THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MEANINGFUL BIRTHSTONE JEWELRY
Birthstones are gemstones that correspond to your birth month. They hold a touch of history and enchantment, much like hidden treasures within jewelry. Consider them nature’s personalised presents, each carrying its own distinct significance and enduring allure.
Whether you’re looking to wear them for their symbolism or simply their captivating aesthetics, or even to give them as a gift, remember that these gems infuse a distinct flair into any style. Your birthstone isn’t just a beautiful gem; it embodies your individuality. In this article, our team of jewelry experts at Maison Goldberg Bijouterie will share some comprehensive tips about your birthstone with you, empowering you to select a meaningful piece of jewelry.
WHAT ARE BIRTHSTONES?
Birthstones have held a timeless fascination across the ages, effortlessly transcending the boundaries of gender, age, nationality, and religious beliefs. These alluring gemstones have a rich history that stretches back to ancient civilizations and continue to captivate hearts to this day.
Birthstones, in essence, are like personal signatures etched into precious and semi-precious stones, each intricately woven with the essence of its corresponding month. They are not mere gemstones; they are windows into the past, symbols laden with meaning, and expressions of your unique personality.
WHY ADD BIRTHSTONE JEWELRY TO YOUR
COLLECTION OR GIVE THEM AS A GIFT
One of the most captivating aspects of birthstones is their ability to help you express your personality and tell your story in a truly distinctive way. Just as each month possesses its own distinct characteristics, so do the birthstones that represent them. As you explore the world of birthstone jewelry, you’ll uncover a vivid array of colours, shapes, and meanings that align with the traits and qualities that make you, well, you.
THE BIRTH
OF BIRTHSTONES
The concept of birthstones has a fascinating history. It all began in 16th to 18th century Poland, where the list of traditional birthstones emerged. Fast forward to 1912, when the National Association of Jewelers introduced “modern birthstones,” focusing on transparent gems. This shift allowed jewelers to create stunning “mother’s rings” with ease, each stone representing a child, perfect for contemporary tastes.
January: Garnet
Don’t be fooled by garnet’s association with the colour red; these gems come in a rainbow of hues. Warriors and royalty believed garnets were protective, shielding them from harm. Red garnets symbolise vitality, love, and light, like a protective guardian.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst, with its mesmerising purple shades, ranks high in durability. Once a favourite of royalty, it now represents spirituality, mental clarity, and healing. The deeper the purple, the more sought-after this gem becomes.
March: Aquamarine
Named after seawater, aquamarine was believed to protect seafarers. It’s also linked to marital happiness and superior intellect. When you think of aquamarine, imagine the soothing hues of the ocean.
April: Diamond
Diamonds are more than just a girl’s best friend; they’re symbols of strength and eternal love due to their hardness and beauty. These gems come in a rainbow of colours, from rare reds to deep blues, catering to all preferences and occasions.
May: Emerald
Emeralds have been revered for their vibrant green hue since ancient times. Legend has it that they bestow heightened intelligence and the ability to predict the future.
June: Pearl or Alexandrite
Pearls, born from living creatures, symbolise honesty, purity, and wisdom. They’re available in various hues, from classic white to black and everything in between. Alexandrite, another June gem, is known for its colour-changing phenomenon. Alexandrite’s ability to change colour depending on the light it’s in, was discovered by accident. It is said, “emerald by day, ruby by night”. When daylight Alexandrite has a beautiful green colour, and in incandescent light, Alexandrite changes to a warm, reddish-purple.
July: Ruby
Rubies, with their intense red hues, were cherished by warriors and thought to increase strength and stamina. These gems also help navigate passionate social situations and calm anger. Think of rubies as fiery protectors.
August: Peridot or Spinel
Peridot’s lively appearance is linked to its association with the sun, making it a guardian against nighttime evil spirits. Its unique green hue sets it apart, often featuring a yellowish overtone.
Spinels are a new addition to the list of birthstones. Spinels are magical, with incredible life and fire. Spinels were discovered after it was realised that the red gem in the crown jewels was not a ruby. However, spinels come in an array of colours besides red. Red spinels are highly sought after as they resemble rubies, but spinels come in incredible hues of light blues to medium-dark cobalt blues, to lavenders and hot pinks. No other gemstone compares to the brilliance, life, fire and colours that occur in spinels.
September: Sapphire
Sapphires, in various colours, are protective gems. They shield against physical harm and envy, and some believe they have medicinal properties. Blue sapphires are spiritual stones, worn by priests, and can even exhibit a six-rayed star. Sapphires come in every colour except red. They are prized by royalty and have always been considered valuable.
October: Opal or Tourmaline
Opals are unique, with their play-of-colour that’s like a dance of light. They’re associated with magic, healing, and even invisibility. Some wear opals for good luck, while others may hold onto superstitions.
Tourmalines come in a wide range of colours, from greens, blues and blue-greens, to oranges, pinks and reds. Fine tourmalines are exceptional and rare.
November: Citrine and Topaz
Citrine’s warm orange and yellow hues are said to offer relief from ailments like stomach aches and insomnia. It’s like a ray of sunshine in gem form. Topaz, with its yellow shades, is believed to attract wealth.
December: Blue Topaz, Tanzanite, and Blue Zircon
Blue topazes start colourless or pale blue, but undergo a transformation to vibrant greenish blue through laboratory treatment. They symbolise wealth, especially in their more common yellow hue. Tanzanite and blue zircon also grace December, each with its unique charm. Tanzanite is considered the rarest gem as it only has one known source: Tanzania. However, the mines in Tanzania have since been closed and with no new sources yet to be discovered, Tanzanites have increased in rarity and value.
WHERE TO PURCHASE TOP-QUALITY AND ASTONISHING BIRTHSTONE JEWELRY IN WESTMOUNT, QC
Maison Goldberg Bijouterie is a father-and-daughter-owned business. This family has provided a fine jewelry retailer service in Canada for over 70 years. After combining their experiences and expertise, the duo has revolutionised the jewelry market by offering custom design services.
