Birthstones
Birthstones are arguably the most popular way to celebrate and wear gems. Below is a list of birthstones by month, and a little info on each.
January - Garnet
Garnet is the most popular gem for the month of January and can be found in a rainbow of beautiful vivid bright colours. From the deep red of Pyrope to the intense green colours of tsavorite garnet and the fiery orange of hessonite, there are options for everyone. There are 6 varieties of garnet all with their own unique characteristics and hues. Alternative birth stones for January include Jasper, Chalcedony and Amethyst.
February - Amethyst
Amethyst is a type of Quartz found in abundance all over the world. Most loved for its deep vivid purple hue but is found in all shades of purple from light lilac, to rich deep purple, and even hints of red. One of the most loved gems throughout history it was once believed that Amethyst protected the wearer from the effects of drunkenness. The name itself is derived from the Greek word 'amethystos' or 'methustos' which means 'intoxicated'.
Amethyst is 7 on the moh's scale which means that it is suitable for daily wear, but care must be taken. Amethyst certainly makes an eye popping centre piece to any jewellery item, check out our many beautiful amethysts now !
March - Aquamarine - Bloodstone
March has two official birthstones, they are Aquamarine and Bloodstone. Both very different and unique. Aquamarine’s name comes from the Latin word for seawater, and ancient mariners claimed the gem would calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. The aquamarine birthstone comes in all colours and hues of the sea hence its name, from pale baby blue to deep green-blue and light, slightly greenish blue hues, faceted aquamarines are often flawless gems and as clear as water, symbolizing purity of spirit and soul.
Aquamarine is a type of Beryl, and having a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Moh's scale of hardness is suitable for any type of jewellery, although care should be taken if wearing daily. Aquamarine can be found all over the world. Brazil, Pakistan, various African countries and Asia, even the United States ! Though Brazil remains to be the Major source.
Bloodstone, also known as Heliotrope, is a variety of Chalcedony. The word heliotrope comes from the ancient Greek word that means “to turn the sun.” As in ancient times it was believed placing bloodstone in water could turn the sun red. In modern times, many believe the bloodstone to be a lucky charm. As it is also said to increase strength it is also very popular amoung athletes and those who want to increase strength. Especially in India, currently the main source of Bloodstone. Hardness of bloodstone is just 6.5-7 so these stones should be treated with care to avoid scratching.
SHOP AQUAMARINE SHOP BLOODSTONE
April - Diamond
Dazzling Diamonds are the birthstone for those born in April. The most well known gem in existence and certainly the most advertised!!
Diamonds are the hardest gem and in fact the hardest natural substance on earth, it measures 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, and is made of carbon. Only diamond can cut diamond.
Although white diamonds are by far the most popular, diamonds do come in a range of colours from faint yellow and browns to red, green, blue pink and black!! Coloured diamonds with good colour saturation are quite rare compared to white or colourless diamonds so they are more expensive. Colour can also be replicated in a lab and we call these "colour treated diamonds" This brings coloured diamonds into the market at a much more affordable price range.
When buying a diamond always consider the colour, cut, clarity and carat, what we call the 4 C's.
May - Emerald
Emerald is a variety of beryl, Emerald colour can range from light green (though there is some argument whether these very light beryls are truly emeralds) to a deep, rich green.
The deeper or more green an emerald is, the more valuable it is. The rarest emerald gems will appear to be an intense green-blue color.
Emerald gems are found all over the world, including Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia. The availability of high-quality emerald is limited; consequently, treatments to improve clarity are performed regularly.
Emerald is 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale and has fair to good toughness, making it suitable for jewellery, but a stone that requires more care in wearing than say a ruby or sapphire, which are harder stones. Care of an emerlad also depends on what treatments it has had.
June - Alexandrite, Pearl, Moonstone
Pearl is the "traditional" birthstone for the month of June. It is the only gem derived from a living creature. The majority of Pearls on the market now, both fresh and salt water are mostly cultivated . This requires human interaction and care and hence are not completely natural. Natural pearls are created naturally without any human interaction of any kind and are generally more expensive. The 4 main types of Pearl are Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea and Freshwater. Pearl has a hardness of just 2.5 on the Moh's scale and should be treated with great care.
Alexandrite is the "modern" birthstone for June and very rare in comparison. Originally found in Russia, Alexandrite is now also found in Sri Lanka, East Africa and Brazil. It has the unique properties of appearing a different colour in natural and artificial light. The name comes from the fact that it was discovered in Russia on Prince Alexander II Birthday.
It is a type of Chrysoberyl and 8.5 on the Mohs Scale making it an excellent choice for jewellery as it is a hard wearing stone.
July- Ruby
Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July. The name comes from the Latin word, 'rubeus', And in ancient India's Sanskrit 'Ratnaraj' which means "King of precious stones" It is the red variety of a mineral called Corundum, and gets it's colour from the element Chromium. It is the Chromium which gives the ruby the fluorescence which can give the impression the gem is glowing under natural light. All other colours of Corundum are called Sapphires. It is an extremely durable, hard wearing gem, 9 on the Moh's scale making is excellent for daily wear in jewellery.
The most desired locations for rubies is the Mogok Valley in Burma, known for its deep blood red coloured rubies. The deep rich red known as Pigeon Blood red is the most preferred colour. Though also the most expensive. Extra care should be taken when buying rubys as most on the market are now treated. Some treatments can make the gem difficult to set into jewellery so extra care should be taken. Myanmar began producing rubies in the ‘90s after discovering that heat treatment improved the colour saturation. Other ruby deposits exist in Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Afghanistan, Mozambique and , and even the United States.
August - Peridot, Spinel
The month of august has 2 modern birthstones. Peridot being the more commonly known gem associated with August and spinel recently named as a birthstone for this month. Period can be found in green to greenish yellow to brown in colour. The most popular colour being a bright light lime green. Peridot is a variety of the mineral Olivine and rates 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale. Peridot can be found in Pakistan, Afghanistan, China Myanmar, Tanzania, Vietnam and USA. Some Peridot have travelled to earth via Meteorites, however very few gem quality peridots have been found from this source. The word Peridot comes from the Arab word Faridat which means gem.
Spinel as an alternative gem for the month of august is perhaps more versatile as it can be found in a rainbow of colours. The name comes from the Latin word Spina or Spinella meaning pointed or thorn, which is in reference to the shape of spinel crystals. Spinel is 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale making it harder wearing than peridot though both are suitable to jewellery. Spinel can be found in Tanzania, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Pakistan.
September - Sapphire
Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. One of the most popular, most versatile gems.
Sapphire is of the corundum variety and is generally referred to as the blue variety of corundum (ruby is the red variety) but Sapphires can be found in a wide array of colours. Sapphire comes from the Greek word 'Sappheiros' which simply means blue.
Sapphire has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness making it very durable and a great gem for any type of jewellery. The most popular colour of course is blue. In particular the vivid pure blues and deep royal blue or kashmir blue. Perhaps one of the most famous pieces of sapphire jewellery was the engagement ring of the Late Princess Diana, a style which is still on trend even today.
Three important sources of sapphire include Kashmir, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. All producing the highest quality finest pure blue Sapphires. The gem is also found in Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, Madagascar and even the USA.
October - Opal, Tourmaline
October actually has 2 brithstones, the other being Opal. Tourmaline is by far more popular due to its multitude of colour variations. From black, to pink, blue and green, yellow and anything in between, Tourmaline can be found in almost any colour and hue. In fact the word itself means 'mixed' or 'many' colours. It is also more durable, making it a better choice for every day wear in jewellery.
November - Citrine, Topaz
November actually has 2 brithstones, Citrine (which is yellow Quartz) and Topaz (usually yellow Topaz). Both are equally beautiful. Citrine is the yellow variety of Quartz and comes in all shades of yellow and orange to a brownish grey smokey colour. It has a Mohs hardness of 7. Citrine makes an eye popping piece to use carefully in occasional wear such as dress rings or pendants. Topaz comes is all colours, and although traditionally yellow is the november stone colour, any Topaz can be used as a November birthstone making it more versitile to use. It is also harder than a quartz (8 on the Moh's scale) making it more suitable for every day wear. Topaz has many shades to choose from and can be used carefully in daily wear.
December - Tanzanite, Zircon, Turquoise
Lucky December lays claim to 3 or even 4 birthstones depending on preference as Topaz can also be classed as a December birthstone. Tanzanite is the newest addition having been added in 2002 as the latest modern birthstone for December, and its popularity has exploded in the years since. Tanzanite can only be found in one place in the world, and where its name originated. Tanzania. Tanzanite colour ranges from blue to purple and all the colour ranges in between. Although Tanzanite makes a beautiful jewellery piece utmost care should be taken, as its hardness on the Moh's scale is only6-7. Tanzanite can crack if struck.
Zircon. Arguably the most popular choice for December and also the most versatile. Zircon comes in every colour and has a brilliance similar to diamonds. Under lights zircon dazzles beautifully. In fact, Zircon is the original diamond simulant, however still natural and a gem in its own right, unlike the Cubic Zirconia it is often mistaken as. Its Mohs hardness is 6-7.5 and can be worn carefully in any jewellery.
Turquoise. The traditional December birthstone, most popular for its bright blue hue and unique black veins has certainly proven to be a constant fashion must. Makes a striking piece in silver jewellery and can be found abundantly. It can be found in Bright medium blue tones to greenish blue and green. The most desirable being a bright blue often called "robins egg blue" in the trade. With a 5-6 hardness level on the Mohs hardness scale turquoise can be worn carefully, avoiding high heat or dropping.