Birthstones: A Gem for Every Month
Birthstones have been cherished for centuries, each symbolizing unique traits and stories. Whether you wear yours for luck, meaning, or just aesthetics, here’s a guide to birthstones by month.
Month | Birthstone | Meaning |
---|---|---|
January | Garnet | Protection, strength, and love |
February | Amethyst | Wisdom, calmness, and balance |
March | Aquamarine | Serenity, courage, and clarity |
April | Diamond | Eternal love, strength, and clarity |
May | Emerald | Rebirth, love, and prosperity |
June | Pearl & Alexandrite | Purity, wisdom, and transformation |
July | Ruby | Passion, courage, and vitality |
August | Peridot | Strength, happiness, and health |
September | Sapphire | Wisdom, loyalty, and royalty |
October | Opal & Tourmaline | Creativity, spontaneity, and hope |
November | Topaz & Citrine | Joy, abundance, and energy |
December | Tanzanite, Zircon & Turquoise | Prosperity, luck, and peace |
Ancient legends say that wearing your birthstone brings good fortune and protection. But hey, no rules—rock whatever SAMA stone speaks to you!
Gemstone Properties
Gemstone | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Color Range | Clarity | Preferred Cut |
---|---|---|---|---|
Diamond | 10 | Colorless (most common), also available in fancy colors like yellow, blue, pink, and green | Ranges from flawless to included; high clarity prized in colorless diamonds | Round brilliant (most popular), but also oval, emerald, cushion, and pear for variety |
Sapphire | 9 | Blue (most popular), but also pink, yellow, green, purple, and white | Generally eye-clean, but inclusions are acceptable in some fancy colors | Oval, round, cushion, and emerald cuts maximize brilliance |
Emerald | 7.5 – 8 | Vibrant green to bluish-green | Often has visible inclusions ("jardin"), which are acceptable due to rarity | Emerald cut (step cut) to highlight color and reduce pressure |
Ruby | 9 | Rich red, with shades from pinkish-red to deep crimson | Typically has visible inclusions, considered acceptable in high-quality rubies | Oval, cushion, and round cuts enhance color and brilliance |
Aquamarine | 7.5 – 8 | Pale blue to greenish-blue | Usually eye-clean, with minimal inclusions | Emerald, oval, and pear cuts emphasize its clarity and color |
Pro Tips:
- If you’re looking for a gemstone that’s perfect for everyday wear, sapphires and rubies are your best bet due to their high hardness and durability.
- For those who prefer something more delicate with vibrant hues, emeralds and aquamarines offer timeless beauty but may require a bit more care to maintain their brilliance!