Looking for fine jewelry that means even more? Discover birthstone jewelry – special pieces that deliver both style and symbolism. Whether you’re buying a gift for someone you love or establishing your own signature look, incorporating a birthstone makes every piece more personal. From precious metal pairings to the meaning behind each stone, here’s our month-by-month guide to modern birthstone jewelry.
Why choose birthstone jewelry?
Birthstone jewelry is jewelry that includes the wearer’s birthstone in the design to create a truly personal piece. Every month is linked to a gemstone, from garnet in January to tanzanite in December. Some, like November, have more than one: the 11th month of the year is associated with both topaz and citrine.
Birthstones have a lengthy history dating all the way back to the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament. The breastplate worn by the High Priest Aaron, which was set with 12 different gemstones, is considered to be the forerunner of the concept. In 1912 the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now known as Jewelers of America) created the first version of the standardised list that jewellers use today.
While birthstone birthday gifts are increasingly popular, these special gemstones add an individual touch to any special occasion jewelry, whether it’s an anniversary gift or something new for your own collection.
Birthstones by month: Gemstones & symbolism guide
Ever wondered about the meaning behind your birthstone? One reason why personalised birthstone jewelry is always such a treasured gift is that every gemstone carries its own symbolism. Find out what each one represents and discover the jewelry styles that display it best.
January: Garnet
The birthstone for January, garnet is known for its deep red colour. The name comes from the Latin for pomegranate, whose red, jewel-like seeds it resembles. It’s said to symbolise protection, strength and safe travel, making it a thoughtful gift for anyone embarking on a new life stage. How to wear it? Popular garnet jewelry styles include classic signet rings and solitaire pendants that add a pop of colour to any outfit.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst is the birthstone for February. A variety of quartz, it’s distinguished by its purple colour that lends it a regal quality – certainly, amethyst has been a favourite with royal families through the centuries. Once associated with sobriety (the name comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning “not drunk”), it’s thought to represent clarity, calm and wisdom. Amethyst makes a striking centrepiece for statement rings, and it also looks wonderful suspended from delicate drop earrings.
March: Aquamarine
The March birthstone is aquamarine, a pale blue gemstone that conjures up images of the ocean. And no wonder: the name comes from the Latin words for “water of the sea”. Thanks to its colour, aquamarine is thought to have a calming quality and symbolises serenity and courage. Looking for birthstone jewelry gift ideas starring aquamarine gemstones? We think this sea-blue hue looks particularly beautiful in a cool-toned white gold setting.
April: Diamond
The birthstone for April needs no introduction: diamond is the gemstone associated with the fourth month of the year. This precious gemstone is prized for its lack of colour, with the most colourless diamonds considered the most valuable. Diamond symbolises strength – not surprising, when you consider that it’s the hardest material found in nature. It’s also an enduring symbol of eternal love, and a classic choice for rings and fine pendants.
May: Emerald
The birthstone for May is emerald, a precious gemstone known for its rich green colour. Emerald represents the green shoots of rebirth and is also a symbol of love and prosperity, making it a meaningful choice for a May birthstone gift. At Austen & Blake, you’ll find emerald jewelry in a choice of precious metals but we think its deep green hue looks particularly striking set against the warmth of yellow gold.
June: Pearl
Pearl is the birthstone for June. This semi-precious gemstone is creamy white in colour and is prized for its soft shine, or lustre. Unlike other gemstones pearl isn’t found in the Earth but produced by living creatures (molluscs). While pearls are a symbol of purity and a classic choice for wedding jewelry, we love them best in a modern setting. Look beyond the traditional string of pearls to seek out pearl and diamond pendants or contemporary toi et moi styles pairing pearls with coloured gems.
July: Ruby
The birthstone for July is ruby. This precious gemstone is a variety of corundum, just like sapphire, but with a rich red colour that sets it apart. The blood-red colourway also gives a ruby its symbolism: it’s said to represent passion and vitality. Ranking second only to diamond on the Mohs scale of hardness, ruby is incredibly durable and ideal for jewelry that you wear every day. It makes a bold centre stone for a ring – a birthstone gift that leans into all the drama of this fiery gemstone.
August: Peridot
In August, peridot steps into the spotlight. This birthstone is characterised by its lime-to-olive green colour; while it has been confused with emerald in the past, it’s lighter and yellower in tone. The ancient Egyptians called it “the gem of the sun” and believed it had magical properties. Today, it’s associated with protection and positivity. How to wear it? Peridot comes into its own after dark, famously holding onto its radiance and vivid green colour even in low light. So it’s perfect for special occasion jewelry.
September: Sapphire
September’s birthstone is sapphire. This precious gemstone is closely related to ruby, which is also a variety of corundum. While sapphire comes in an array of colours, it’s best known for the rich shade of royal blue that you’ll find in most jewelry stores. Said to represent loyalty and wisdom, sapphire makes a meaningful birthstone jewelry gift. It’s famously strong and durable, so you can feel confident putting deep blue sapphire at the centre of jewelry you wear every day.
October: Tourmaline
The birthstone for October is tourmaline, one of the most intriguing gemstones of all. Found naturally in a rainbow of different colours, tourmaline has electrical properties and generates a small charge when it’s heated or squeezed. These lively qualities are reflected in its symbolism: tourmaline is said to represent creativity and inspiration. While tourmaline comes in every colour from yellow to black and neon blue-green, we’ve chosen vivid pink for the tourmaline jewelry at Austen & Blake.
November: Topaz or Citrine
Why settle for one birthstone when you can have two? November invites you to choose between cool blue topaz and warm, golden citrine. These semi-precious gemstones are associated with joy and abundance (citrine is even known as the “success stone”), making them ideal for custom birthstone jewelry to celebrate a special occasion. Both topaz and citrine will work beautifully set into a solitaire pendant or stud earrings to add a pop of colour to everyday outfits.
December: Tanzanite
December’s birthstone is tanzanite, one of the newest gemstones in the fine jewelry world. Famous for its shades of blue, tanzanite was only discovered in 1967 and its rarity (it only comes from one area on the planet) makes it highly sought after. Fallen for its violet-blue colour? Tanzanite is a relatively soft gemstone, so if you plan to wear your tanzanite jewelry every day, look for a design with a bezel setting to protect the hero stone.
The good news? Every piece of birthstone jewelry is imbued with its own special meaning, so when you make the decision to incorporate their birthstone you’re already halfway there. Follow our tips to narrow down your options and find the perfect gift for someone you love.
Consider their personal style
The perfect gift is the one that chimes with the recipient’s personal style. So no matter who you’re shopping for, think about the jewelry that they usually wear. Do they love to make a statement with bold, eye-catching designs or are they more of a minimalist at heart? Do they generally wear cool-toned white gold or platinum, or do they prefer warm yellow gold, romantic rose gold – or perhaps even a mix of metals? Take note of the precious metals in their collection and choose accordingly.
Choose the right jewelry type
Once you’ve defined their personal style, it’s time to consider the jewelry type. A birthstone necklace is a versatile option that works well with any gemstone for everyday wear, while a birthstone bracelet is a welcome addition to any jewelry box. Birthstone earrings will add a personal touch to their ear curation – just double check that they have their ears pierced before you add to basket. Similarly, if you’re thinking about a birthstone ring, make sure to get the ring size right and choose a setting that fits in with their lifestyle. Read our jewelry care guide for more maintenance advice.
When you’re looking at precious metals, think about the interplay between the metal and the gemstone. Cool-toned birthstones such as aquamarine or blue topaz complement white gold and platinum perfectly, pink tourmaline responds well to the blush hue of rose gold, and yellow gold brings out the warm tones of citrine and garnet. However, a contrast can also be very effective: deep ruby against white gold, for example. In general, yellow gold will bring out the richness of your birthstone, while the bright shine of white gold will lend a contemporary feel. Read our metal guide to learn more.
Add a personal touch
Looking for a personalised birthstone gift that takes it a step further? Consider adding an engraving to your piece – it could be their name, a special date or the coordinates of a place that’s meaningful to you both. You can also combine multiple birthstones in the same piece to create family birthstone jewelry that includes everyone you love. Birthstone charms are another lovely way to make your gift more personal. At Austen & Blake, for example, you’ll find birthstone earring charms that layer with the hoops in our collection as well as any hoops they might already own.
Consider occasions & milestones
When you think about birthstone jewelry for men and women, significant birthdays are probably the first thing that springs to mind. However, it makes a thoughtful gift for any occasion: graduations, career milestones, push presents or celebrating a newborn grandchild. Each birthstone also corresponds to a wedding anniversary: pearl, for example, is associated with 30 years of marriage. Can’t wait that long? Consider a birthstone anniversary gift that corresponds with the month you got married instead.
Why birthstone jewelry makes a lasting gift
What makes birthstone jewelry such an enduring gift? It’s the personal touch. Birthstone jewelry is connected to the wearer’s birth month to create something with sentimental value – a gift that shows you really thought about it. Each gemstone also comes with its own symbolism and meaning, adding a further dimension to every piece.
Within birthstone jewelry, you’ll find a wide variety of designs, from minimalist pieces for everyday wear to bold statement styles. At Austen & Blake, our collection of birthstone jewelry has something for every occasion. Whether you’re treating someone you love to their first piece or adding a new stacking ring or earring charms to their growing birthstone collection, find a gift that will be treasured for years to come.
By Anna Aldridge
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Looking for fine jewelry that means even more? Discover birthstone jewelry – special pieces that deliver both style and symbolism. Whether you’re buying a gift for someone you love or establishing your own signature look, incorporating a birthstone makes every piece more personal. From precious metal pairings to the meaning behind each stone, here’s our month-by-month guide to modern birthstone jewelry.
Why choose birthstone jewelry?
Birthstone jewelry is jewelry that includes the wearer’s birthstone in the design to create a truly personal piece. Every month is linked to a gemstone, from garnet in January to tanzanite in December. Some, like November, have more than one: the 11th month of the year is associated with both topaz and citrine.
Birthstones have a lengthy history dating all the way back to the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament. The breastplate worn by the High Priest Aaron, which was set with 12 different gemstones, is considered to be the forerunner of the concept. In 1912 the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now known as Jewelers of America) created the first version of the standardised list that jewellers use today.
While birthstone birthday gifts are increasingly popular, these special gemstones add an individual touch to any special occasion jewelry, whether it’s an anniversary gift or something new for your own collection.
Birthstones by month: Gemstones & symbolism guide
Ever wondered about the meaning behind your birthstone? One reason why personalised birthstone jewelry is always such a treasured gift is that every gemstone carries its own symbolism. Find out what each one represents and discover the jewelry styles that display it best.
January: Garnet
The birthstone for January, garnet is known for its deep red colour. The name comes from the Latin for pomegranate, whose red, jewel-like seeds it resembles. It’s said to symbolise protection, strength and safe travel, making it a thoughtful gift for anyone embarking on a new life stage. How to wear it? Popular garnet jewelry styles include classic signet rings and solitaire pendants that add a pop of colour to any outfit.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst is the birthstone for February. A variety of quartz, it’s distinguished by its purple colour that lends it a regal quality – certainly, amethyst has been a favourite with royal families through the centuries. Once associated with sobriety (the name comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning “not drunk”), it’s thought to represent clarity, calm and wisdom. Amethyst makes a striking centrepiece for statement rings, and it also looks wonderful suspended from delicate drop earrings.
March: Aquamarine
The March birthstone is aquamarine, a pale blue gemstone that conjures up images of the ocean. And no wonder: the name comes from the Latin words for “water of the sea”. Thanks to its colour, aquamarine is thought to have a calming quality and symbolises serenity and courage. Looking for birthstone jewelry gift ideas starring aquamarine gemstones? We think this sea-blue hue looks particularly beautiful in a cool-toned white gold setting.
April: Diamond
The birthstone for April needs no introduction: diamond is the gemstone associated with the fourth month of the year. This precious gemstone is prized for its lack of colour, with the most colourless diamonds considered the most valuable. Diamond symbolises strength – not surprising, when you consider that it’s the hardest material found in nature. It’s also an enduring symbol of eternal love, and a classic choice for rings and fine pendants.
May: Emerald
The birthstone for May is emerald, a precious gemstone known for its rich green colour. Emerald represents the green shoots of rebirth and is also a symbol of love and prosperity, making it a meaningful choice for a May birthstone gift. At Austen & Blake, you’ll find emerald jewelry in a choice of precious metals but we think its deep green hue looks particularly striking set against the warmth of yellow gold.
June: Pearl
Pearl is the birthstone for June. This semi-precious gemstone is creamy white in colour and is prized for its soft shine, or lustre. Unlike other gemstones pearl isn’t found in the Earth but produced by living creatures (molluscs). While pearls are a symbol of purity and a classic choice for wedding jewelry, we love them best in a modern setting. Look beyond the traditional string of pearls to seek out pearl and diamond pendants or contemporary toi et moi styles pairing pearls with coloured gems.
July: Ruby
The birthstone for July is ruby. This precious gemstone is a variety of corundum, just like sapphire, but with a rich red colour that sets it apart. The blood-red colourway also gives a ruby its symbolism: it’s said to represent passion and vitality. Ranking second only to diamond on the Mohs scale of hardness, ruby is incredibly durable and ideal for jewelry that you wear every day. It makes a bold centre stone for a ring – a birthstone gift that leans into all the drama of this fiery gemstone.
August: Peridot
In August, peridot steps into the spotlight. This birthstone is characterised by its lime-to-olive green colour; while it has been confused with emerald in the past, it’s lighter and yellower in tone. The ancient Egyptians called it “the gem of the sun” and believed it had magical properties. Today, it’s associated with protection and positivity. How to wear it? Peridot comes into its own after dark, famously holding onto its radiance and vivid green colour even in low light. So it’s perfect for special occasion jewelry.
September: Sapphire
September’s birthstone is sapphire. This precious gemstone is closely related to ruby, which is also a variety of corundum. While sapphire comes in an array of colours, it’s best known for the rich shade of royal blue that you’ll find in most jewelry stores. Said to represent loyalty and wisdom, sapphire makes a meaningful birthstone jewelry gift. It’s famously strong and durable, so you can feel confident putting deep blue sapphire at the centre of jewelry you wear every day.
October: Tourmaline
The birthstone for October is tourmaline, one of the most intriguing gemstones of all. Found naturally in a rainbow of different colours, tourmaline has electrical properties and generates a small charge when it’s heated or squeezed. These lively qualities are reflected in its symbolism: tourmaline is said to represent creativity and inspiration. While tourmaline comes in every colour from yellow to black and neon blue-green, we’ve chosen vivid pink for the tourmaline jewelry at Austen & Blake.
November: Topaz or Citrine
Why settle for one birthstone when you can have two? November invites you to choose between cool blue topaz and warm, golden citrine. These semi-precious gemstones are associated with joy and abundance (citrine is even known as the “success stone”), making them ideal for custom birthstone jewelry to celebrate a special occasion. Both topaz and citrine will work beautifully set into a solitaire pendant or stud earrings to add a pop of colour to everyday outfits.
December: Tanzanite
December’s birthstone is tanzanite, one of the newest gemstones in the fine jewelry world. Famous for its shades of blue, tanzanite was only discovered in 1967 and its rarity (it only comes from one area on the planet) makes it highly sought after. Fallen for its violet-blue colour? Tanzanite is a relatively soft gemstone, so if you plan to wear your tanzanite jewelry every day, look for a design with a bezel setting to protect the hero stone.
Check out our gemstone guide for more information.
Choosing the perfect birthstone gift
The good news? Every piece of birthstone jewelry is imbued with its own special meaning, so when you make the decision to incorporate their birthstone you’re already halfway there. Follow our tips to narrow down your options and find the perfect gift for someone you love.
Consider their personal style
The perfect gift is the one that chimes with the recipient’s personal style. So no matter who you’re shopping for, think about the jewelry that they usually wear. Do they love to make a statement with bold, eye-catching designs or are they more of a minimalist at heart? Do they generally wear cool-toned white gold or platinum, or do they prefer warm yellow gold, romantic rose gold – or perhaps even a mix of metals? Take note of the precious metals in their collection and choose accordingly.
Choose the right jewelry type
Once you’ve defined their personal style, it’s time to consider the jewelry type. A birthstone necklace is a versatile option that works well with any gemstone for everyday wear, while a birthstone bracelet is a welcome addition to any jewelry box. Birthstone earrings will add a personal touch to their ear curation – just double check that they have their ears pierced before you add to basket. Similarly, if you’re thinking about a birthstone ring, make sure to get the ring size right and choose a setting that fits in with their lifestyle. Read our jewelry care guide for more maintenance advice.
Think about metal pairings
When you’re looking at precious metals, think about the interplay between the metal and the gemstone. Cool-toned birthstones such as aquamarine or blue topaz complement white gold and platinum perfectly, pink tourmaline responds well to the blush hue of rose gold, and yellow gold brings out the warm tones of citrine and garnet. However, a contrast can also be very effective: deep ruby against white gold, for example. In general, yellow gold will bring out the richness of your birthstone, while the bright shine of white gold will lend a contemporary feel. Read our metal guide to learn more.
Add a personal touch
Looking for a personalised birthstone gift that takes it a step further? Consider adding an engraving to your piece – it could be their name, a special date or the coordinates of a place that’s meaningful to you both. You can also combine multiple birthstones in the same piece to create family birthstone jewelry that includes everyone you love. Birthstone charms are another lovely way to make your gift more personal. At Austen & Blake, for example, you’ll find birthstone earring charms that layer with the hoops in our collection as well as any hoops they might already own.
Consider occasions & milestones
When you think about birthstone jewelry for men and women, significant birthdays are probably the first thing that springs to mind. However, it makes a thoughtful gift for any occasion: graduations, career milestones, push presents or celebrating a newborn grandchild. Each birthstone also corresponds to a wedding anniversary: pearl, for example, is associated with 30 years of marriage. Can’t wait that long? Consider a birthstone anniversary gift that corresponds with the month you got married instead.
Why birthstone jewelry makes a lasting gift
What makes birthstone jewelry such an enduring gift? It’s the personal touch. Birthstone jewelry is connected to the wearer’s birth month to create something with sentimental value – a gift that shows you really thought about it. Each gemstone also comes with its own symbolism and meaning, adding a further dimension to every piece.
Within birthstone jewelry, you’ll find a wide variety of designs, from minimalist pieces for everyday wear to bold statement styles. At Austen & Blake, our collection of birthstone jewelry has something for every occasion. Whether you’re treating someone you love to their first piece or adding a new stacking ring or earring charms to their growing birthstone collection, find a gift that will be treasured for years to come.