Birthstone Guide - Traditional, Modern, Lore and Crystal Meanings

The tradition of birthstones dates back to biblical times in the Book of Exodus. The high priest, Aaron, had a breastplate adorned with 12 stones, each to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. These stones were believed to hold powers like predicting the future and protection. Roughly 500 years later, historians found a connection between the 12 stones and the 12 months of the year and the 12 zodiac signs. Historians recommended for early Christians to wear all of the birthstones at once in belts, bracelets and other beautiful adornments. In the 8th and 9th centuries, this tradition had evolved wearing one stone during its particular month, as it was believed to have heightened powers during that month. It wasn't until the 16th century that we accepted the modern traditional of only wearing one stone for your specific birth month.

In 2023, our best-selling finger cuff ring subscription is birthstone themed! September is Sapphire and these babies are incredibly gorgeous!!  Next year, we are looking forward to continuing to hook you up with an incredible ring without any limitations! 

Humans have been enchanted with Garnets for more than 5,000 years, dating back to the Bronze Age. Garnets are a large group of rock-forming silicate minerals. They are found all over the world in metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks. Most Garnets form in volcanic environments when aluminum-rich sedimentary rocks like shale are subject to intense heat and pressure.

Garnet is the modern & traditional January birthstone and is the second anniversary stone. Garnet is derived from the Greek word “granatum” after its striking resemblance to the seeds in a pomegranate. Much of what has been recorded in history refers to red Garnets because they are the most common.

♡ Chakra: Root

♡ Stone of Ultimate Health

♡ Enhances energy, health & connection to the Earth

♡ Promotes joy, protection, security & strength

♡ Release anxiety & fear; supports trust in the infinite abundance of the Universe

♡ Supports the reproductive system & injury recovery

Amethyst is the February birthstone and the 6th and 17th anniversary stones. It is the purple variety of Quartz. Amethyst is found all over the world and is one of the world's most popular gemstones. Amethyst has been beloved in fine jewelry for thousands of years  from fine crown jewels worn by royalty to affordable we can wear every day!
 

Ancient Grecians & Ancient Romans believed Amethyst would prevent drunkenness, associating Amethyst with Dionysus (Romans called him Bacchus), the god of wine and pleasure. Amethyst was named after the anicent Greek word “Amethystos” meaning “not drunk”. Ancient cultures believed it would provide protection in battle and mental clarity for quick & intuitive decisions. Amethyst was once as expensive as Emeralds and Rubies until the Brazilian deposits were discovered in the 19th century. In the Bible, Amethyst is the twelfth and last stone of the foundation of the New Jerusalem. 
 

Amethyst is a mystical gem of higher realms that brings powerful healing, protection and purification. Amethyst helps you align with your Higher Self through spiritual awakening and enhancement of spiritual gifts. Amethyst empowers you to overcome addiction and self-limiting behaviors & thoughts. Amethyst brings enlightenment when seeking guidance from the Divine.

♡ Chakra: Third Eye & Crown

♡ Brings calm, clarity to the mind & enlightenment

♡ Enhances intuition & connection with Divine

♡ Provides protection & energetic purification

♡ Releases addictions, anger, anxiety & fears

♡ Supports the nervous system & brain

Aquamarine is the March birthstone and the 19th anniversary stone. Aquamarine is the green-blue to blue variety of the mineral beryl, composed of beryllium aluminum silicate. Pure beryl is colorless, however, inclusions within the mineral cause beryl to form in a variety of colors. Aquamarine belongs to the same mineral family as Emerald, Heliodor, Morganite and Red Beryl (Bixbite). The beautiful blue color of Aquamarine is attributed to trace amounts of iron within the crystal lattice. The formation of Aquamarine typically occurs in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. Aquamarine is named from the Latin words: “aqua”, meaning “water,” and “marina”, meaning “of the sea.” Aquamarine has been adored for its beauty and healing powers throughout history. Romans believed Aquamarine would provide protection in travel across water and good luck when fishing.

Aquamarine is a magical gem of the sea, that activates the Throat Chakra for freedom of expression. Aquamarine is a soothing stone of serenity that soothes emotions when you are losing your composure. Aquamarine guides you to express your emotions gracefully and with honesty. It is through our most honest expression of ourselves may we find peace, fulfillment and healing. Aquamarine empowers you to vocalize your emotions and take control of your life. Your Throat Chakra has a powerful manifesting force to manifest words spoken out loud. These sound waves create vibrations that are amplified by Aquamarine to manifest these experiences. Aquamarine promotes peaceful resolution of conflicts and helps you intuitively communicate.

♡ Chakra: Throat and Heart

♡ Allows you to connect with & vocalize your emotions

♡ Brings fearlessness, good luck & protection

♡ Enhances clear communication, courage & intuition

♡ Promotes clarity, courage & truth

♡ Supports the nervous system, throat and healing of infection and inflammatory disorders

The word diamond originates from the greek word "adamas" meaning "invincible". The use of diamonds dates back to ancient India where diamonds were used as tailsmans in religious ceremony. They believed diamonds bring good luck and protection from physical harm and psychic attack. Diamonds are the hardest mineral on earth and are estimated to be between 800 million and 3 billion years old. Diamonds hold a pure energy that does not need cleansing and will amplify energy/intentions. Diamonds hold a high vibration that helps you manifest by raising your vibration to a higher frequency. Diamond is particularly lucky for the zodiac signs of: Aries, Taurus, Gemini.

Less expensive alternatives to Diamond include Herkimer Diamond and White Topaz.

Herkimer Diamond

♡ Chakra: Crown and Third Eye

♡ Brings expansion of consciousness & purification

♡ Enhances astral travel, dreams & vision work

♡ Promotes emotional healing & clearing of energy

♡ Used to amplify intentions for accelerated manifestation

♡ Supports overall healing

Emerald is the world's most popular green gem and the birthstone for the month of May! Emeralds are designated as the 20th and 35th anniversary stones. Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl, composed of beryllium aluminum silicate. Pure beryl is colorless, however, inclusions within the mineral cause beryl to form in a variety of colors. Emerald belongs to the same mineral family as Aquamarine, Heliodor, Morganite and Red Beryl (Bixbite). Emeralds receive their beautiful green color from chromium or vanadium in the crystal's structure. Stones with lighter color or tone should be called "green beryl". 

Emerald is the most famous and valuable variety of beryl. Top grade emerald gems are more valuable than diamonds and are among some of the worlds most expensive gemstones. According to ancient legend, Emerald was one of the four precious stones God gave to King Solomon. The oldest emeralds are estimated to be nearly 3 billion years old. Emeralds have been prized for both their beauty and healing powers. Emeralds represented fertility and rebirth in ancient Egypt. Emeralds are associated with the planet venus and attract love, wealth and emotional healing. Emerald is particularly lucky for the zodiac signs of Taurus, Gemini, Aries.

♡ Chakra: Heart

♡ Attracts abundance, love, and wealth

♡ Helps to remove thoughts & feelings of unworthiness

♡ Powerful emotional healing

♡ Purest transmitter of the Green Ray (Heart Chakra)

♡ Supports the heart and memory

Moonstone is the traditional birthstone for June and can be used as the 12th anniversary stone in place of Alexandrite. Moonstone is a sodium potassium aluminium silicate mineral. Moonstones come in a variety of colors ranging from colorless to gray, brown, yellow, green, pink or rainbow. Moonstone is one of the most well-known members of the Feldspar group of minerals. Moonstone is composed of two Feldspar species: Orthoclase and Albite.

As the mineral cools during its formation, the intergrowth of Orthoclase and Albite separate into stacked, alternating layers. As light hits between these thin, flat layers, it scatters in many directions producing the phenomenon called adularescence or schiller. The mineralogy of Moonstone can vary depending on the location where it is found. Moonstone is found in various locations around the world. The most significant source of Moonstone is in Sri Lanka. Other notable sources of Moonstones include India, Myanmar, Madagascar, and the United States.

Ancient Romans theorized that Moonstone was formed from frozen moonlight because of its alluring and magical shimmer. Moonstones appear to have the moon's light trapped within the stone.

♡ Chakra: Third Eye and Crown

♡ Stone of New Beginnings & Divine Feminine

♡ Enhances intuition, joy, life force, optimism & vitality

♡ Promotes healing of emotional trauma, joy & peace

♡ Used for protection from negativity

♡ Supports the endocrine system

Our ancient ancestors adored and treasured Rubies believing they held the power of life. Ruby is the traditional and modern July Birthstone, as well as the 15th & 40th Anniversary stones. Ruby is the red variety of the mineral Corundum. Corundum is colorless in its most pure form. Trace amounts of impurities determine if a gem corundum will be a red ruby or blue sapphire. The red color of Ruby is produced by the presence of Chromium in the gem. For a gem to be considered a Ruby, there must be enough chromium to give the gem a distinct red color. Rubies are an extremely desirable and popular stone due to their hardness, durability, luster, and rarity. Top grade Rubies are the most valuable of all colored gemstones.

In Sanskrit, Ruby is Ratnaraj, meaning “the king of gems”. Rubies are actually mentioned four times in the Bible. In the 1960s, the first laser was created using the red fluorescence light emitted by ruby. In ancient societies, warriors wore Rubies for protection in battle and also used Rubies to promote peace among enemies.

Rubies are a magical gem of passion and empowerment. Ruby helps us find passion and pleasure in life by empowering you to express love freely and love your body. Ruby strengthens your life force prana energy and enhances the flow of chi.

♡ Chakra: Root and Heart

♡ Brings empowerment, self confidence & enthusiasm

♡ Promotes adventure, passion & strength

♡ Release feelings of doubt, hopelessness & stuck

♡ Revitalizes life force energy

♡ Supports flow of energy

Peridot is modern & traditional birthstone for August and 16th anniversary stone. Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral Olivine and is a stone with extraterrestrial origins! Peridot often occurs in volcanic rocks called basalts, which are rich in iron and magnesium. Peridot is also found in pallasite meteorites (made of nickel-iron and olivine, are 4.5 billion years old!) and deep within the Earth's mantle. Its chemical composition includes iron and magnesium, with its beautiful green color caused by iron. The word “peridot” comes from the Arabic word “faridat” meaning “gem”. Peridot is found all over the world with most of today's gems sourced from China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam and the United States. At Hawaii's Peridot Beach, the sands shimmer a vibrant green from its Olivine rich sand. Olivine is locally known as “Hawaiian Diamond”. Peridot is associated with Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes.

♡ Chakra: Heart and Solar Plexus

♡ Attracts luck, prosperity & protection against negative energy

♡ Brings energy to accomplish goals and success in all areas

♡ Teaches the language of love and connection with the Divine

♡ Promotes a state of overall well being; a great stone for healers

♡ Supports the heart, blood and healing from addiction

Sapphire is the world's most popular blue stone! It is the traditional and modern September Birthstone, as well as the 5th & 45th Anniversary stones. The name Sapphire is derived from the Latin word "Sapphirus" and from the Greek word “Sappheiros ”, which actually referred to Lapis Lazuli in ancient times.

Sapphire is the blue variety of the mineral Corundum. Corundum is colorless in its most pure form. Trace amounts of impurities determine if a gem corundum will be a red ruby, blue sapphire or another color like yellow, orange, green, and purple. Other colors are commonly referred to as “fancy sapphires”.  Inclusions of iron and titanium produce the blue color in corundum. Gems with a rich blue to violetish blue color are the most desirable for blue Sapphire.  

Sapphires have symbolized nobility, royalty, truth and loyalty throughout history. In ancient Rome and Greece, Sapphires were used as protection amulets from harm, greed and envy. In the Middle Ages, members of the clergy would wear Sapphires to symbolize heaven. It was believed during in time that Sapphires would attract heavenly blessings. Throughout history, Sapphires are believed to promote peace among enemies, chastity and reveal hidden truths or knowledge. 

♡ Chakra: Third Eye and Throat

♡ Activates psychic abilities & access knowledge from higher realms

♡ Brings peace of mind, self-discipline, truth & wisdom

♡ Enhances learning, mental strength & focus to achieve goals

♡ Useful in divination, dream work, meditation & study

♡ Supports the brain; used to treat headaches & imbalances

Pink Tourmaline is the modern October birthstone and one of the world's most popular pink gems! Tourmalines are a large group of borosilicate minerals. Many tourmalines are elbaites, which are multi-colored minerals rich in sodium, aluminum, lithium and occasionally copper. They are adored for their array of beautiful colors causes by a huge variety of chemical compositions and color zoning. When conditions change during the formation of tourmaline crystals it can cause two or more colors to occur on a single crystal. Tourmaline crystals are pyroelectric, piezoelectric, and produce negative ions. This makes Tourmaline a very powerful stone to wear and keep in your space to create positive energy.

The word Tourmaline is derived from the Sinhalese (language of Sri Lanka) word "Toramalli" which means “mixed gems”. Dutch merchants used this word to describe the multicolored pebbles that miners found in the gem gravels of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Ancient Egyptian legend describes Tourmaline crystals traveling up from the center of the Earth along a rainbow, gathering the diverse array of colors as they journeyed to the heavens. Magicians living in the Andes mountains used Tourmaline to create magical staffs to access the ancient knowledge of the Earth. Ancient Indian ceremonies used Tourmaline crystals to attain enlightenment and peace.

Pink Tourmaline has one of the most pure love vibrations of all crystals. Pink Tourmaline raises your vibration to attract love and promotes harmony in your relationships. Pink Tourmaline invokes a childlike joy and bliss in your life.

♡ Chakra: Heart

♡ Brings feelings of safety, joy in learning & relaxation

♡ Enhances emotional healing, kindness, love & tolerance

♡ Promotes emotional cleansing, passion for life & peace

♡ Release emotional patterns that no longer serve you & stress

♡ Supports the heart and mental health

Citrine is modern birthstone for November and 13th anniversary stone. Citrine is the yellow variety of Quartz. Quartz is a mineral composed of silicon and oxygen, with a chemical composition of SiO ₂ . All other varieties of Quartz, such as purple Amethyst, green Praisolite, or pink Rose Quartz are colored due to tiny inclusions in the silica. Citrine typically contains trace amounts of iron, which is responsible for its yellow color. Before the days of modern gem testing, Citrine was often confused with Topaz. The name Citrine is derived from the French word “citron” meaning “lemon”.

The most significant deposits of Citrine are in Brazil, Madagascar, and Zambia. Natural Citrine is very rare. Today most Citrine on the market is Amethyst or Smokey Quartz that have been heated to turn it yellow to appear as Citrine. For this reason, we are very careful when sourcing Citrine and stick with our trusted dealers.

Citrine is known as the “Merchant's Stone”because of its powerful money magic. Citrine is an enchanting gem of manifestation and personal power. Citrine inspires you to find joy and optimism each day to help create a positive reality. Citrine sparks your inner light allowing you to shine by expressing your authentic self. 

♡ Chakra: Solar Plexus

♡ Merchant's Stone - attracts prosperity & abundance

♡ Enhances self-esteem, self-confidence & expression

♡ Increases creativity, clarity of thought, personal will

♡ Promotes happiness, generosity, positivity & warmth

♡ Supports the endocrine system and metabolism

Tanzanite is one of the most breathtaking and rare minerals on the planet. Tanzanite is the most widely known member of the Zoisite mineral group and one of the world's most popular gemstones. It was first discovered in 1967, near the base of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania; the only location in the world that it is found! Tanzanite is 1,000 times more rare than diamonds making it highly collectible, and it is expected to become mined out within a decade. Tanzanite is the modern December birthstone. Tanzanite is a transparent blue zoisite that is colored by the presence of vanadium.

Tanzanite is one of the highest vibrational stones due to its profound ability to activate all the Heart and upper Chakras. Tanzanite creates a channel of energy between the Heart and Crown Chakras. This channel allows you to receive wisdom and guidance from the Divine into your heart for healing.

Meditating with Tanzanite is a beautiful experience. I prefer to pair with Heart, Third Eye or Crown Chakra crystals depending on the intention. Tanzanite will raise your vibration, allowing you to ascend to higher levels of consciousness.

♡ Chakra: Heart, Throat, Third Eye and Crown

♡ Access to higher frequencies, brings messages & visions

♡ Connects heart & mind for spiritual evolution

♡ Enhances compassion, intuition & raises your vibration

♡ Promotes calming of the mind, compassion & love

♡ Supports the brain and mental health