A birthstone is a gemstone that represents a person’s period of birth that is usually the month or zodiac sign. The list of traditional or ancient birthstones most well-known in the United Kingdom but actually originated in Poland between the 16th and 18th centuries.
In this guide, we cover Autumn to Winter Birthstones
July – Ruby
This precious gemstone is known for its striking red colour, ranging from deep crimson to a lighter pinkish hue. Rubies are composed of the mineral corundum, and their red colour comes from the presence of chromium.
Ruby holds various meanings and symbolism. Throughout history, it has been regarded as a stone of passion, protection, and prosperity. It is believed to bring love, success, and courage to those who wear it. The ruby is also associated with vitality, life force, and the warmth of the sun. In many cultures, rubies are thought to have the power to ward off evil, protect the wearer from harm, and attract good fortune.
As a July birthstone, the ruby represents individuals born in that month and is thought to enhance their natural qualities, such as loyalty, strength, and determination. Giving a ruby as a gift to someone born in July is a thoughtful way to celebrate their birth month and show appreciation for their unique qualities.
August – Peridot
This captivating gemstone exhibits a vibrant green hue, which can range from a lighter, lime green to a deeper, olive shade. Peridots are composed of the mineral olivine and derive their colour from the presence of iron.
Throughout history, peridot has been associated with various meanings and symbolism. It is often regarded as a stone of prosperity, growth, and transformation. Peridot is believed to bring about positive energy, harmony, and emotional balance to those who wear it. Additionally, this gemstone is thought to possess the power to protect its wearer from negative energies and to encourage a sense of well-being and contentment.
As an August birthstone, peridot represents individuals born during that month, and it is believed to enhance their innate qualities, such as creativity, resilience, and a generous spirit. Gifting a peridot to someone born in August serves as a meaningful way to commemorate their birth month and to show admiration for their distinct characteristics.
September – Sapphire
This stunning gemstone is typically associated with a deep blue hue, although it can also be found in other colours such as pink, yellow, and green. Sapphires are composed of the mineral corundum, and their vibrant colours result from the presence of various trace elements.
In many cultures, the sapphire has been used to symbolise a variety of things. It is often regarded as a stone of wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Sapphire is believed to bring about mental clarity, serenity, and spiritual insight to those who wear it. Furthermore, this gemstone is thought to have protective properties, shielding its wearer from harm and attracting blessings and good fortune.
As a September birthstone, sapphire represents individuals born during that month, and it is believed to enhance their inherent qualities, such as sincerity, intuition, and a composed disposition. Presenting a sapphire to someone born in September serves as a thoughtful way to celebrate their birth month and to express appreciation for their unique traits.
October – Opal
The birthstone for October is the opal. This fascinating gemstone is known for its remarkable play of colours, including combinations of blue, green, red, yellow, and other hues within a single stone. This phenomenon is referred to as opalescence and is caused by the diffraction of light within the microscopic silica spheres that make up the gemstone.
Throughout history, opal has been linked to various profound meanings and symbolism. It is often associated with creativity, inspiration, and transformation. Wearing an opal is believed to bestow the wearer with enhanced intuition, emotional stability, and self-confidence.
As the birthstone for October, opal represents individuals born in this month and is thought to accentuate their inherent qualities, such as resilience, empathy, and a harmonious disposition. Presenting an opal as a gift to someone born in October is a thoughtful way to acknowledge their birth month and to appreciate their unique traits on a deeper level.
November – Citrine
This enchanting gemstone is admired for its warm hues, which can range from pale yellow to a deep, honeyed amber colour.
Throughout history, citrine has been linked to various profound meanings and symbolism. It is often associated with joy, abundance, and prosperity. Wearing a citrine is believed to bestow the wearer with increased creativity, optimism, and self-confidence.
As the birthstone for November, citrine represents individuals born in this month and is thought to accentuate their inherent qualities, such as enthusiasm, generosity, and a warm disposition. Presenting a citrine as a gift to someone born in November is a thoughtful way to acknowledge their birth month and to appreciate their unique traits on a deeper level.
December – Blue topaz
This alluring gemstone is admired for its stunning hues, which can range from a pale sky blue to a deeper, more vibrant London blue.
Throughout history, blue topaz has been associated with various profound meanings and symbolism. It is often linked to calmness, communication, and clarity of thought. Wearing a blue topaz is believed to bestow the wearer with increased mental focus, emotional balance, and the ability to articulate ideas more effectively.
As the birthstone for December, blue topaz represents individuals born in this month and is thought to accentuate their inherent qualities, such as sincerity, open-mindedness, and a friendly disposition. Presenting a blue topaz as a gift to someone born in December is a thoughtful way to acknowledge their birth month and to appreciate their unique traits on a deeper level.
Remember, wearing your birthstone is meant to bring you luck, happiness and prosperity – so it’s a great excuse to invest in some new jewellery!
In Part 1 of the Hatton Garden guide to birthstones, we filled you in on all of the gemstones from January until June. Here in Part 2, we look at the stones that represent July until December.
