Personalised birthstone jewellery is a popular gift idea for special occasions such as birthdays, christenings or anniversaries. Thought to bring both good luck and protection, birthstones are most commonly used in bracelets and necklaces for both young and old.

Just what is a birthstone?

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

January

Birthstone: Garnet

This specific January birthstone naturally comes in a variety of different hues, with the most common colour being rhodolite (a pink-purple.) With its supposed healing powers, this particular birthstone guards and gives strength to the particular person wearing it. Many people wear personalised birthstone jewellery with garnet as a way of demonstrating commitment and also devotion.

February

Birthstone: Amethyst

The most valued member of the quartz family, amethyst is a beautiful birthstone for February. It is a purple birthstone, with shades varying from lavender to deep purple. High quality amethyst is deep purple along with flashes of rose pink, rendering it a common choice for personalised birthstone jewellery. In the past it has been used to cure various complaints which range from hearing disorders or headaches to alcoholism.

March

Birthstone: Aquamarine

Aquamarine, as the name implies, is a blue stone that belongs to the beryl family. Range of shades include the palest blue (so pale that it’s nearly colourless) to a deep blue-green (teal). This array of colours ensures that aquamarine will complement any skin tone or eye colour, rendering it perfect for a personalised birthstone jewellery present. This birthstone also brings courage, serenity and contentment to the wearer.

April

Birthstone: Crystal Quartz

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

May

Birthstone: Emerald and Chrysoprase

Like aquamarine, emerald (from the old French word ‘esmeralde’ which means ‘green gemstone’) comes from the beryl family, whilst 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 deciding on what kind of personalised birthstone jewellery they want. It is said to enhance memory and also mental capacity while getting rid of pessimism.

June

Birthstone: Pearl

Organic gemstones found in oysters (sea pearls) and also mussels (freshwater pearls), pearls range in colour from creamy-white, lilac-pink or peach-pink to grey and also black. Again this colour selection provides the individual a wide choice when making their personalised birthstone jewellery. They make for a great present at a religious ceremony as pearls are believed to bring purity, faith, wisdom and 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 often an expensive option in personalised birthstone jewellery however traditional gem lore states that rubies bring economic security to the wearer.

August

Birthstone: Peridot

A precious variety of the mineral olivine, peridot is one of the oldest known birthstones, dating 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 gives any purchaser of birthstone jewellery a wide selection, because it is a type of corundum which comes in several colours. The less costly sapphire found on the high-street has often been developed in labs but natural mined sapphires are recommended for personalised birthstone jewellery. Sapphires bring the wearer tranquility, joy and also prosperity.

October

Birthstone: Opal

Opal can be found in several 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

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.