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Birthstone Jewelry: The Meaning Behind The Stones & Which Baubles To Buy

October 28, 2020BruceDayne

#DMTBeautySpot #beauty

The origin of birthstones supposedly dates back to the biblical era, and are based on a Hebrew high priest’s ceremonial garment embedded with 12 stones, each representing one of Israel’s original tribes. As history progressed, enterprising Medieval scholars saw a correspondence between the stones and the stars, and the gems acquired an association with the astrological signs of the Greco-Roman zodiac. In the early 20th century, Tiffany outlined monthly birthstones in their “Natal Stones” pamphlet, borrowing from a host of influences.

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

Old intro:

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.