Gemstones have captivated humanity for centuries — not only for their stunning beauty, but for the deeper meanings woven into their history. Each of the 12 birthstones carries its own symbolism, origin story, and significance, making them one of the most personal and meaningful ways to connect with jewellery.
Whether you're choosing a gift for a loved one, looking for a piece that feels uniquely yours, or simply curious about the story behind these extraordinary stones, this guide covers everything you need to know. We've put together a complete A–Z of birthstones: what they mean, where they come from, and how to wear them beautifully.
What Are Birthstones and Why Do They Matter?
Birthstones are gemstones traditionally associated with the month of your birth. The practice dates back centuries — with roots in ancient Jewish and Christian traditions — and has remained a beloved way to personalise jewellery and gifts ever since. Each stone carries its own unique symbolism, from love and loyalty to creativity and protection. Whether you believe in their mystical properties or simply love the idea of a gem that's meant for you, birthstones add a layer of meaning that makes any piece of jewellery truly special.
January — Garnet: What Does It Mean?
Garnet is one of the most striking and versatile gemstones in the world. Known for its deep, fiery red colour, it has long been a symbol of passion, love, and inner strength. Historically, garnets were carried by travellers as a protective talisman, believed to ward off danger and light the way home.
Found naturally in countries including India, Brazil, and Mozambique, garnets come in a surprisingly wide range of colours — from deep burgundy to vivid orange — though the classic red remains the most coveted.
In jewellery, garnet works beautifully in rings, pendants, and earrings. Its rich colour makes it a statement piece on its own, or a stunning complement to gold settings.
Explore our Garnet collection:
Left to right: January - Mandarin Garnet, Renaissance Key & Birthstone Necklace, Mandarin Garnet Birthstone Ring.
February — Amethyst: What Does It Mean?
Amethyst is the gem of calm. Its serene purple hue has made it a favourite for centuries, and it has long been associated with tranquility, spiritual awareness, and inner peace. Ancient Greeks believed amethyst could prevent intoxication — its name actually comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "not drunk."
Sourced primarily from Brazil and Uruguay, amethyst is one of the more affordable precious gemstones, making it an accessible and beautiful choice for everyday wear.
It's a particularly popular choice for rings and earrings, and its soft purple tone pairs gorgeously with both silver and rose gold settings.
Explore our Amethyst collection:
Left to right: February - Amethyst, Amethyst Birthstone Bracelet, Diamond Love Letter & Amethyst Necklace.
March — Aquamarine: What Does It Mean?
Named after the sea itself, aquamarine is instantly recognisable for its cool, calming blue tones. It symbolises serenity, clarity, and communication — and has historically been a favourite among sailors, who believed it would bring safe passage across the water.
Aquamarine is primarily sourced from Brazil, though it's also found in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The deeper the blue, the more valuable the stone — though lighter shades are just as beautiful and more understated.
It's a stunning choice for rings and drop earrings, and its elegant simplicity makes it one of the most versatile stones in any collection.
Explore our Aquamarine collection:
Left to right: Heart Key & Birthstone Necklace, Aquamarine Birthstone Mini Hoop Earrings, Aquamarine Birthstone Bracelet.
April — Diamond: What Does It Mean?
The diamond needs little introduction — it's the most iconic gemstone in the world. A symbol of purity, strength, and eternity, it's the stone most associated with love, commitment, and lasting beauty. Its extraordinary brilliance comes from its unique ability to refract light, giving it that unmistakable sparkle.
Diamonds are found across the globe, with major sources including South Africa, Russia, and Australia. They come in a range of cuts and styles, each with its own character — from the classic round brilliant to the elegant emerald cut.
A diamond piece is always a statement, whether it's a delicate pendant or a bold cocktail ring.
Explore our Diamond collection:
Left to right: Gold Venetian Wing & Diamond Drop Earrings, Diamond Set Pebble Ring, Diamond Anniversary Ring.
May — Emerald: What Does It Mean?
Emerald is the green gem of legend. Rich, lush, and deeply striking, it has been treasured since ancient Egypt and is a symbol of love, compassion, harmony, and renewal. Cleopatra herself was said to be a passionate collector of emeralds.
Colombia is the world's most celebrated source of emeralds, though they're also found in Brazil and Zambia. The deeper and more vivid the green, the more precious the stone.
Emerald looks stunning in rings and necklaces, and its bold colour pairs beautifully with both gold and white gold settings.
Explore our Emerald collection:
Left to right: May - Emerald, Emerald Birthstone Ring, Gold & Emerald Spade Charm.
June — Moonstone: What Does It Mean?
Moonstone is one of the most ethereal and enchanting gemstones you'll ever see. Named for its soft, glowing appearance — a phenomenon called adularescence — it symbolises wisdom, purity, and new beginnings. It's traditionally been considered a gift for people embarking on a fresh chapter in life.
Moonstone is sourced primarily from Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar, and each stone is completely unique — no two moonstones display the same pattern of light.
It's a beautiful choice for rings and pendants, and its dreamy, iridescent quality makes it a real conversation starter.
Explore our Moonstone collection:
Left to right: Elara Necklace, June - Moonstone, Midnight Wolf Necklace.
July — Ruby: What Does It Mean?
Ruby is the gem of deep, passionate love. One of the most precious gemstones in the world, its vivid red colour has made it a symbol of love, passion, and vitality throughout history. In many cultures, ruby is considered even more valuable than diamond.
The finest rubies come from Myanmar (Burma), though Sri Lanka and Thailand are also significant sources. The deeper and more saturated the red, the more precious the stone.
Ruby makes a bold, luxurious statement in rings and pendants — and is a timeless choice for any special occasion.
Left to right: July - Ruby, Ruby Birthstone Ring, Ruby Love Locket Necklace.
August — Peridot: What Does It Mean?
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that forms in only one colour — a vibrant, sunny green that symbolises prosperity, good fortune, and positive energy. It's a cheerful and uplifting stone, often associated with abundance and fresh starts.
Interestingly, peridot has an out-of-this-world origin — some peridots have been found in meteorites. The most historically significant source is the Egyptian island of Zabargad, though it's also found in Arizona and Pakistan.
Its bright green tone works beautifully in rings and earrings, particularly paired with yellow gold.
Explore our Peridot collection:
Left to right: Luna Drop Earrings, Peridot Venetian Wing Earrings, Peridot Tellurian Gem Necklace.
September — Sapphire: What Does It Mean?
Sapphire is the gem of royalty. Deep, rich, and undeniably elegant, it's a symbol of loyalty, wisdom, and nobility — and has been favoured by kings and queens for centuries. Famously, Princess Diana's engagement ring (now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales) features a stunning blue sapphire.
While sapphire is most associated with its classic deep blue, it actually comes in a stunning range of colours. The finest blue sapphires are sourced from Sri Lanka and the legendary Kashmir region of India.
Sapphire is a stunning choice for rings and pendants, and its timeless elegance makes it a truly heirloom-worthy piece.
Explore our Sapphire collection:
Left to right: September - Sapphire, Sapphire Birthstone Ring, Blue Sapphire Love Locket Necklace.
October — Opal: What Does It Mean?
Opal is nature's most colourful gemstone. Its extraordinary play of colour — shifting and shimmering with every movement — makes it a symbol of creativity, inspiration, and imagination. No two opals are alike, which makes each piece truly one of a kind.
Australia is the world's primary source of opal, producing around 95% of the global supply. Ethiopian opals have also become increasingly sought after in recent years.
Opal looks stunning in rings, pendants, and earrings — and its iridescent beauty means it works with virtually any metal tone.
Left to right: October - Opal, Opal Birthstone Ring, Birthstone Key Cluster Necklace.
November — Topaz: What Does It Mean?
November has two beautiful birthstones — London Blue Topaz and Mystic Topaz — and both are stunning in their own right.
London Blue Topaz is known for its deep, calming blue hues and symbolises positivity, abundance, and success. Its rich colour evokes feelings of calm and clarity, making it a grounding and uplifting stone to wear.
Mystic Topaz, on the other hand, is celebrated for its dazzling, rainbow-like play of colour — symbolising creativity and inspiration. Its vivid, shifting tones make it a real showstopper.
Topaz is primarily sourced from Brazil, though it's also found in Pakistan and Australia. It works beautifully in rings and pendants.
Left to right: November - London Blue Topaz, Sky Blue Topaz Tellurian Gem Earrings, London Blue Topaz Celestial Gem Necklace.
December — Turquoise: What Does It Mean?
Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in the world — and one of the most culturally significant. Its distinctive blue-green colour has made it a symbol of protection, healing, and good fortune across many civilisations, from ancient Egypt to Native American cultures.
Turquoise is sourced from Iran, Afghanistan, and the American Southwest, among other regions. The colour can range from vivid sky blue to deeper green, depending on the mineral content of the stone.
It's a beautifully versatile stone, looking gorgeous in rings, pendants, and earrings — particularly in silver settings that complement its cool tones.
Explore our Turquoise collection:
Left to right: December - Turquoise, Boho Heart Mini Hoop Earrings, Little Treasures Anklet.
Make It Personal
Incorporating your own birthstone — or those of the people you love — into your jewellery is one of the most meaningful ways to add a personal touch. Whether it's a gift for a birthday, an anniversary, or simply a treat for yourself, a birthstone piece carries a story that no other jewellery can.
Browse the full Sophie Harley Birthstone Collection to find the perfect stone for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are birthstones? Birthstones are gemstones traditionally linked to each month of the year. The tradition has ancient roots — tracing back to biblical and astrological customs — and has remained a popular way to personalise jewellery and gifts for centuries.
Do birthstones actually have meaning? Birthstones have carried symbolic meaning for thousands of years, with each stone associated with qualities like love, strength, creativity, or protection. Whether you take these meanings literally or simply enjoy the tradition, there's no denying that a birthstone adds a layer of personal significance to any piece of jewellery.
Can I wear a gemstone that isn't my birth month? Absolutely. There are no rules when it comes to wearing gemstones. Many people choose stones based on their colour preferences, the meaning behind them, or simply because they love how they look. Stacking or layering stones from different months is also a beautiful and increasingly popular trend.
What's the most popular birthstone? Diamond (April) is consistently the most popular gemstone overall, largely due to its association with engagement rings and its extraordinary brilliance. Among coloured stones, sapphire and emerald tend to be perennial favourites.
What's the difference between natural and synthetic gemstones? Natural gemstones are formed in the earth over millions of years, while synthetic gemstones are created in a laboratory using the same chemical composition. Both are beautiful — natural stones carry a unique, one-of-a-kind quality, while synthetic stones offer a more accessible price point. At Sophie Harley, we use natural gemstones across our birthstone collection.
Are birthstone gifts meaningful? Yes — birthstone gifts are one of the most thoughtful and personal jewellery choices you can make. They show that you've considered the recipient individually, and the symbolic meaning behind each stone adds an extra layer of sentiment. They're a wonderful choice for birthdays, Mother's Day, and other special occasions.
Which birthstones are the rarest? Alexandrite (an alternative June birthstone) is one of the rarest gemstones in the world, famously known for changing colour depending on the light. Tanzanite (an alternative December birthstone) is also exceptionally rare, found only in one small area of Tanzania. Among the traditional birthstones, fine-quality ruby and emerald are also considered rare and precious.
Discover your birthstone and find the perfect piece in the Sophie Harley Birthstone Collection.
