YOUR GUIDE TO BIRTHSTONES
Did you know that each month of the year has been assigned a specific precious stone known as that month’s birthstone? Each one is thought to hold a different meaning and significance depending on the stone and its colour.
January: Garnet
Garnet is one of the most diverse gemstones and it can come in an array of colours. Its name originates from Latin meaning pomegranate due to its red colour. Although Africa supplies most of the world’s garnets, they can be found all over the world.
February: Amethyst
This enchanting purple quartz has long been desired, particularly by royal families throughout the ages. Ranking a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, this stone is hardy enough to wear every day in rings but is still susceptible to being damaged / scratched by rubies, sapphires and diamonds. It can commonly be found in Russia, Africa and throughout South America.
March: Aquamarine
Once named after seawater, this stone isn’t only assigned to the month of march but also as the 19th wedding anniversary gift. The largest faceted aquamarine in the world is the Dom Pedro Aquamarine, at 10,363ct!
April: Diamond
The most precious birthstone of all – the diamond! The world’s most sought-after gemstone was once commonly found in India and then Brazil but has since been mined all over the world. The famous ‘Great star of Africa’ diamond which is set in the Royal Scepter and housed in the Tower of London is the largest diamond ever found at 3106ct in South Africa. Diamonds are the hardest stone on Mohs scale and durable enough for everyday wear.
May: Emerald
Another stone that has long captivated royalty, Emeralds have been known to be treasured by pharaohs, emperors, kings and queens. A part of the Beryl family, emeralds are recognized as one of the found precious gemstones alongside diamonds, rubies and sapphires. One of the most well-known emeralds is the Bulgari emerald and diamond necklace that Elizabeth Taylor wore.
June: Pearl
The only birthstone that doesn’t come from the ground but from water sources! A timeless and elegant stone is the ever-glamorous pearl. Pearls can be grown in saltwater beds naturally or can be farmed.
One of the four precious stones, rubies are a striking red gemstone that are this colour due to the mineral corundum…the more corundum the redder the ruby! The most sought-after rubies can be found in Myanmar and Mozambique
August: Peridot
Peridot hold an interesting history, with some forms coming from meteorites, volcanoes and even the beaches of Hawaii. Highly esteemed peridot comes from the Egyptian island of Zabargad which is said to hold perilous conditions and danger to those who venture to mine the peridot.
September: Sapphire
A birthstone that is said to represent faithfulness and royalty, this stone has been long prized in the eyes of royalty and famously worn as an engagement ring by Princess Diana and then Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales. One of the four precious gemstones, Sapphires can be found all around the world and are one of the hardest gemstones on Mohs scale of hardness, coming only second to diamonds.
October: Opal
Opals are valued for their shifting colours in rainbow hues, having been compared to fireworks, fire and even galaxies! While opals have been found all over the world, Australia is known to hold some of the richest opal deposits. Naomi Schwartz Jewellery Design gallery proudly holds many pieces of fine opal jewellery from South Australia. Shop our Opal collection here.
November: Topaz
This gem can come in a variety of colours, with red being the rarest of all topaz colours. Famously found in Russia and Brazil, the most notable Topaz can be seen in the Russian Crown Jewels.
December: Turquoise
December holds three birthstones, tanzanite, zircon and most commonly recognised, Turquoise. Turquoise is formed when ground water that contains copper or aluminium seeps through rocks and reacts with phosphorus - because of this it is mostly found in dry and barren regions around the world like Iran, China and New Mexico.
View our birthstone necklace collection here