Birthstone Rings - Comprehensive Guide
Birthstone Rings - Comprehensive Guide
Whether it be for anniversaries, birthdays, or any significant milestone for that matter, being given a birthstone is and always has been both a wonderful and meaningful gesture, especially when the birthstone is given as an engagement ring. With the return of the horoscopes and the appreciation of crystals, finding out the colorful lore behind your birthstones could potentially help manifest or embody the energies you need! To make things simpler for you, we’ve made a quick yet comprehensive birthstone jewelry guide from traditional to modern, and everything else in between!
January Birthstone Rings: Garnet
Coined by philosopher Albertus Magnus in 1270, the garnet had many names throughout history. Ancient Greeks prized the vibrant red gem equally to the ruby and believed it had the capability to ward off pestilence and plague. Ancient Egyptians considered the gem to be a powerful one that could put misfortune at bay when worn as an amulet. Many of the garnets that are found today are usually found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand.
Coined by philosopher Albertus Magnus in 1270, the garnet had many names throughout history. Ancient Greeks prized the vibrant red gem equally to the ruby and believed it had the capability to ward off pestilence and plague. Ancient Egyptians considered the gem to be a powerful one that could put misfortune at bay when worn as an amulet. Many of the garnets that are found today are usually found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand.
February Birthstone Rings: Amethyst
There was once a young woman who had fallen victim to Dionysus’ drunken stupor. She was turned into a beautiful clear quartz after lamenting her woes to the goddess Athena, and out of remorse, Dionysus wept. As he did, the wine in his chalice had spilled on the quartz turning it into the amethyst we know of today. Its name came from the Greek word amethustos meaning “sober”, and represented sobriety and intellectual clarity. Most amethysts nowadays are sourced from Brazil, India, Uruguay, Madagascar, Australia, and South Africa. Read more about our February Birthstone Rings.
There was once a young woman who had fallen victim to Dionysus’ drunken stupor. She was turned into a beautiful clear quartz after lamenting her woes to the goddess Athena, and out of remorse, Dionysus wept. As he did, the wine in his chalice had spilled on the quartz turning it into the amethyst we know of today. Its name came from the Greek word amethustos meaning “sober”, and represented sobriety and intellectual clarity. Most amethysts nowadays are sourced from Brazil, India, Uruguay, Madagascar, Australia, and South Africa. Read more about our February Birthstone Rings.
There was once a young woman who had fallen victim to Dionysus’ drunken stupor. She was turned into a beautiful clear quartz after lamenting her woes to the goddess Athena, and out of remorse, Dionysus wept. As he did, the wine in his chalice had spilled on the quartz turning it into the amethyst we know of today. Its name came from the Greek word amethustos meaning “sober”, and represented sobriety and intellectual clarity. Most amethysts nowadays are sourced from Brazil, India, Uruguay, Madagascar, Australia, and South Africa. Read more about our February Birthstone Rings.
March Birthstone Rings: Aquamarine / Bloodstone
The aquamarine has been a recognized gem far longer than many of the others. Sumerians, Hebrews, and Ancient Egyptians associated the stone with youth and happiness, and was often used as an antidote to many ailments. From the Latin word “aqua marina” meaning seawater, the gem used during classical antiquity to protect seafarers on their journeys. Aquamarine can be found in many places all over the world such as Brazil, India, Nigeria, and the United States. Read more about our March Birthstone Rings.
The aquamarine has been a recognized gem far longer than many of the others. Sumerians, Hebrews, and Ancient Egyptians associated the stone with youth and happiness, and was often used as an antidote to many ailments. From the Latin word “aqua marina” meaning seawater, the gem used during classical antiquity to protect seafarers on their journeys. Aquamarine can be found in many places all over the world such as Brazil, India, Nigeria, and the United States. Read more about our March Birthstone Rings.
April Birthstone Rings: Diamond
If there’s one thing about the diamond that has truly remained the same all throughout these centuries, it's that the value of the diamond had not changed one bit. Diamonds were believed to have brought soldiers invincibility as they were thought to be the hardened tears of the weeping gods, and were often used to engrave tools because of its hardness. It was first used in engagement rings during the Renaissance and the trend has stayed the same ever since. It is commonly found in Brazil, Australia, and South Africa. Read more about our April Birthstone Rings.
If there’s one thing about the diamond that has truly remained the same all throughout these centuries, it's that the value of the diamond had not changed one bit. Diamonds were believed to have brought soldiers invincibility as they were thought to be the hardened tears of the weeping gods, and were often used to engrave tools because of its hardness. It was first used in engagement rings during the Renaissance and the trend has stayed the same ever since. It is commonly found in Brazil, Australia, and South Africa. Read more about our April Birthstone Rings.
If there’s one thing about the diamond that has truly remained the same all throughout these centuries, it's that the value of the diamond had not changed one bit. Diamonds were believed to have brought soldiers invincibility as they were thought to be the hardened tears of the weeping gods, and were often used to engrave tools because of its hardness. It was first used in engagement rings during the Renaissance and the trend has stayed the same ever since. It is commonly found in Brazil, Australia, and South Africa. Read more about our April Birthstone Rings.
May Birthstone Rings: Emerald
A gemstone that has been well represented in many faiths, the vibrant emerald represented fertility, rebirth, luck, and had abilities to protect its wearers from unfaithfulness, improve the mind and soul, and resist charms and any other kind of enchantments. Its etymology comes from the Ancient Greek word “smaragdos” meaning “green gem”, and is known in India as the “marakata” meaning “the green of growing things”. The emerald can be found in many places across the world, from India, Brazil, Egypt, and Norway. Read more about our May Birthstone Rings.
A gemstone that has been well represented in many faiths, the vibrant emerald represented fertility, rebirth, luck, and had abilities to protect its wearers from unfaithfulness, improve the mind and soul, and resist charms and any other kind of enchantments. Its etymology comes from the Ancient Greek word “smaragdos” meaning “green gem”, and is known in India as the “marakata” meaning “the green of growing things”. The emerald can be found in many places across the world, from India, Brazil, Egypt, and Norway. Read more about our May Birthstone Rings.
June Birthstone Rings: Alexandrite / Pearl / Moonstone
June’s birthstones are known for their sheer beauty and sometimes its rarity. The Alexandrite, discovered in the Ural mountains of Russia. Named after Prince Alexander II of Russia, the gem was mistaken as an emerald up until it changed into a beautiful ruby-like color during the day.
Pearls on the other hand, are shrouded in myth and legend as they are officially the world’s oldest gem and the only one sourced from living creatures. Whether they be white, cream, or grey, owning a pearl was a status symbol, and was used as gifts and as jewelry exclusively for nobility across many cultures all over the world. It is commonly found in Australia, China, and the Persian Gulf.
The moonstone, probably the most affordable of the June birthstones of the three, was believed to be the very manifestation of moonlight, hence its name. It was the stone of the Roman goddess Diana, and represented love, wisdom, and good fortune. Commonly found in Sri Lanka and India. Read more about our June Birthstone Rings.
June’s birthstones are known for their sheer beauty and sometimes its rarity. The Alexandrite, discovered in the Ural mountains of Russia. Named after Prince Alexander II of Russia, the gem was mistaken as an emerald up until it changed into a beautiful ruby-like color during the day.
Pearls on the other hand, are shrouded in myth and legend as they are officially the world’s oldest gem and the only one sourced from living creatures. Whether they be white, cream, or grey, owning a pearl was a status symbol, and was used as gifts and as jewelry exclusively for nobility across many cultures all over the world. It is commonly found in Australia, China, and the Persian Gulf.
The moonstone, probably the most affordable of the June birthstones of the three, was believed to be the very manifestation of moonlight, hence its name. It was the stone of the Roman goddess Diana, and represented love, wisdom, and good fortune. Commonly found in Sri Lanka and India. Read more about our June Birthstone Rings.
June’s birthstones are known for their sheer beauty and sometimes its rarity. The Alexandrite, discovered in the Ural mountains of Russia. Named after Prince Alexander II of Russia, the gem was mistaken as an emerald up until it changed into a beautiful ruby-like color during the day.
Pearls on the other hand, are shrouded in myth and legend as they are officially the world’s oldest gem and the only one sourced from living creatures. Whether they be white, cream, or grey, owning a pearl was a status symbol, and was used as gifts and as jewelry exclusively for nobility across many cultures all over the world. It is commonly found in Australia, China, and the Persian Gulf.
The moonstone, probably the most affordable of the June birthstones of the three, was believed to be the very manifestation of moonlight, hence its name. It was the stone of the Roman goddess Diana, and represented love, wisdom, and good fortune. Commonly found in Sri Lanka and India. Read more about our June Birthstone Rings.
July Birthstone Rings: Ruby
First making its appearance in Pliny the Elder’s documentation of Natural History, the ruby has been a prized gemstone in many cultures for centuries. Its name is from the Latin word rubeus meaning red, its color was commonly associated with the idea of an inextinguishable flame that had the power to cause heat and even boil water. Commonly found in countries in Asia such as Myanmar, Thailand, Pakistan, and Nepal. Read more about our July Birthstone Rings.
First making its appearance in Pliny the Elder’s documentation of Natural History, the ruby has been a prized gemstone in many cultures for centuries. Its name is from the Latin word rubeus meaning red, its color was commonly associated with the idea of an inextinguishable flame that had the power to cause heat and even boil water. Commonly found in countries in Asia such as Myanmar, Thailand, Pakistan, and Nepal. Read more about our July Birthstone Rings.
August Birthstone Rings: Peridot / Spinel
The peridot was coined after the Arabic word “faridat” meaning gem, and was first discovered in Topazo Island in Egypt, its inhabitants being forced to collect them day and night for the Pharaohs treasury. Its luminescent green glow was what made it easy for them to find in the darkness, and was thus known in ancient Egypt as the “gem of the sun”, and is the national gem of Egypt up to this day. Now it is commonly found in Myanmar and the Himalayas, known for attracting love and peace. Read more about our August Birthstone Rings.
The peridot was coined after the Arabic word “faridat” meaning gem, and was first discovered in Topazo Island in Egypt, its inhabitants being forced to collect them day and night for the Pharaohs treasury. Its luminescent green glow was what made it easy for them to find in the darkness, and was thus known in ancient Egypt as the “gem of the sun”, and is the national gem of Egypt up to this day. Now it is commonly found in Myanmar and the Himalayas, known for attracting love and peace. Read more about our August Birthstone Rings.
The peridot was coined after the Arabic word “faridat” meaning gem, and was first discovered in Topazo Island in Egypt, its inhabitants being forced to collect them day and night for the Pharaohs treasury. Its luminescent green glow was what made it easy for them to find in the darkness, and was thus known in ancient Egypt as the “gem of the sun”, and is the national gem of Egypt up to this day. Now it is commonly found in Myanmar and the Himalayas, known for attracting love and peace. Read more about our August Birthstone Rings.
September Birthstone Rings: Sapphire
The beautiful sapphire was known to represent nobility, truth, and sincerity. Its etymology originated from the Greek word “sappheiros”, which, ironically, did not make reference to the sapphire gem, but rather the lapis lazuli. Ancient Greeks believed it protected its wearers from evil, and represented heaven during the Medieval Ages. Its popularity dwindled, and resurfaced when Prince Charles had given Diana a beautiful sapphire engagement ring. It is commonly found in Australia, China, Nigeria, and Cambodia.
Read more about our September Birthstone Rings.
The beautiful sapphire was known to represent nobility, truth, and sincerity. Its etymology originated from the Greek word “sappheiros”, which, ironically, did not make reference to the sapphire gem, but rather the lapis lazuli. Ancient Greeks believed it protected its wearers from evil, and represented heaven during the Medieval Ages. Its popularity dwindled, and resurfaced when Prince Charles had given Diana a beautiful sapphire engagement ring. It is commonly found in Australia, China, Nigeria, and Cambodia.
Read more about our September Birthstone Rings.
October Birthstone Rings: Opal
The wondrous opal was once believed to have celestial origins, falling from the sky in flashes of lightning. Many ancient civilizations thought that its wearers were given the gift of prophecy and was often associated with truth, hope, and purity. Medieval times tell us that many believed that because of the colors contained in an opal, it possessed all the magical properties of all gemstones, making it the most powerful gem of all. The colors of the opal define its rarity, black being rarer than white, and is commonly found in South America and the United States. Read more about our October Birthstone Rings.
The wondrous opal was once believed to have celestial origins, falling from the sky in flashes of lightning. Many ancient civilizations thought that its wearers were given the gift of prophecy and was often associated with truth, hope, and purity. Medieval times tell us that many believed that because of the colors contained in an opal, it possessed all the magical properties of all gemstones, making it the most powerful gem of all. The colors of the opal define its rarity, black being rarer than white, and is commonly found in South America and the United States. Read more about our October Birthstone Rings.
The wondrous opal was once believed to have celestial origins, falling from the sky in flashes of lightning. Many ancient civilizations thought that its wearers were given the gift of prophecy and was often associated with truth, hope, and purity. Medieval times tell us that many believed that because of the colors contained in an opal, it possessed all the magical properties of all gemstones, making it the most powerful gem of all. The colors of the opal define its rarity, black being rarer than white, and is commonly found in South America and the United States. Read more about our October Birthstone Rings.
November Birthstone Rings: Citrine / Topaz
The citrine is a semi-luxurious yellow gemstone often used as ornaments during he Hellenistic period, and to adorn weapons during Medieval times. It’s name is from the citron tree, and is a semi-luxurious gemstone that was believed to have the ability to manifest desires. It is usually found in Madagascar and Russia.
The etymology of the topaz is most likely both from the Greek word “topazos”, or the Sanskrit word “tapas” meaning “fire”. Ancient Egyptians believed their Sun God, Ra, was the source of its yellow hue Throughout history and regardless of color, the topaz became known for its association with the nobility, making it almost impossible for regular people to own. Brazil, Pakistan, Mexico, and China are just a few of the countries where you would be able to find topaz. Read more about our November Birthstone Rings.
The citrine is a semi-luxurious yellow gemstone often used as ornaments during he Hellenistic period, and to adorn weapons during Medieval times. It’s name is from the citron tree, and is a semi-luxurious gemstone that was believed to have the ability to manifest desires. It is usually found in Madagascar and Russia.
The etymology of the topaz is most likely both from the Greek word “topazos”, or the Sanskrit word “tapas” meaning “fire”. Ancient Egyptians believed their Sun God, Ra, was the source of its yellow hue Throughout history and regardless of color, the topaz became known for its association with the nobility, making it almost impossible for regular people to own. Brazil, Pakistan, Mexico, and China are just a few of the countries where you would be able to find topaz. Read more about our November Birthstone Rings.
December Birthstone Rings: Zircon / Tanaznite / Turquoise
On of the rarest gemstones in the world, the rich blue tanzanite can only be found in Tanzania and comes with humble origins. Maasai herders had simply discovered a blue stone in the Merelani Hills in 1967, and was first called the blue zoisite. Its name was changed by Tiffany and Co. to give credit where the gem was discovered.
Zircon, on the other hand, is one of the oldest minerals on earth. The stone came in various colors, thus having multiple possible sources of its etymology--the Persian word “zargun” meaning “gold hued”, or the Arabic word “zarkun” meaning “vermillion”. It was believed to induce sound sleep and protect its wearers from evil. It is found in Australia, India, and Brazil.
A highly coveted jewel, the light blue turquoise was used as an adornment to Ancient Egyptian tombs, Ancient Persian Palaces, and even engraved in Arabic scripts. Pre-Columbian Native Americans used the turquoise to commune with the spirits of the sky, and Ancient Persians had the gem on their turbans to ward off evil. Its name is thought to have come from being first transported to the west through Turkey, and is mined in Persia, China, Egypt, and Mexico. Read more about our December Birthstone Rings.
On of the rarest gemstones in the world, the rich blue tanzanite can only be found in Tanzania and comes with humble origins. Maasai herders had simply discovered a blue stone in the Merelani Hills in 1967, and was first called the blue zoisite. Its name was changed by Tiffany and Co. to give credit where the gem was discovered.
Zircon, on the other hand, is one of the oldest minerals on earth. The stone came in various colors, thus having multiple possible sources of its etymology--the Persian word “zargun” meaning “gold hued”, or the Arabic word “zarkun” meaning “vermillion”. It was believed to induce sound sleep and protect its wearers from evil. It is found in Australia, India, and Brazil.
A highly coveted jewel, the light blue turquoise was used as an adornment to Ancient Egyptian tombs, Ancient Persian Palaces, and even engraved in Arabic scripts. Pre-Columbian Native Americans used the turquoise to commune with the spirits of the sky, and Ancient Persians had the gem on their turbans to ward off evil. Its name is thought to have come from being first transported to the west through Turkey, and is mined in Persia, China, Egypt, and Mexico. Read more about our December Birthstone Rings.
On of the rarest gemstones in the world, the rich blue tanzanite can only be found in Tanzania and comes with humble origins. Maasai herders had simply discovered a blue stone in the Merelani Hills in 1967, and was first called the blue zoisite. Its name was changed by Tiffany and Co. to give credit where the gem was discovered.
Zircon, on the other hand, is one of the oldest minerals on earth. The stone came in various colors, thus having multiple possible sources of its etymology--the Persian word “zargun” meaning “gold hued”, or the Arabic word “zarkun” meaning “vermillion”. It was believed to induce sound sleep and protect its wearers from evil. It is found in Australia, India, and Brazil.
A highly coveted jewel, the light blue turquoise was used as an adornment to Ancient Egyptian tombs, Ancient Persian Palaces, and even engraved in Arabic scripts. Pre-Columbian Native Americans used the turquoise to commune with the spirits of the sky, and Ancient Persians had the gem on their turbans to ward off evil. Its name is thought to have come from being first transported to the west through Turkey, and is mined in Persia, China, Egypt, and Mexico. Read more about our December Birthstone Rings.