Aside from an excuse for some new jewellery, that is
By now, you probably know what your astrological sign and your initial is. And perhaps so too does your jewellery box. You rarely need an excuse for new jewellery, but the opportunity to honour certain aspects of your identity is a decent one. Birthstone jewellery, then, ought to be your next target.
As with many things, birthstones appear to have biblical origins. Back in the first century, the Jewish historian Josephus believed that there was a link between the twelves stones on Aaron’s breastplate and the twelve months of the year. Birthstones aren't necessarily fixed entities, however. Over time, some birthstones have altered according to price and availability. This leaves those born in certain months (like December and November) with multiple birthstones to choose from. Lucky them, we guess! Naturally, there’s also a connection between birthstones and the twelve signs of the zodiac. For anyone born at the end of the month, however, this may well cause somewhat of an identity crisis. And therefore it’s perfectly acceptable to differentiate between both.
Anyway, from necklaces and rings to bracelets and earrings, here’s the best birthstone jewellery for every month of the year.
Legend has it that garnets illuminate to protect their owners from nightmares. Failing that, they also symbolise trust and friendship – two lovely things indeed.
RACHEL JACKSON LONDON GARNET BIRTHSTONE NECKLACE, £135 AT HARVEY NICHOLS
The Ancient Greeks believed a lot of things. One of them was that amethyst protects the wearer from inebriation and promotes a balanced mindset, both of which might prove useful as lockdown eases.
TBALANCE CRYSTALS SET OF TWO AMETHYST AND ENAMEL BRACELETS, £70 AT NET-A-PORTER
If your relationship is under stress, aquamarine – the birthstone for March – might be just the thing to soothe it.
As well as being the birthstone for May, emerald is also said to aid fertility. The Ancient Romans even went so far as to dedicate it to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. So, maybe if someone gives you one, they see you in a similar light.
THEODORA WARRE Emerald & gold-plated sterling-silver earrings, £220 AT MATCHESFASHION
June is a greedy month that insists on having two birthstones. However, this is largely because alexandrite – a gemstone that changes color based on lighting – is extremely rare.
Rubies are said to bestow good fortune on whoever wears them. This makes sense, because they aren’t exactly cheap.
Some people believe that peridot alleviates negative emotions. ‘Need’, as they say.
While blue sapphires tend to be the most popular, this birthstone comes in a large variety of colours. It’s also supposed to protect the owner’s loved ones from harm.
Every opal has a completely unique colour combination, which is a nice thought.
It protects! It heals! It’s topaz! Then there’s citrine, which is associated with success and prosperity. Maybe you need both.
EDGE OF EMBER WHITE TOPAZ Charm 18k gold-plated necklace, £105 AT SELFRIDGES
December is another greedy month, but turquoise is perhaps our favourite of its birthstones. It relaxes the mind, apparently.
ANNI LU Gold-Plated Emmanuelle Turquoise Bead Bracelet, £55 AT BROWNS