Birthstones and Their Meanings - Strawberry and Hearts

A birthstone is a gemstone that symbolizes the month of someones birth. Birthstones have unique meaning and historical significance. The popularity of birthstones dates back to ancient times when it was believed that gemstones bring luck, health and prosperity.

January: Garnet

Garnet is a symbol of strength, prosperity and health. This stone also represents faith, love and constancy. Garnets have been carried by travelers to protect them from accidents far away from home. Legend says that garnets light up the night and protect their owners from nightmares. Its wearers may feel an increase in will power, while nervous people may feel calmer.

February: Amethyst

Amethyst will give its wearer courage. It’s a symbol of peace, serenity and temperance. Amethyst is a purple quartz. Ancient Greeks believed that the amethyst guarded against drunkenness. Actually, amethyst comes from amethystos, a Greek word that means “sober”. Amethyst will keep its wearer clear-headed.

March: Aquamarine

Birthstone for March is aquamarine. This timeless gemstone is a symbol of youth, hope, health and fidelity. It also represents beauty, honesty and happiness. The name comes from the Latin word aqua, meaning water and sea. Aquamarines are found in a range of blue tones. Legend says that aquamarine personifies eternal life, since it’s in the color of water and sky. Sailors believed the sea god Neptune blessed this stone, protecting its wearers from the dangers of the sea.

April: Diamond

Diamond is a symbol of affection, strength, eternity and everlasting love. Diamonds can be found in nearly any color of the rainbow. Yellow diamonds are most common, followed by colorless. Some legends say diamonds were created when bolts of lightning struck rocks. Other legends claim that this gem possess healing powers. Diamonds will guard you from insanity and the evils associated with it. Diamonds also bring courage.

May: Emerald

Emerald is a symbol of good fortune, foresight and youth. This stone is also a symbol of love, rebirth and fertility. The Ancient Romans dedicated this gem to Venus, the goddess of beauty and love. Emerald was also one of Cleopatra’s favorite gems. Today, emerald represents wisdom, growth and patience. Wearing the Emerald will improve memory and enhance mental capabilities.

June: Pearl

Pearl is a symbol of purity and innocence. Pearls are unique as they are the only gems from living sea creatures. They require no polishing to reveal their natural beauty. Ancient Greeks believed that pearls were hardened tears from Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Chinese legends claim that the moon holds power to create pearls. It gives them the celestial glow and mystery. Pearls represent loyalty, faithfulness and friendship. They also represent modesty, beauty and happiness.

July: Ruby

Ruby is a symbol of emotion, love, courage and passion. Rubies are available in a range of red tones. For centuries ruby was considered to be the king of all gems. Old legends claimed that ruby represents the sun, because of the indestructible flame that this gem emanates. Wearing a ruby gives good fortune, health, wisdom and success in love. Ruby will also protect its wearer from the evils of the world.

August: Peridot

Peridot signifies beauty, strength and morality. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that exists in only one color: green. In ancient times it was believed that peridot was a gift from Mother Nature to celebrate the annual creation of a new world. In Hawaii, peridot symbolizes the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Legend says that Peridot has magical powers and healing properties. Peridot will also protect its wearer from depression, evil and nightmares.

September: Sapphire

Sapphire represents honesty, purity and trust. This stone is also a symbol of wisdom, dignity and loyalty. When hearing the word sapphire many people usually envision a blue gem. This is because sapphire is the Greek word for blue. Sapphires actually come in almost every color of the rainbow: pink, violet, yellow and orange. Legend says that sapphire will guard you from evil and poisoning.

October: Opal

Opal is a symbol of hope, faith and confidence. Each opal is one-of-a-kind: they are as unique as our fingerprints. The word comes from the Latin opalus, which means “precious jewel”. In ancient times, the opal was known as the “Queen of gems” because it had the colors of all other gems. Legend says that this stone will guard its wearer from evil and also from envious people.

November: Topaz

Topaz is a symbol of strength, wisdom and courage. It’s also a symbol of affection and love. Topaz is a gemstone available in a rich rainbow of colors: yellow, pink, purple, orange and blue. Ancient Romans and Egyptians were linking this gem with the sun god. Legend says that topaz has the power to heal and protect. Topaz will give its wearer increased intellect and strength.

December: Turquoise

Turquoise is a symbol of success and good fortune. Turquoise varies in color from greenish blue to sky blue shades. Its name comes from the French expression Pierre tourques which means “Turkish stone”. Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones. This gemstone also a love charm. Legend says that turquoise has healing powers. It will also bring good luck and protect its owner from evil and harm.