In recent blogs we’ve been looking at the different meanings we attach to our jewellery, both in terms of what has a personal meaning for us, and what meanings have become established more popularly across the world. Did you know that it’s widely believed that the gemstones we wear also have a specific meaning, that we all have our ‘own’ birthstones based on what month we were born, and that these gems can even help us in our daily lives? At Liri we use an array of gemstones as we believe not only are they extremely beautiful in jewellery designs, but that they also, again, make us feel a certain way.
In this blog we’re going to look at our birthstones, what meanings they have, and the beneficial emotional and physical properties they are said to bring us. So, along with choosing a style of jewellery that speaks to you in a certain way, or choosing a charm because it has a personal or historical meaning, we can also choose a specific gemstone, based on when we were born and what healing properties we wish to have in our lives.
So, take a look below to find out your birthstone(s) and to learn how they can bring certain energies into your life…..
January
If you’re born in January, your birthstone is Garnet. Usually regarded as a deep, rich burgundy colour, it may surprise you to know that it is actually available in a rainbow of other colours, from the pinks of the gorgeous Rhodonite garnet to the vibrant green of Tsavorite Garnet. So if you want to wear your birthstone, you have a great choice of colours to suit any occasion. Garnet is said to aid the blood, heart, and lungs and is known to promote romantic love, passion, sensuality, and intimacy. It manifests the powerful, revitalising energy of the earth.
February
The juicy Amethyst is the birthstone for February. Usually seen in various shades of purple, it is also found in soft pink and green colours. Amethyst is said to aid in the reduction of insomnia, arthritis, pain relief, and circulatory issues. It is considered the gemstone of meditation, peace, balance, courage, and inner strength. It is said to be a natural stress reliever and helps to remove negative energy, encourage inner strength, wealth and clarity of mind.
March
If you were born in March, the soothing Aquamarine is your birthstone. A beautiful tranquil light blue or turquoise coloured stone, this beautiful gem is said to be calming, soothing and cleansing, inspiring truth, trust and the ability to let go. It was used by sailors as a talisman of good luck and protection.
April
The sparkly diamond is your birthstone if you were born in April. The most coveted gemstone due to its rarity and sparkle, it is also regarded as a gem that promotes strength, invincibility and courage. It is said to help us feel lighter, joyful and more aligned with Spirit. Sapphire is also a birthstone, which we will look at under ‘September’.
May
If you were born in May, you have a choice between the vibrant green Emerald or the gorgeous Agate, that comes in a variety of colours. Found in different locations across the globe, each ‘type’ of Emerald with their own characteristics (the Columbian Emerald is particularly exquisite with its almost luminous green colour), the stone is said to be a symbol of rebirth and love.
Agate comes in so many shades and colours (my favourites are the Botswana Agate and Blue Lace Agate), and is seen as one of the oldest healing stones on earth. Different Agates provide different healing energies, but in general it is seen as a grounding gemstone that brings harmony to the physical, spiritual and emotional beings. It is of use in times of imbalance.
June
The beautiful Pearl is your birthstone if you were born in June. Traditionally only seen as creamy white, perfect spheres in fine jewellery, we are now seeing pearls in various shapes and colours, from the purple peacock colour, to the Keshi shaped pearl. Formed when an oyster, mussel or clam envelops an irritant that has entered its shell, the various layers of nacre it deposits lead to the creation of a beautiful pearl. Pearls are said to be symbolic of wisdom gained through experience. As with many other gems, they are said to offer protection, attract good luck and wealth.
July
The birthstone for July is the magnificent rich ruby, that comes in different shades from pink to red. It is seen as the stone of divine creativity, boosts energy levels and promotes high self esteem, intuition and spiritual wisdom. It is seen as a symbol of good fortune, pure love and loyalty.
August
The zesty green Peridot is the birthstone for August and is said to increase our strength and vitality. When worn in a necklace it is said to protect against negative emotions. Peridot is the gemstone stone that harnesses the life-giving energy that turns night into day. It is associated with the sun and keeps you on the sunny side of life. It is the gemstone of happiness and light heartedness. It is said to heal stress in relationships, lessening anger and jealousy, and slowing aging. It promotes abundance and prosperity.
September
The beautiful Sapphire is your birthstone if you are born in September. Most commonly thought of as a deep blue gemstone, like many other gems (e.g. Garnet), it actually comes in a variety of colours such as pink, yellow and green. This gem is said to initiate openness and peace, brining wisdom and strength of spirit, providing the wearer with inner resolve to overcome obstacles on their spiritual path.
October
The mesmerising Opal is the gemstone for October. I truly love this stone as its internal flashes of different colours gives it an almost magical feeling. Its name comes from the Greek word ‘opallios’, which means ‘to see a change in colour’. Like other gemstones, it is associated with brining good luck, and kindles optimism, enthusiasm and creativity.
November
Topaz is the birthstone for November and is regarded as one of the most powerful gemstones, as it facilitates the balance of emotions and provides protection from greed. Again, it comes in a variety of colours and is seen as a symbol of love and affection, aiding one’s sweetness and disposition. It promotes peacefulness, calms the emotions and is ideal for meditation and connecting with the spiritual world.
December
Being born in December, you have a choice between three gorgeous birthstones – Lapis Lazuli, Tanzanite and Turquoise.
Lapis Lazuli has been used in a variety of ways for thousands of years. The funeral mask for the ancient Egyptian pharaoh ‘King Tut’ was discovered to have been decorated with Lapis Lazuli. It is one of the most sought after gemstones throughout history and is a symbol of royalty, honour, the gods, power, spirit and vision. Lapis is said to aid in the alleviation of insomnia and depression, Lapis is also known for creating openness, truthfulness, and creativity and is said to help create inner peace, whilst also clearing the mind.
At its best, Tanzanite is a rich, sumptuous blue with tinges of purple. It is said to integrate heart and mind – wholeness. It is said to unite the higher mind with intuition and communication.
Turquoise is seen as a healing and balancing gemstone. It is said to balance extreme fluctuations in mood and will refresh you when feeling tired or downcast. It protects from sensitivity to outside influences. It calms agitation, releases tension, reduces anger and relieves headaches.
Something for everyone
It seems as though the emotional attachment we have to our jewellery knows no bounds. From the variety of emotions crated by purchasing and wearing jewellery in general, to the charms we discussed in my last blog, we can also choose gemstones on the basis of the benefits, both emotional and physical, we want to experience. With all of this in mind, we really can truly choose a piece of jewellery that speaks to us on every level. What is it that you’re going to look for in your next piece?
