Why the Birthstone Necklace Is Still Such a Hit
Jewelry with the Amethyst Birthstone at Birthstone Jewelry
Birthstone jewelry is probably one of the most personal and meaningful jewelry pieces you can give or receive. Assigned for each month of the year, these special stones have both a historical significance as well as symbolic meaning. As necklaces, they become statements of identity; a cellular connection to a past, a fashionable nod to a present.
The best part about birthstone necklaces is their personalization—in other words, celebrating the defining aspects of the month you were born in. Whether you're attracted to the deep red passion of a garnet — the birthstone for January — or the tranquil blue of September's sapphire, these colorful gems tell a story that's intimately tied to your personal timeline.
Every month is tied to certain birthstones, which have their own meanings and color associations, making understanding birthstone colors by month simple.
Birthstone colors by month originated centuries ago, but the modern standardization dates only to the early 20th century. The unique color associated with each stone has significance and properties believed to benefit individuals born in that specific month.
January - Garnet Birthstone
The deep red garnet birthstone starts our journey for the year. Designating love, vitality, and dedication, garnets were once borne by voyagers for protection, bringing them good fortune throughout their travels. The name of this gemstone comes from "granatum," the Latin word for pomegranate, referring to its resemblance to the seeds of the fruit.
Perhaps a birthstone necklace with garnet for people born in January, either typically makes a beautiful gift, but moreover it can symbolically protect them.
Birthstones for February to December
Every month is associated with a unique gemstone and is known for its own coloration and significance:
- February: Amethyst - Purple
- March: Aquamarine — Light Blue
- April: Diamond - Clear
- May: Emerald - Green
- June: Pearl or Alexandrite - White/Multicolor
- July: Ruby - Red
- August: Peridot - Lime Green
- September: Sapphire — Deep Blue
- October: Opal or Tourmaline — Multicolor/Pink
- November: Topaz or Citrine — Yellow to Orange
- December: Turquoise or Tanzanite - Blue
The diverse range of both birthstone colors and months also provides designers with the perfect opportunity to create custom designs tailored to unique personality types, resulting in unique and personalized birthstone necklace designs.
Colors and Their Meaning of Birthstone Zodiac Signs
Birthstone zodiac signs colors add an extra layer of personalization to these special gems beyond monthly assignments. Astrology associations tend to offer alternative or complementary stones depending on how strongly you identify with your sign.
(Aries to Cancer, spring to early summer)
- Aries (March 21-April 19): Bloodstone or Diamond
- Taurus (April 20-May 20): Emerald or Sapphire
- Gemini (May 21–June 20): Agate or Pearl
- Cancer (June 21 — July 22): Ruby or Emerald
Leo to Scorpio (End of Summer to Fall)
- Leo (July 23-August 22): Onyx or Peridot
- Virgo (August 23-September 22): Carnelian or Saphires
- Libra (September 23-October 22): Opal or Lapis Lazuli
- Scorpio (October 23-November 21): Topaz or Beryl
Sagittarius to Pisces (Winter)
- Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Turquoise or Topaz
- Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Ruby or Garnet
- Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Garnet or Amethyst
- Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Amethyst or Bloodstone
So a birthstone necklace that uses both month and zodiac stones gives a truly personalized piece that relates to so many different aspects of a person's being.
The Evolution of Birthstone Month Colors Through History
Birthstone month colors are an ancient idea, with origins that some scholars trace to the biblical breastplate of Aaron, which held twelve stones, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Ancient Origins
People used to wear all twelve of them at once, donning the respective stone for that month to ensure good luck in your life. Over centuries, this practice evolved, and different cultures assigned various associations between gemstones and calendar months.
Modern Standardization
The modern list that we refer to today to assign colors to birthstones by their respective month was largely first set in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers in the US. Little has changed in this list since, the only new gems being tanzanite as a December birthstone in 2002 and spinel as an August birthstone in 2016.
Cultural Variations
Birthstone colors and months vary around the world, based on culture. For instance, Tibetan traditions assign stones different from those of Western traditions (which the United States adheres to), and some European countries possess their own distinct associations.
How to Choose the Right Birthstone Necklace
When you select a birthstone necklace—either for yourself or as a gift—you should take a few things into consideration to ensure it will be both meaningful and something the person will actually wear.
Gemstone Quality Factors
Color and Clarity
The liveliness of birthstone colors by month differs considerably between different types of gems. Higher quality stones will generally show richer, more consistent color throughout the stone. A premium garnet birthstone for example will display a deep rich red without any brown tones in it.
Cut and Setting
The cut ensures how the light interacts with the stone to highlight its natural beauty. The popular cuts for a birthstone necklace include:
- Round: Classic and versatile
- Oval: Elongating and elegant
- Pear: Unique and feminine
- Cushion: Romantic and vintage-inspired
Metal Choices
The metal surrounding a birthstone necklace should harmonize with the color of the stone:
- Warm yellow gold complements the red hue of the garnet birthstone
- In general, white gold or platinum complements cooler-colored birthstones, month by month, like blue sapphires
- It makes a romantic contrast with green or purple stones.
Design Styles
Birthstone necklace design can be simple to elaborate:
- Solitaire pendants feature a single birthstone
- Diamonds encircle the halo settings around the birthstone
- Mother's necklaces or family necklaces have several birthstones
- Personalized designs feature initials or significant symbols in addition to birthstones
Meaningful Gifts: Birthstone Necklaces
A birthstone necklace could make for an incredibly thoughtful gift for many occasions — it bears personal meaning that few gifts have.
Milestone Celebrations
Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and other life milestones are excellent occasions to present a person with a birthstone necklace. Its connection to the recipient's birth month makes the gemstone a deeply personal token of celebration.
Mother's Jewelry
Perhaps the most popular take on the birthstone necklace idea is mother's jewelry, showcasing the birthstone colors by month for all of her kids. These ✨ pieces✨ are a beautiful reminder of the family bond, where every gemstone represents a beloved family member.
Self-Purchase and Personal Expression
Some choose to buy themselves a birthstone necklace as a form of self-expression or to find affirmation in themselves. The colors and months of your birthstones can remind you of your own personal attributes and capabilities every day.
How to Keep Your Birthstone Necklace looking Beautiful
Maintaining the beauty and integrity of different birthstone colors by month requires different care methods.
General Care Guidelines
- Take off your birthstone necklace for swimming, exercising, or when applying cosmetics
- Wipe periodically with a soft cloth to rid the piece of oils and keep it sparkly
- Keep apart from other jewelry to avoid scratching
Care for Your Different Birthstones:
Some birthstones need special care:
- The garnet birthstone is relatively hard (at 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale) but should be protected from caustics
- Softer stones such as opals require additional protection against knocks
- Pearls need special care as they can be damaged by acids and cosmetics
The Birthstone Jewelry of Today
Modern birthstone necklaces are so much more than just solitaire pendants; the range of contemporary styles is creative and personalized.
Layering and Stacking
Today's trends wear layers of necklaces, a birthstone necklace often serving as a personal anchor piece amid more generic designs.
Minimalist Designs
Feathery chains with tiny birthstone adornments provide subtle winks to birthstone hues by month without overpowering an outfit.
Alternative Birthstones
Some designers provide alternative or complementary birthstone zodiac signs colors for those that want alternatives to their traditionally paired stone.
Birthstone Necklaces: FAQs
What is the birthstone for the month of January?
The garnet birthstone, which represents January, is commonly shown as deep red but in fact garnets can be green, orange and purple as well.
If I wear a birthstone that isn't my birth month, is it my birthstone?
Absolutely! Though tradition gives each month its own set of designated birthstone colors, there are no rules saying you need to wear just your own. Tenacious, and also a purple, amethyst. Here are some common reasons that people select stones — one is color preference, another is meaning, and for others, connection to loved ones.
Are there zodiac sign and birth month birthstones?
Yes, colors of birthstone zodiac signs are occasionally different than monthly birthstones. This provides you with more choices for customized jewelry that speaks to various parts of your identity.
How do I know if my birthstone is real?
Only professional jewelers with certification should be trusted to purchase real gemstones. Other physical properties such as weight, temperature, and optical properties also serve to differentiate real stones.
Which metal is the best to wear with my birthstone?
The perfect metal is based on your birthstone colors and months. In general, stones with warmer tones such as garnet birthstones look stunning against yellow gold whereas cooler-toned stones go nicely with white metals.
Are birthstone rings suitable for everyday wear?
The majority of birthstone necklaces are appropriate for day-to-day wear; some stones (opal or pearl, for example) are softer and need more gentle handling than diamonds or sapphires.
Which Necklace Best Suits Your Birthstone?
Whether you are attracted to the meaning behind the colors of your birthstone month, the zodiac signs of your birthstone, or simply the beauty of these colorful gemstones, a birthstone necklace is a highly personalized way to showcase your unique identity in the form of jewelry.
The ideal piece has personal significance as well as your particular taste, unlocking a wearable treasure to be worn daily or stashed away for special occasions. Whether you are looking for a simple birthstone necklace, or want an elaborate statement piece, you will find a style that reflects any personality and personal taste.
Contact Us
To find the ideal birthstone necklace with either your birthstone colors by month or birthstone zodiac signs colors, go to Roman Malakov. Our Masterfully Crafted Jewelers are on hand to create your one-of-a-kind story in the form of personalized birthstone jewelry, whether a garnet birthstone or one of the special gemstone of the other 12 months.
With generations of fine jewelry experience, Roman Malakov is dedicated to helping you discover (or design) the perfect birthstone jewelry to cherish for years.