The birthstones we recognize today slightly differ from those centuries ago. The origin comes from a biblical source - the breastplate of Aaron bearing 12 gemstones in the Book of Exodus. In the 18th century, Jewish gem traders assigned gemstones to correspond to birth months, creating the modern variation of birthstones we know today. It is believed wearing one’s birthstone can provide beneficial attributes, but they are an enchanting and meaningful gift for any occasion.
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Other than being the first gemstone of the year, garnets are also gifted to commemorate two or six years of marriage. Derived from the Latin word “granatum” meaning seed, the name refers to the seeds of a pomegranate. While it’s mainly referred to as a gemstone, garnets are a group of closely related minerals - which account for its wide variety of colors. It is found in India, China, Australia, and the United States.
Colour: Mainly red (but can be a variety of colours)
Hardness: 6.5-7.5
Crystal
Crystal Structure: Nesosilicates
Structure: Nesosilicates
Amethyst is a variety of quartz that can be found all over the world. Unlike most gemstones, the value is more so determined through colour than carat. The colour is derived from “impurities” in the quartz, when iron replaces silicone in the structure. The rarest and most expensive shade is “Deep Russian”.
Colour: Soft lilac to deep red-purple
Hardness: 7
Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
The traditional birthstone for March was originally bloodstone, however aquamarine has become the popular choice. Named after the colour of the sea, sailors believed it would help protect and guide their way home. Aquamarine is considered a symbol of friendship and courage but is also known as a 19th wedding anniversary gift.
Colour: Light blue to blue-green
Hardness: 7.5 - 8
Those born in April are assigned the most popular ring stone in the world. Diamonds are beloved for their clarity and beauty and are well-associated with love. It is the hardest natural known substance and can only be scratched by another diamond. Diamonds are composed of 100% pure carbon, and are formed into the stones we know through immense heat and pressure.
Colour: Pale yellow to colourless (but can also be a variety of colours)
Hardness: 10
Crystal Structure: Isometric
Emeralds are one of the most fabled gems with Cleopatra adorning herself with them. Originating from the Greek word “smaragdus” meaning green, emeralds are the traditional gift for celebrating 20th, 35th and 55th anniversaries. They are known for representing loyalty, new beginnings, and serenity.
Colour: Green to bluish green
Pearls are the only gems that are found in living creatures but since natural occurrences are rare, most pearls today are cultivated/cultured. It can take anywhere between 6 months to 2 years for a pearl to form. The four main types of pearls are: Freshwater, Japanese Akoya, Tahitians, and South Sea.
Colour: White, cream or gray (but can be a variety of colours depending on where they’re formed)
Hardness: 2.5 - 4.5
Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic
Symbolizing passion, protection and wealth - rubies are also the traditional gift for 15th and 40th anniversaries. Originating from the Latin word “ruber” meaning red, the only aspect that differentiates rubies and sapphires is the colour. Rubies often have flaws and ones without imperfections are exceedingly rare.
Colour: Shades of red
Hardness: 9
One of the oldest known gemstones with records as early as 1500 B.C., it was often mistaken for emeralds. It is considered the national gemstone of Egypt and referred to as “the gems of the sun”. Found in the earth’s upper mantel, peridot has also been found in meteorites making it an extraterrestrial gemstone.
Colour:Shades of green
Hardness: 6.5 - 7
Considered a protective gemstone, sapphires are supposed to shield the wearer from harm, envy, and ill wishes. Sapphires (and rubies) are the second hardest gemstone after diamond, with several watchmakers incorporating sapphire crystal to improve scratch resistance.
Colour: Blue (can be a variety of colours except red)
Coming from the Latin word “opalus” meaning precious stone, opals are the traditional gift for 14th anniversaries. Out of all the gems on this list, opals are the most individually distinct. Because of their formation, they are a very delicate stone that requires some extra love and care.
Colour:Range of colours and patterns
Hardness: 5.5 - 6.5
Crystal Structure: Amorphous
Citrine is a quartz crystal that has become more popular due to the rise of earth-toned fashion. Birthed from the French word “citrin” for lemon, it is associated with hope strength and youth. Other than being the birthstone for November, citrine is also given for 13th wedding anniversaries.
Colour: Yellow to red-orange
Representing faithfulness and eternal love it is also believed to protect against evil. Blue topaz actually appear colorless or pale blue which is then treated with heat and radiation to form its beautiful hue. The most common colours are London blue, swiss blue and sky blue topaz. It is also the traditional gift for 16th wedding anniversaries.
Colour:Shades of blue
Hardness: 8
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