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A Guide to Birthstones: Their Origins & Meaning
- Silveri Jewellers
- Mar 5
- 4 min read
Birthstones have long been cherished for their beauty and symbolic significance. Each month is associated with a unique gemstone, carrying its own history, meaning, and geographical origins. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful gift or want to learn more about your birthstone, this guide will explore the fascinating details behind these timeless gems.
Each month has a primary birthstone along with alternatives - we've included a few of the popular alternatives to round out this guide even more!
January | Garnet
Symbolism: Garnet is associated with protection, strength, and vitality. It is believed to bring good health and prosperity to its wearer.
Where It’s Found: Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, and the United States.
Fun Fact: Garnets were used by ancient warriors as talismans for protection in battle.
February | Amethyst
Symbolism: Amethyst symbolizes peace, wisdom, and spiritual clarity. It has been linked to calming energy and protection against negativity.
Where It’s Found: Brazil, Uruguay, Russia, and Zambia are key locations for amethyst mining.
Fun Fact: The ancient Greeks believed amethyst could prevent drunkenness and even carved drinking vessels from it.
March | Aquamarine
Symbolism: Aquamarine represents tranquility, courage, and clarity. It is often associated with the sea and is believed to bring luck to sailors.
Where It’s Found: Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, and Pakistan are major sources of aquamarine.
Fun Fact: The name “aquamarine” comes from the Latin words for “water” and “sea,” referencing its ocean-like colour.
April | Diamond
Symbolism: Diamonds signify love, strength, and eternity. They are a traditional symbol of commitment and purity.
Where It’s Found: The largest diamond-producing countries include Russia, Botswana, Canada, and South Africa.
Fun Fact: Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth and can only be scratched by another diamond.
May | Emerald
Symbolism: Emeralds are linked to rebirth, love, and fertility. They have long been associated with royalty and wisdom.
Where It’s Found: Colombia is the leading source of emeralds, followed by Zambia, Brazil, and Afghanistan.
Fun Fact: Cleopatra was famous for her love of emeralds and even claimed ownership of all emerald mines in Egypt.
June | Pearl or Alexandrite
Symbolism: Pearls symbolize purity, wisdom, and serenity, while alexandrite is associated with transformation, luck, and prosperity.
Where It’s Found: Natural pearls are found in the Persian Gulf, Australia, Japan, and Tahiti, while cultured pearls come from farms worldwide. Alexandrite is primarily found in Russia, Sri Lanka, and Brazil.
Fun Fact: Alexandrite is unique because it changes colour depending on the light—appearing green in daylight and reddish under incandescent light.
July | Ruby
Symbolism: Ruby is a stone of passion, protection, and energy. It has been considered a talisman of power and courage.
Where It’s Found: Myanmar (Burma) produces some of the finest rubies, along with Thailand, Mozambique, and Sri Lanka.
Fun Fact: Ancient Hindus believed rubies could allow their owners to live in peace with their enemies.
August | Peridot
Symbolism: Peridot is associated with prosperity, happiness, and positive energy. It is sometimes called the “evening emerald” for its vibrant green hue.
Where It’s Found: Peridot is commonly sourced from China, Myanmar, Pakistan, and the United States (Arizona).
Fun Fact: Peridot is one of the few gemstones that can be found in meteorites.
September | Sapphire
Symbolism: Sapphire represents wisdom, integrity, and faithfulness. It has historically been worn by royalty and spiritual leaders.
Where It’s Found: Sapphires are mined in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Madagascar, and Australia.
Fun Fact: Sapphires come in nearly every colour except red—when they are red, they’re classified as rubies.
October | Opal or Pink Tourmaline
Symbolism: Opals are linked to creativity, inspiration, and emotional balance, while pink tourmaline symbolizes love, compassion, and self-acceptance.
Where It’s Found: Australia is the leading source of opals, followed by Ethiopia and Mexico. Pink tourmaline is primarily found in Brazil, Afghanistan, and Madagascar.
Fun Fact: Opals contain water within their structure, which is why they can dry out and crack over time.
November | Citrine
Symbolism: Citrine symbolizes warmth, joy, and abundance. It is believed to bring good fortune and confidence.
Where It’s Found: Brazil is the primary source, with additional deposits in Sri Lanka, Russia, and Madagascar.
Fun Fact: Citrine is sometimes called the “merchant’s stone” because it is believed to attract wealth and success.
December | Blue Topaz or Tanzanite
Symbolism: Blue topaz is associated with clarity, communication, and relaxation, while tanzanite represents transformation, spiritual awakening, and insight.
Where It’s Found: Blue topaz is mainly found in Brazil, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka. Tanzanite is exclusively sourced from Tanzania.
Fun Fact: Tanzanite is 1,000 times rarer than diamonds and was only discovered in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro.
Choosing the Right Birthstone
Whether you wear your birthstone for its beauty or its deeper meaning, these gems offer a special connection to your birth month. Each stone carries its own unique symbolism and historical significance, representing traits or qualities associated with those born in that month. Beyond their meaning, birthstones are a timeless and meaningful way to express individuality. They also make thoughtful and personalized gifts for loved ones, serving as a beautiful reminder of their special day.
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