Birthstones by month: Discover the meanings behind each gemstone with our jewellery guide
By Allyson Klass
22 Jan 2021
"Start the year right by harnessing the special qualities and energies of your birthstone.
January: Garnet
The garnet derives its name from “granatum”, the Latin word for seeds or grains, thanks to its resemblance to crimson pomegranate seeds. While red is the most common colour of the gem, garnets come in a rainbow spectrum of hues. Varieties range from deep red pyrope garnets to vibrant green tsavorites. Mandarin spessartite garnets, however, are the rarest and most expensive. Ancient Egyptians regarded this durable gemstone, which rates 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, as a symbol of life, while warriors across cultures in antiquity wore it for protection. Representing confidence, energy and willpower in modern times, garnets are also said to bring calm and strength to their wearers in challenging situations.
Louis Vuitton Stellar Times yellow gold and platinum cocktail ring with an 11.51-carat oval-cut spessartite garnet and 100 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 4.87 carats
February: Amethyst
Long associated with myths, legends and spirituality across numerous cultures, this purple quartz is named after the Latin word “amethystus”, which means “not drunken”. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed it could ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus, the god of wine and ecstasy, and keep one’s mind sharp. Leonard da Vinci even said the gem heightened intelligence and got rid of evil thoughts. The amethyst was historically held in the same high regard as the diamond by mainly royalty or clergy, until the discovery of abundant deposits made it more accessible. Often occurring in geodes or granitic rock cavities, the alluring stone has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale.
Bvlgari Barocko Festa yellow gold necklace with 42 amethyst beads weighing 169.68 carats, 51 rubellite beads totalling 214.2 carats, and 92 round brilliant-cut and pavé diamonds with a total weight of 35.08 carats
March: Aquamarine
It is little wonder that the aquamarine has been linked to water and the seas throughout history, since it comes in a range of blues, from pale to teal and even more saturated tones. In fact, its name is a literal translation of “water of the sea” in Latin. Roman fishermen used the stone as protection for a safe passage over water and a lucky charm for a bountiful catch. The ethereal gem was also believed to dispel gossip, and impart resilience and mental acuity. Since aquamarine forms in large, six- sided crystals and is highly durable (with a rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale), it is the perfect gem to be cut and polished into outsized stones for bold jewellery pieces.
Piaget Azzurro Bisazza Manchette in white gold with a 29.2-carat emerald-cut aquamarine, blue sapphires, black opals and diamonds
April: ... "
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