producing around 95% of the world's precious opals.
Other opal-producing countries include Ethiopia, Brazil, and Mexico. The amount of opal in Australia makes it the natural choice for the country’s national gemstone. Indigenous Australian myths often link the creation of opals with rainbows, making the stone known as the rainbow stone. In one myth, an ancestral being came to earth on a rainbow and when the rainbow touched the ground all pebbles and rocks in the vicinity began sparkling and turned to opal.
In Middle Ages opal stones were seen as extremely valuable and as bringers of good luck. This changed after 1829 when Sir Walter Scott published his novel Anne of Geierstein. In his story, one of the characters wears an opal talisman with supernatural powers. A drop of holy water on the opal however turns it into a common stone and the character wearing it dies soon after. Since the publication of the book, opals began to be associated with death, evil and bad luck. This took root in the collective mindset and became a superstition of its own. For years to come, even up until the early 1900s, opals were avoided. During the Art Deco era however, opals came back in favour due to their glamorous nature.
The world’s most expensive opal, the Virgin Rainbow, is valued at over 1,000,000 dollars. It was discovered in Australia in 2003 by John Dunstan. The opal was formed and discovered in the skeleton of a Belemnite, an ancient ancestor of the modern-day cuttlefish. The Virgin Rainbow is currently owned and displayed by the South Australian Museum.
Said to promote emotional balance, opals reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance creativity and intuition. Physically, opals are believed to aid in regulating bodily functions, supporting the immune system. In spiritual practices, opals are used to deepen meditation, enhance psychic abilities, and promote a connection with higher consciousness.
Opals are also used to celebrate a 24th wedding anniversary.
If you'd like to enquire about loose opals or perhaps a opal ring, pendant, bracelet or earrings, get in contact today!
November: Citrine
The name Citrine comes from the French word "citron," meaning 'lemon'. Citrine quartz has been adored since ancient times - the word citrine was used to refer to yellow gemstones as early as 1385, when the word was first recorded in English.
Citrine's colour varies from pale yellow to a deep, almost brownish-orange. Interestingly, a majority of citrine on the market is created by heating amethyst or smoky quartz, as natural citrine is rare. Its warm colour is said to be a gift from the sun.
Between 300 and 150 BC, citrine gemstones were found on the handles of swords and daggers in Scotland. While thought to be added for decorative purposes, the stone was also considered as protection. People believed that citrine gemstones could calm tempers, soothe anger and manifest desires, especially prosperity. To leverage these powers, Egyptians used citrine gemstones as talismans, the ancient Greeks carved iconic images into them, and Roman priests fashioned them into rings. Today, citrine is known as the ‘merchant’s stone’ and is associated with success and wealth. For some, citrine is considered a healing gemstone – calming, soothing and comforting.
The "Malaga" citrine, weighing over 20,000 carats, is the largest faceted citrine in the world
Citrine can also be used to celebrate a 13th wedding anniversary.
If you'd like to enquire about loose citrine stones or perhaps a citrine ring, pendant, bracelet or earrings, get in contact today!
December: Tanzanite
The name for Tanzanite was given because the world's only known tanzanite source is in northern Tanzania - the name reflects the gem’s limited geographic origin. The mines are all located in an area of about eight square miles in the Simanjiro District of Manyara Region in Tanzania, near the Merelani Hills, the base of Mount Kilimanjaro and the city of Arusha.
Unlike many well-known gemstones that have been in use for centuries, tanzanite’s history is relatively modern. The common story of tanzanite's discovery tells of Maasai herders who found blue crystals in the Merelani Hills, while tending livestock in 1967. They notified a prospector named Manuel d’Souza, who promptly registered claims with the government to begin mining.
Tiffany & Co. recognized this blue gem’s potential to rival more expensive sapphire and agreed to become its main distributor, introducing it with a promotional campaign in 1968. Tiffany & Co. named the gemstone “tanzanite” to highlight its exclusive geographic origin.
Known for its intense and deep violet-blue colour, tanzanite is the violet blue variety of the mineral zoisite and can only be found in varying shades of violet-blue.
Tanzanite is a transformative gemstone that facilitates inner calm, dissolves old patterns, and stimulates psychic abilities and higher consciousness. It offers physical healing by boosting the immune system, aiding detoxification, and providing strength during recovery from illnesses or surgeries.
Tanzanite can also be used to celebrate a 24th wedding anniversary, alongside opals.
If you'd like to enquire about loose tanzanite stones or perhaps a tanzanite ring, pendant, bracelet or earrings, get in contact today!
If any of these fabulous gemstones have sparked inspiration for a new piece of jewellery, whether it's a simple stunning solitaire or a captivating cluster you're after, Victoria James can help! We are based in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham and we have a second branch in the heart of Stratford-Upon-Avon, so call in and find out more!