Do you know the birthstones for each month, or even just the month of your birth?

NO? Then you’ve come to the right place! Birthstones have been associated with particular birthdays or birth-months for many years and are often given as thoughtful gifts for birthdays and anniversaries. It’s said that each birthstone has a unique property that suits those born at a certain time of the year. Although these precious stones are so beautiful, they’re quite often worn on any occasion.

The story of how birthstones came to be is a long and wonderful tradition dating back thousands of years. And we’re big fans of tradition here at Hoskings. After all, we’ve been a family-run business for more than 75 years now and our passion for great quality jewellery and outstanding customer service has never changed. We think a whole lot of good comes with tradition. That’s why we’re excited to share the truly magical tradition of birthstones and how they came to be.

The history of birthstones – the two stories

As with most historical stories there’s always a little room for speculation about how and where these ancient traditions started. The story that originates in the East is quite different from the story as reported in the West.  Depending on where in the world you live or how far back in time you go, you may believe the Eastern philosophy that these gemstones have been worn by people since ancient times to offer protection and healing, strengthen their natural attributes and bring good luck.

The origin of wearing birthstone jewellery in the East

It’s thought that Eastern cultures began to associate certain stones with celestial bodies, and they used astrology to determine which gemstones would be of benefit to each individual. In Hindu astrology, there are nine gemstones associated with the “Navagraha”, i.e. the nine heavenly bodies that influence human life on Earth. The ancient Hindus created a nine stone piece of jewellery called the “Navaratna” which was said to benefit wealth, health and wellbeing. A piece of Navaratna jewellery still has important cultural significance in many southern and south-eastern Asian cultures today. Although, it’s more common for people to select one or two stones to wear as a special ring or necklace.

Western origins of wearing birthstone jewellery

In the Western tradition, the wearing of birthstones evolved from a story in the Bible. In the book of Exodus, the prophet Moses ordered that a breastplate should be made for Aaron, the High Priest of the Hebrew people. That breastplate featured four rows of three stones each, totalling twelve gemstones said to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. There are varying accounts of what stones were actually used. It’s been suggested that there was a combination of: sardius, topaz, carbuncle, emerald, sapphire, diamond, ligure, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx, ruby, turquoise and jacinth.

Eventually, because of these 12 stones of Aaron, or due to eastern influence, the wearing of gemstones also became linked to the 12 months of the year and the signs of the zodiac. It’s thought that people would own a full set of 12 stones and would wear a different one each month to access the particular power of that stone in that month. However, in 1912, a jewellers’ association in the USA decided it was best to create a standardised list. Not to be outdone, 20 years later, the British National Association of Goldsmiths created their own list. Today, most jewellers agree on a basic set of birthstones, though there’s still a little variation depending on where you live and whether you prefer the traditional or modern stones.

So what’s your birthstone?

We already talked about the beautiful September birthstone, sapphire in another blog post. But to save you searching for your month, we’ve summarised the birthstones for each month below and added the Astrology Zodiac Sign dates too!

January birthstone – Garnet

Zodiac sign – Capricorn | December 22–January 19

The stunning dark red garnet is believed to protect from harm and promote good health and vitality. It is one of the few gemstones that’s been consistently assigned to a particular month and zodiac sign for hundreds of years, and probably longer. In ancient Ayurvedic practices, the garnet is associated with the sacral and solar plexus chakras and is credited with awakening creative energies. In western cultures, the garnet is associated with faith, eternity and truth.

As well as offering such abundance, this beautiful rich-coloured gem is versatile to wear and suits everyone. It works just as well with silver, in these beautiful silver earrings for example, as it does with gold, like this stunning garnet ring. Or both, as seen in these delicious 2 tone Najo garnet hoop earrings.

This beautiful stone is perfect for the most grounded of all zodiac signs, the Capricorn and allows them to forge ahead with their great plans and ambitious drive. So, this is a perfect gift for the hard-working Capricorn in your life.

Search for your special garnet piece here.

February Birthstone – Amethyst

Zodiac sign – Aquarius | January 20–February 18

The beautiful amethyst is said to give the wearer luck, charm and good health. It varies in colour from a pale lavender to a beautiful deep violet. Because of its association with good fortune and health, it’s a very popular stone and no longer worn only by February babies. But there’s no doubt it holds a very special place in the heart of all of the aquarians we know and love, so it’s always our go-to for a February birthday gift.

And because Aquarians are known to be free-spirited and can often be identified by their quirky fashion sense, you can rest assured that buying a birthstone for your Aquarian will delight your loved one. Whether they’re into droolworthy bling like this gold and amethyst ring or simpler  jewellery that highlights the beautiful natural properties of the stone like this lovely silver amethyst pendant, you really can’t go wrong with the world’s most popular gemstone.

Find beautiful amethyst jewellery here.

March Birthstone – Aquamarine

Zodiac sign – Pisces | February 19–March 20

The lucky March babies and the compassionate Pisceans get to call aquamarine their very own precious gemstone. This vivid aqua-blue coloured stone is said to enhance happiness, harmony and understanding. Perfect for the empathetic and sensitive Pisces people in our lives!

But, it’s not true that it can only be enjoyed by March babies. Meghan Markle recently wore a stunning aquamarine ring that was once worn by Princess Diana, confirming that this beautiful gemstone suits everyone. But if your MIL wasn’t a princess, don’t worry, you can still find a perfect aquamarine gift for your loved one without leaving your “castle” by simply clicking here to buy these beautiful sterling silver March birthstone studs.

See all of Hosking’s aquamarine jewellery range here.

April Birthstone – Diamond

Zodiac sign – Aries | March 21–April 19

You April babies really lucked-out didn’t you? The April birthstone of Diamond symbolises courage, health and true love. They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend and frankly, who are we to argue? These most precious of stones adorn many stunning pieces of jewellery and make for the most spectacular diamond jewellery gifts. They’re traditionally used as the symbol of forever love in engagement rings and come in a range of cuts and colours. You can learn more about diamonds in this blog post about engagement rings.

But you lucky April babies get to claim this special stone as your very own, no matter what the occasion. April birthday gift? Why diamonds of course! This stunning gold and diamond necklace would be a perfect way to say “happy birthday”! April anniversary? Only diamonds will do. And what better way to say “Happy Anniversary” than with these sparkling diamond encrusted stud earrings? New job? Then any April baby will know that this white gold and diamond bangle would be the perfect way to celebrate!

We know that half the fun is searching for that perfect piece of diamond jewellery for that April birthday or cheery Aries person in your life. So you can view Hosking’s full range of diamond jewellery here.

May Birthstone – Emerald

Zodiac sign – Taurus | April 20–May 20

The May birthstone is the delicious deep green Emerald that has long been associated with fidelity, goodness and love. Emeralds are one of the most rare and precious of all the gemstones and are therefore coveted by many. As luxury-loving Taurean’s will already know, you deserve only the best so it’s very fitting that you and May babies get to call the beautiful emerald birthstone all yours!

In some ancient Eastern cultures, the precious emerald is associated with the Heart Chakra and blissful love. It’s said to embody wisdom and help strengthen communication and understanding. And we’re going make this clear; Emerald jewellery is a winner for every occasion. Birthdays, anniversaries, christenings, engagements, graduations. Emeralds are the perfect gift. Emeralds look gorgeous in rings, earrings and pendants. So, go on, spoil yourself.  You know these gold emerald earrings would look fabulous on you! Or treat those lucky friends with a May birthday to a special emerald piece like this magnificent white gold diamond emerald pendant.

To check out some more emerald jewellery, just click here.

June Birthstone – Pearl

Zodiac sign – Gemini | May 21–June 20

Pearls have been considered the perfect jewellery gifts as far back as 2300 BC when they were gifted to and worn by Chinese royalty. They have continued to be considered the ultimate status symbol for centuries. Although they’re most commonly associated with a lustrous white, they come in a rainbow of shades. They are traditionally known to be symbol of pure beauty and are thought to help the wearer to achieve wisdom, peace and nobility.  

Famous advocates of shimmering pearl jewellery are Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn and more recently, Sarah Jessica Parker and Michelle Obama who’s a huge fan of pearl necklaces and pearl earrings. Pearls really are the perfect fit for the liveliest of the zodiac air signs as they’re so versatile, just like the fun and adaptable Geminis! They’re also the traditional jewel for a 30th wedding anniversary. 

One thing is for sure, these classic pearl earrings will never go out of style and pearls work just as well in contemporary jewellery like this beautiful sterling silver pearl and feather necklet.

Click here to choose your perfect piece of pearl jewellery.

July Birthstone – Ruby

Zodiac sign – Cancer | June 21–July 22

The ruby is a lustrous, deep red stone that has been adored for its beauty, durability and symbolic meaning for thousands of years. Through the ages, the ruby has represented nobility, strength and passionate love. This vibrant red ruby birthstone is the perfect gift for anyone born in July or anyone who belongs to the Cancer star sign, as the stunning jewel is perfect to enhance their highly intuitive and sensitive personalities and bring them opportunities and good luck.

Choosing a ruby jewellery gift is easy. Ruby is the perfect romantic stone to use if you want to profess your love with a divine ring like this ruby and diamond halo ring or this heart shaped ruby and diamond pendant. If you’re looking for a gift to celebrate a 40th, or as it’s known, ruby wedding anniversary, then we can’t think of anything more perfect than these gold ruby and diamond stud earrings or this ruby ring.

See the full range of Hosking’s ruby jewellery right here.

August Birthstone – Peridot

Zodiac sign – Leo | July 23–August 22

The August birthstone of Peridot is a bright, yellow-green gemstone that’s renowned for its glorious glow. It’s also sometimes nicknamed the “stone of compassion” and the “study stone” as it’s said to promote calm and allow the wearer to achieve clarity about their direction in life. It’s therefore not surprising that it’s been credited with promoting success, peace and love. All of which are the perfect attributes to make Peridot jewellery the perfect gift for anyone who’s lucky enough to have an August birthday. These stunning gold and peridot earrings would make a perfect August birthday gift.

The stone’s qualities also resonate well with the fiery Leo star sign as the peridot is said to enhance a sunny disposition and gentleness while balancing that underlying strength of personality. And we can’t think of a more fitting tribute to our Leo friends than this amazing multi-stone bracelet that features peridot along with several other stunning gemstones. 

Peridot is also the traditional 16th wedding anniversary gemstone, so what better than this beautiful gold dress ring with peridot, amethyst and blue topaz to say ‘Happy Anniversary’?

If you’re looking to add some sunshiney sparkle to your day, then check out the full range of peridot jewellery here.

September Birthstone – Sapphire

Zodiac sign – Virgo | August 23–September 22

The precious sapphire is the intensely beautiful birthstone for September. A favourite of Hoskings, we’ve written all about this beautiful stone in this blog. Although it comes in a range of colours, the sapphire is most often associated with its deep, ocean blue tones.

The sapphire is thought to symbolise serenity, good health and joy. Anyone lucky enough to have a September birthday will really appreciate this precious stone as a gift. I mean who wouldn’t love this gold sapphire and diamond pendant? Sapphire jewellery has made headlines more than once with some of the most famous pieces being the engagement ring once worn by Princess Diana and now worn by Duchess Kate Middleton. Hosking’s dazzling 9ct white gold and sapphire diamond flower ring is a beautiful update on that classic style. Penelope Cruz, also wears a sapphire engagement ring which looks a little like this created Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring.

We can’t think of a more fitting match for the one sign in the Zodiac that’s said to seek perfection, our wonderful Virgos, than these white gold sapphire and diamond stud earrings.

To find more perfect sapphire jewellery, take a look at our full range here.

October Birthstones – Opal

Zodiac sign – Libra | September 23–October 22

The October birthstone Opal is another favourite here at Hoskings. Opal is synonymous with Australia and how lucky we are to have some of the best opal mines in the world! There’s an old Australian legend that suggests that the creator once visited the earth on a rainbow, to bring a message of peace and when ‘he’ touched the ground the stones were turned to opal and sparkled all the colours of the rainbow. It’s these beautiful rainbow colours that makes the opal truly outstanding. Ranging from a base that can be translucent or milky white all the way through to a deep black, the spectacular feature of the opal is that it highlights many vibrant colours of the rainbow as the stone is turned.

This makes each piece of opal jewellery truly unique and desirable. Just look at the variation from these beautiful gold, diamond and opal earrings to the deep blue opal in this multi-stone and opal pendant. Opal jewellery is said to bring hope and health to the wearer, making it a perfect jewellery gift for everyone.

As is widely accepted, anyone born under the Libra star sign craves balance and harmony. So you can be sure that choosing a piece of opal jewellery means there can be no better gift for the Libra in your life.

To choose a beautiful opal jewellery gift, browse our range of opal here.

November Birthstones – Topaz

Zodiac sign – Scorpio | October 23–November 21 

The lucky people born in November get to wear the beautiful topaz gemstone as their birthstone. Although topaz is found in a range of colours, it’s the beautiful light blue and golden-yellow topaz that are best known. The Ancient Egyptians believed that the topaz’s beautiful yellow hue was created by the sun god “Ra”. Because of that, they believed that the topaz possessed healing properties that would protect the stone’s owner. 

The Ancient Romans believed that if topaz was near poisoned food or drink it would change colour and protect the stone’s wearer against poisoning. In India, people have believed for centuries that topaz worn above the heart, assures a long life, beauty, and intelligence. This blue topaz and diamond pendant would be just right for this! Even today, topaz is still known as a stone of wisdom, nobility, sincerity and courage.

It would be hard to find a more appropriate stone than the topaz for the passionate, determined and fierce Scorpios in our lives. These Evergem Swarovski cubic zirconia and topaz earrings make a perfect gift for any Scorpio or November birthday celebration.

Take a look here to see more beautiful topaz jewellery.

December Birthstones – Turquoise 

Zodiac sign – Sagittarius ­| November 22–December 21 

Let’s face it, people with December birthdays often draw a short straw. We hear way too many stories about people getting joint birthday and Christmas gifts and so we feel very strongly that our December birthday babies need to be really spoiled. So, it really is fitting that turquoise is the December birthstone. This ancient precious stone was one of the first gemstones to be mined as far back as 6000 BC. The enchanting sea-green turquoise represents wisdom, luck, happiness, hope and enduring love.

Turquoise is one stone that’s enjoyed cultural significance all across the world, from Ancient Egypt to the Apache tribes of the Southwestern USA. It’s also one gemstone that’s very popular with men as well as women. As a result, turquoise jewellery ranges from traditional to very modern, with brands like Najo featuring turquoise in rings, pendants and earrings. As such a joyful coloured stone, it also makes a perfect gift for our spontaneous and fun Sagittarius friends. This silver turquoise cuff bangle or turquoise hook earrings would definitely put you in the good books!

Hoskings has an extensive range of turquoise jewellery so you have no excuse to miss your friend’s December birthday! 

Birthstone jewellery

Isn’t it wonderful to know that birthstone jewellery can mean something special to everyone who wears it? But even though we love tradition, it doesn’t mean you can’t break the ‘rules’ and choose to wear a stone that’s not traditionally linked with your birthday or star sign. After all, with so many beautiful pieces of jewellery to choose from, why stick to just one stone? So be our guests, browse our full jewellery range here.

If you’d like some help choosing or would like to see these beautiful jewellery pieces in person, then pop in store where we’ll be waiting to delight you!

Written by Niamh Hislop

We have listed the Astrology Zodiac Sign Dates

The signs of the zodiac have existed for hundreds of thousands of years. They are ancient signs that people have looked to for guidance. ... There are those who dismiss astrology as false, but others believe the zodiac does have some value to them.