A Guide to the Birthstones of the Year
Arnold & Co - Canberra Centre
A Guide to the Birthstones of the Year
Every month has its own stone, and each one carries centuries of meaning, superstition and colour. Here are all twelve, in plain terms: what they are, what they are said to bring, and how they behave once they are worn every day.
01
January — Garnet
Deep red garnet has been admired for thousands of years and remains one of the world's most recognisable gemstones. While its rich crimson colour is the best known, garnets also occur naturally in vibrant shades of green, orange and pink, making them one of the most diverse gemstone families.
Traditionally associated with protection, friendship and safe travels, garnet has long been given as a meaningful gift between loved ones. Today, it is appreciated for its rich colour, versatility and timeless appeal, making it equally at home in contemporary and classic jewellery designs.
02
February — Amethyst
With colours ranging from delicate lavender to deep royal purple, amethyst has been prized since ancient times for its remarkable beauty. Once considered as valuable as ruby and sapphire, it became more widely available after large deposits were discovered in Brazil during the nineteenth century.
Amethyst has traditionally been associated with peace, clarity and wisdom. Its elegant colour suits almost every style, making it a popular choice for jewellery that is both sophisticated and effortlessly wearable.
03
March — Aquamarine
Named after the Latin words for "sea water", aquamarine captures the fresh blue tones of tropical oceans. Its bright, transparent appearance gives it a lightness that few other gemstones can match.
For centuries, sailors believed aquamarine brought protection and calm during voyages, while today it is often associated with tranquillity and harmony. Its timeless colour makes it equally beautiful in contemporary jewellery and heirloom-inspired designs.
04
April — Diamond
Few gemstones are as iconic as the diamond. Celebrated for its exceptional brilliance and outstanding durability, it has become the universal symbol of love and commitment.
Whether natural or laboratory-grown, every diamond possesses the same stunning sparkle that has made it one of the world's most sought-after gemstones. The beauty of a diamond lies not only in its size, but in the precision of its cut, allowing light to reflect and create its unmistakable brilliance.
At Arnold & Co Jewellers, we carefully source both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds, helping our clients find the perfect stone for every occasion.
05
May — Emerald
Emerald has captivated royalty, collectors and jewellery lovers for centuries with its unmistakable rich green colour. From the treasures of ancient Egypt to the crowns of European monarchs, few gemstones have such a distinguished history.
Unlike many gemstones, emeralds are celebrated for their natural internal characteristics, often referred to as their "garden". These unique features are part of what makes every emerald individual. Combined with its vibrant colour, they create a gemstone full of personality and timeless elegance.
06
June — Pearl
June is one of only a few months with multiple birthstones.
Pearls are unique because they are created by living oysters rather than formed within the Earth. Their soft, natural lustre has made them a symbol of elegance for centuries and a favourite for generations of jewellery lovers.
Moonstone offers something completely different. As light moves across its surface, it reveals an enchanting glow known as adularescence, giving the gemstone an almost magical appearance. Together, these two birthstones offer very different expressions of natural beauty.
07
July — Ruby
Known as the "King of Gemstones", ruby has long been treasured for its vibrant red colour and remarkable rarity. Throughout history it has been worn by royalty and warriors alike, symbolising courage, passion and prosperity.
The finest rubies display an intense, vivid red often described as "pigeon's blood", one of the most sought-after colours in the gemstone world. Their striking appearance ensures they remain one of the most desirable precious gemstones today.
08
August — Peridot
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that naturally occurs in just one colour family, ranging from bright lime green to rich olive green. Its cheerful colour has made it a favourite for jewellery for more than 3,500 years.
One of the most fascinating facts about peridot is that tiny crystals have occasionally been discovered inside meteorites, earning it the nickname "the gemstone from outer space". Whether found on Earth or beyond it, peridot's vibrant colour always stands out.
09
September — Sapphire
Although best known for its deep royal blue colour, sapphire naturally occurs in almost every colour of the rainbow, including pink, yellow, green and white.
For centuries, sapphire has represented wisdom, loyalty and sincerity, making it one of the most meaningful gemstones in fine jewellery. Its exceptional durability also makes it an outstanding choice for jewellery designed to be worn every day, including engagement rings.
10
October — Opal
Australia produces some of the world's most spectacular opals, each displaying an extraordinary play of colour unlike any other gemstone. As the stone moves, flashes of blue, green, orange and red dance across its surface, ensuring no two opals are ever identical.
October's second birthstone, tourmaline, is equally fascinating. It naturally occurs in an incredible range of colours, from vibrant pinks and greens to striking bi-coloured varieties, giving jewellery designers endless creative possibilities.
11
November — Citrine
November celebrates two warm, golden gemstones.
Topaz is admired for its remarkable clarity and is available in an array of colours, including blue, golden yellow and soft champagne tones. Citrine, with its radiant golden hues, has long been associated with warmth, happiness and abundance.
Both gemstones bring brightness and colour to fine jewellery, making them beautiful choices for anyone who loves warm, vibrant tones.
12
December — Tanzanite
December is fortunate to have three distinctive birthstones.
Tanzanite is one of the world's rarest gemstones, found only in a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Its mesmerising blue-violet colour has made it one of the most sought-after modern gemstones.
Turquoise has been treasured for thousands of years across many cultures, while natural zircon is admired for its exceptional brilliance and impressive range of colours. Together, these three gemstones offer December birthdays an extraordinary variety of choices.
Create Your Own Birthstone Jewellery
A birthstone is more than simply a gemstone—it's a personal reminder of a birthday, a loved one or a special milestone. Whether you're looking for a meaningful gift or designing something unique for yourself, birthstone jewellery is made to be cherished for years to come.
At Arnold & Co Jewellers, we specialise in creating bespoke jewellery using carefully selected gemstones and diamonds. Visit our Canberra boutique or contact our team to discuss creating a piece that's uniquely yours.
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