Birthstone Jewelry: The Meaning Behind The Stones & Which Baubles To Buy
October 28, 2020BruceDayne#DMTBeautySpot #beauty
No matter how these monthly assignations came to be, our collective belief in birthstones has not wavered throughout centuries of social change — the idea that there’s a gemstone out there assigned to your special celestial you-ness is still a celebrated one. And when you’re trying to communicate to a loved one just how special they are, there’s nothing like the gift of a mythologically meaningful mineral. And, as you can see from this list, each of these stones has an astrologically significant meaning. So if you’re looking to fill your cart with some personal gems this season, look no further. We’ve rounded up the best birthstone jewelry we could find, from delicate stud earrings to eye-popping antique cocktail rings, for that unique someone.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
January: Garnet
The Signs: Capricorn & Aquarius
While most of us think of a garnets as a single berry-toned stone, the gem actually occurs in a variety of hues, including brown, yellow, orange, and brilliant green — including the incredibly rare demantoid garnet (prized by 19th-century Russian tsars) to the burgundy pyrope (named for the Greek pyropos; “fiery-eyed”). This varied, all-encompassing spread makes the garnet a perfect complement to the Capricorn’s ambitious personality and an Aquarian’s free-thinking outlook.
Jane Diaz Sterling Silver and Rhodolite Garnet Ring, $, available at Sundance Catalog
Ana Luisa Garnet Birthstone Necklace, $, available at Ana Luisa
Aurelie Bidermann 18-karat gold rhodolite garnet earring, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Missoma Garnet January Birthstone Pendant, $, available at Missoma
February: Amethyst
The Signs: Aquarius & Pisces
“In Greek myth,” Oldershaw explains, “amethyst was rock crystal dyed purple by Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry,” and the stone has long been associated with sobriety. (Amethustos is the Greek word for “sober.”) This clear-headed stone is the perfect present for the introspective February-born Pisces or a visionary Aquarius.
Liesel Love 14K Gold Tiny Amethyst Ring, $, available at Etsy
Daisy Amethyst Healing Stone Necklace, $, available at Daisy
Goods Vintage Amethyst 14K Gold Cocktail Ring, $, available at Etsy
ISHI Amethyst Sterling Silver and Gold Necklace, $, available at December Thieves
March: Aquamarine
The Signs: Pisces & Aries
Aquamarine’s name, says Oldershaw, “derives from the Latin aqua for water and mare for the sea, and many superstitions and legends about the sea have been attached to the gemstone for many years. When it is immersed in water, the stone is practically invisible.” This transparency complements a Pisces’ intuitive personality, and direct, no-bullshit Aries will appreciate the stone’s clarity.
Joy Dravecky Nouveau Ring with Aquamarine, $, available at Local Eclectic
Found by Kindred Black Hillier Hoops, $, available at Kindred Black
SVNR Guayaquil Barrette, $, available at SVNR
Angara 14K Aquamarine Lariat Necklace, $, available at Angara
April: Diamond
The Signs: Aries & Taurus
There’s not much to be said about diamonds that hasn’t already been written. (We know, for example, that they’re “forever” — making them a meaningful gift for a loyal, April-born Taurus.) In addition, gemologists will often refer to a diamond’s “fire” — jeweler-speak for the stone’s unique brilliance, and a property that complements a fire sign like Aries.
Maria Tash White Gold Diamond Star Earring, $, available at Net-A-Porter
White/Space Single Diamond Pavé Linea Stud, $, available at Catbird
Vrai Inner Light Created Diamond Medallion, $, available at Vrai
Do Not Disturb The Botswana Ring, $, available at Verishop
May: Emerald
The Signs: Taurus & Gemini
“The vivid green of the emerald symbolizes spring and rebirth in many traditions,” explains Oldershaw — meaning it’s a seasonally appropriate stone for those born in May. Moreover, she writes, the stone will almost always contain a swirl of tonal inclusions, which the French call the jardin (“garden”). With such special, singular properties and interior imperfections, it’s perfect for both a luxury-loving Taurus and a complicated Gemini.
Helzberg Diamonds Lab-Created Emerald Pendant in 10K Yellow Gold, $, available at Helzberg Diamonds
Lizzie Mandler Single Baguette Emerald Mini Stud Earring, $, available at Olivela
Stone & Strand Perfect Pineapple Fruit Loop Earring (Single), $, available at Stone & Strand
Aurate Aurator Large Circle Pendant, $, available at Aurate
June: Pearl
The Signs: Gemini & Cancer
All gemstones are natural wonders, but pearls are especially fascinating. Mollusks create these (mostly) spherical gems by secreting nacre to surround irritants that invade their shells — possibly the most lemons-out-of-lemonade scenario that we could envision — and the result is the timeless, shimmering white stone that’s the birthstone of shape-shifting Geminis and moon-ruled Cancers born in June. The second best-selling gem after diamonds, according to Oldershaw, the pearl is prized for its luster and organic beauty.
Ana Luisa Gold Vermeil Pearl Stud Earrings (Pair), $, available at Ana Luisa
Poppy Finch Skinny Pearl Open Ring, $, available at Nordstrom
Faris Pomme Pearl Drop Earrings, $, available at Nordstrom
IPPOLITA 18K Gold Graduated Pearl Drop Earrings, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
July: Ruby
The Signs: Cancer & Leo
The ruby is a sleeper stone. While flashy, big-name gems like diamonds and sapphires tend to hog the limelight, “larger rubies have earned higher prices per carat at auctions than flawless diamonds,” writes Oldershaw. The best versions of the stones — ones in true red or saturated pinks — “are rare and expensive.” They’re also durable and not prone to breakage, which makes them a perfect gemstone for daily-wear jewelry — and a no-brainer gift for your singularly precious Cancer and Leo loved ones.
Linea Carta Ruby Wishing Bracelet, $, available at Catbird
Sydney Evan, Sydney Evans Ruby Lip Rose Gold Stud Earring, $, available at Ylang23
Auvere Byzantium 24K Gold Ring With Ruby, $, available at Auvere
The Last Line Ruby Drop Seamless Hoop Earring, $, available at 
August: Peridot
The Signs: Leo & Virgo
According to Oldershaw, brilliant-green peridot gets its name from the French peritot, which means “gold”. Its verdant hue, however, is due to trace amounts of iron in the stone. A gem that possesses the beauty of gold and the strength of iron sounds like the perfect fit for a dependable Virgo or a fiercely loyal Leo.
DANIBARBEshop Gold Plate Natural Peridot Studs, $, available at Etsy
Vintage Peridot Ballerina Ring, $, available at Erie Basin
Skomer Studio Ornate Rose Quartz and Peridot Barbell Stud, $, available at Garmentory
Aro Essentials Wave Earrings in Peridot, $, available at ARO
September: Sapphire
The Signs: Virgo & Libra
Since it appeared on the historical record around 800 BC, sapphire has been prized by a variety of cultures and imbued with a host of meanings. It was worn, according to Oldershaw, “as a talisman to ward off illness or as protection while traveling” — something we could all use going into one of the strangest holiday seasons on record. In addition, she explains, “people in the Middle Ages thought wearing it suppressed wicked thoughts.” An even-tempered Libra will appreciate this fair-minded stone — and a practical Virgo will appreciate its protective properties.
Kinn Studio Colette Stud Earrings, $, available at Kinn Studio
J. Hannah Baby Ring, $, available at J. Hannah
Ylang23 Blue Sapphire and Ivory Enamel Rose Gold Ring, $, available at Ylang23
Stella & Bow 14K Gold and Sapphire Lily Ring, $, available at Stella & Bow
October: Opal
The Signs: Libra & Scorpio
If you’ve done even a little Googling, you probably know about the Victorian-era belief that opals were bad luck. On the opposite end of the spectrum, however, “opals were prized as much as diamonds by the ancient Greeks and used in jewelry by the Romans,” according to Oldershaw. Need we remind you that the mysterious stone was also the catalyst for all of the outrageous twists and turns of Uncut Gems? With its prismatic rainbow of hues, amorphous crystal structure, opal is simultaneously chaotic and calm — the perfect for the stormy Scorpio or level-headed Libra loved one.
Gorjana Sunburst Coin Necklace, $, available at Gorjana
Amarilo Jewelry White Opal Inlay Ring in Gold, $, available at Local Eclectic
Lumo Jewelry Lumo Opal Studs Earrings, $, available at Founders And Followers
Aurate Halo Diamond Opal Ring, $, available at Aurate
November: Citrine
The Signs: Scorpio & Sagittarius
“Named for the old French word citrin, meaning lemon, [citrine] has been popular for thousands of years and revered for its rarity,” writes Oldershaw. It’s a less-common cousin of amethyst, usually found in an autumnal golden orange hue. The loyal Scorpio or ingratiating Sagittarius in your life will love to bask in this gem’s inviting glow.
Yvonne Léon 9-karat gold, pearl and citrine earrings, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Kendra Scott Elisa Birthstone Pendant Necklace, $, available at Nordstrom
Mejuri Monochrome Citrine Ring, $, available at Mejuri
Angara Prong-Set Cushion Citrine Cocktail Ring, $, available at Angara
December: Turquoise
The Signs: Sagittarius & Capricorn
“Turquoise was one of the first gemstones ever mined,” writes Oldershaw, “perhaps dating back to 6,000 BC in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula.” (Eyes on the long game? Reminds us of a goal-oriented Capricorn.) It also has a host of unique properties that make it unlike any other gemstone, including its unusual opacity, vein-like inclusions, and singular robin’s egg-blue hue. (Reminds us of a Sagittarius’ bold, easy-to-identify personality.)
Anzie Cleo Emerald & Turquoise Ring, $, available at Nordstrom
Jennifer Zeuner Malachite Stone Turquoise Cabochon Bracelet, $, available at Jennifer Zeuner
Pamela Love Mojave Hoops, $, available at Pamela Love
You can tell a lot about a person by what jewelry they wear — are they a minimalist who prefers the finer things in life? A total brand-conscious believer of tradition and status symbols? Or are the kind of person who only loves the kind of things that other people don't? Think about it: You can totally suss out these conclusions based on someone's rings or what necklace they're wearing.
And if you compound that with knowledge about what month their birthday falls in, you can basically call yourself Susan Miller. After all, birthstones are heaped with meaning (whether or not you choose to believe in them). If you want to wear your traits loud and proud, sporting your birthstone is one way to do it. Click on to see our pick for your birth month and get a glimpse of what your birthstone says about you.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
The Stone: Topaz
DANIBARBEshop Raw Topaz Stacking Ring, $, available at Etsy
Paloma’s Studio Topaz and Citrine Baguette Ring, $, available at Tiffany
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Emma Stone Is Engaged — & The Ring Is So Her
Our Guide To Your First Big Ring Purchase
10 Of The Coolest Accessible Jewelry Brands
DMTBeautySpot
via https://www.DMTBeautySpot.com
Alyssa Coscarelli, Khareem Sudlow
0 comments