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What is August Birthstone? The month of August now has 3 birthstones; the peridot, the sardonyx and the spinel.The spinel is the newest of the two to join the August Birthstones. Peridot and sardonyx have been seen throughout history and have rich symbolism. The two birthstones are quite different, both in terms of quality and substance.The peridot is found in a range of color variations, and can be anywhere from yellowish green to brown, although the most sought after peridot stones are lime green or olive green. After comparing it to  the world of fancy color diamonds, the stone that most resembles the Peridot is the Fancy Vivid Yellowish Green diamond. The sardonyx birthstone on the other hand, a type of onyx, is a reddish brown stone with a white banding. Peridots have a crystal-like appearance while a sardonyx is more stone-like. Have a look at all of our gemstone jewelry or have a closer look at these birthstones, their origin, history, myths, and place in contemporary jewelry. LEIBISH 19.19 carat, Blue, Sri Lankan Spinel, Cushion Shape   Origin: Where do Sardonyx, Spinel, and Peridot come from? Peridot Peridot is formed far below the Earth’s surface, and similar to diamonds, is brought up by volcanic eruptions. The majority of peridot stones come from Arizona, although there is a significant supply that comes from China, Pakistan, and Myanmar.  Spinel Spinel is found in various regions around the world, with notable deposits in countries such as Myanmar (formerly Burma), Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Madagascar. Each location may yield spinel of different colors and qualities due to variations in the geological conditions during its formation. Sardonyx Sardonyx comes from India, but can also be found in Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, and Germany.  Exploring the Historical Journey of Sardonyx, Spinel, and Peridot Gemstones History of Sardonyx Sardonyx goes as far back as the ancient Greeks and Roman, who used the stone during battle, believing it would bring them courage, protection, and victory. Soldiers often wore engraved sardonyx talismans or amulets as a form of protection against their enemies. Sardonyx boasts a history dating back to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. This banded variety of chalcedony, characterized by its alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony) and onyx (black), held great significance for these cultures. History of Spinel Spinel has been traded and treasured for thousands of years, with some of the earliest known spinel artifacts dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These cultures prized spinel for its captivating colors and believed it possessed mystical properties. Throughout history, spinel has been associated with royalty and nobility. It adorned the crowns, jewelry, and regalia of monarchs and rulers. Famous historical spinels, such as the Black Prince's Ruby and the Timur Ruby, are testament to its royal connections. LEIBISH Oval Spinel Solitaire Pendant   History of Peridot Peridot's history dates back thousands of years, with its earliest known use tracing back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun" and believed it had protective powers against evil spirits. Peridot was often mined on the Egyptian island of Zabargad.  Peridot has been worn for centuries and has been used to protect and heal. It was associated with the sun and was thought to bring warmth, energy, and vitality to its wearer.  Mythical Insights: Unveiling Sardonyx, Spinel, and Peridot Mythical Sardonyx The myth of the sardonyx is that it stands for courage and victory. Exploring the Mystique of Spinel Spinel's association with royalty and nobility throughout history adds to its mystique, symbolizing wealth, power, and prestige. Peridot's Mythical Journey Through Time It is believed that a Peridot has magical powers and has the ability to heal and to protect one from nightmares. It is also believed that those who wear peridot stones will be provided with power and influence. August Birthstone Color The Color of Sardonyx The reddish brown color of a Sardonyx embodies both comfort and power, naturally reflecting what color Sardonyx is. Sardonyx Gemstone The Color of Spinel If you're wondering what does Spinel look like, picture a gemstone with a spectrum of captivating colors, from intense reds to deep blues and vibrant pinks, each radiating its own unique brilliance and charm. LEIBISH 4.52 carat, Red, Spinel, Oval Shape, No evidence of heat enhancement, GIA   The Color of Peridot It is said that the olive green color of a Peridot helps to reduce anger and heal stress. So, when you ask 'what color is peridot,' think of that soothing, protective green. Peridot Gemstone Peridot & Sardonyx Gemstone Jewelry: Both the peridot and the sardonyx make lovely jewelry although their effects are very different. The crystal look of the peridot gives off a more elegant vibe while the matte sardonyx has more of an earthy and rustic feel to it. The vast difference between the two stones provides a wide range of jewelry options for those searching for August birthstone jewelry. Other stones such as diamonds and tanzanite stones can be terrific additions to these gems, especially to the peridot. Though the peridot and sardonyx are not as popular as other birthstones such as diamonds, pearls, emeralds, rubies, and even amethysts and tanzanite gems, they are beautiful stones that are delightful to incorporate in birthstone jewelry. These stones may look similar to other gemstone such as emeralds and colored diamonds, but there are qualities that are exclusive to peridot and sardonyx stones, which make them unique and extraordinary stones. LEIBISH Emerald-cut Green Peridot & Diamond Drop Earrings

The whole idea of birthstones takes jewelry collecting to another level altogether. Did you know that the concept of birthstones is indeed an ancient one with a fascinating history? May historians believe that the tradition of birthstones had its origin in antiquity beginning with the 12 tribes of Israel. At the time the customs was to establish a priest’s sacred adornment as part of his holy garments. Paramount to these accessories was a bejeweled item called the breastplate of Aaron. On this complex adornment were 12 distinct gemstones, each one representing one of the tribes of Israel.The idea of a specific gemstone to be identified with a group evolved into a specific stone for each month of the year, similar to the 12 gemstones that were arrayed on the breastplate of Aaron. Viewed altogether, the modern day birthstones are a gorgeous display of lavish stones to match each month of the year. And fortunately, each month has adapted to bearing more than one stone for each month of the year. Now, that’s nice isn’t it? Variety always helps us decide what we really want. Looking for a June birthstone is easy because there are 3 options to choose from. June birthstones Meaning Is a June birthstone on your shopping list? No matter what month you were born in, you can always take pride in the fact that you have special gems that were carefully thought out to become your month’s unique birthstone. That’s real personalization isn’t it? But we like to think that those born in the month of June are extra special. Since jewelry is always a personal matter, you are probably wondering what is the June birthstone color? This is the easy part! The birthstone options chosen for June babies are gorgeous and quite different from one another. That means—you will never be at a loss to acquire something very personalized and meaningful as a piece of jewelry. Let’s dig a little deeper and discover exactly what we’re talking about. If you’re new to the search, you may wonder just what are the birthstones for June? Jewelry collectors frequently shop for jewelry that fits their June birthstone. Although June has three birthstones, the pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite, it is the latter that is mostly recognized as June’s true birthstone. Still many of us expect a pearl birthstone for June babies. So have you ever wondered why June has 3 birthstones?   All Birthstones for June Fortunately for birthstone jewelry lovers, with 3 different possibilities, the sky’s the limit as far as personalizing a birthstone choice. And who said you can’t adopt more than one—even three of the June birthstone options on one piece of jewelry. While birthstone rings are always a nice idea, we think using pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite in combination on a pendant would be a lovely and unique way to celebrate a June birthday. The result would be a birthstone pendant like no one else has and make a brilliant story telling piece. June birthstone collectors were dazzled when Alexandrite became identified as the June birthstone. It’s rarity and alluring color change capability makes this stone unique among the colored gemstone community. When this stone was first discovered, it is said that it was found in the Ural mountains of Russia on Czar Alexander’s birthday—hence the name. This magnificent stone seemed doomed to extinction when the mines in the remote Russian Ural mountains became depleted of their alexandrite stones. But later on thankfully, places like Brazil began producing Alexandrite and when these various deposits became commercially viable, collectors were thrilled. Alexandrite birthstone replaced the pearl as birthstone when it was believed that alexandrite was more abundant than pearls. Today that is no longer the case for the June birthstone.  High quality alexandrite is costly, extremely rare, and highly sought after. It’s a birthstone color that’s hard to pass by. The greenish blue stone is known to change colors in different lighting—from daylight to incandescent light, going from green to red or purple.  Most Alexandrite stones are to 5-carats in weight, with larger stones being extremely hard to come by.  Since this month’s birthstone—the Alexandrite birthstone can be difficult to obtain, consider some of the birthstone options such as pearls or moonstones, or even combining alexandrite with other gems when designing a piece of birthstone jewelry. For those with birthdays in June, you have three beautiful June birthstones to choose from; pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. Each stone comes in a variety of hues and price points, so those born in June can choose a stone which suits their taste and budget.  All Birthstones for June   What are the origins of the June birthstones? Let’s go over all the birthstones for June. Pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite all have individual origins, attributes, and symbolism. With such diverse gemstones for the June birthday folks, everyone can personalize their birthstone jewelry and have exactly what suits them. Let’s look at the individual options for June birthstones—and take your time. You may want to put some good thought into deciding which stone—or stones—reflect your taste and individuality.   Pearl June's birthstone Pearls, the original traditional June birthstone, are distinct from other gemstones including their fellow June birthstones.  For starters, pearls are organic gems harvested from deep waters via the humble mollusk. Pearls are harvested from both deep saltwater and freshwater sources. Pearl birthstone is an intriguing consideration. We think pearls offer some of the most contemporary options for the savvy jewelry collector. While at one time, the word pearl brought to mind a dainty demure strand of pearls that an auntie would wear—now the range of pearl jewelry is widely expanded. Today you’ll be pleased to know that pearls are produced in such a range of shapes that they have become a very fashion forward organic gemstone used by the major couture design houses. Beside the round pearl, there are mabé—or pearls with a flat back. These are ideal for brooches, bracelets, and earrings besides placement in rings. There are flat disc-like pearls and best of all, large free form shape pearls that lend themselves to placement in trendy imaginative jewelry. Found in several colors including white, cream, pink, and black, pearls also come in a range of sizes. Pearl Birthstones  A pearl is formed when an irritant such as a parasite or a grain of sand makes its way into the flesh of an oyster, clam, or mussel. Then nacre, a protective substance, forms over the irritant. Over time, layers and layers of nacre accumulate and a lustrous pearl is formed.  Pearls are considered timeless, classic jewels that never go out of style. Every jewelry box should contain at least one piece of pearl jewelry whether it is a simple strand of pearls, pearl studs, or a pearl bracelet.  Tiny orange diamond side stones, make a lovely combination for a traditional pair of pearl earrings. LEIBISH 0.74 carat, Fancy Vivid Orange Diamond, Oval Shape, SI2 Clarity, GIA   Versatility of Pearl Birthstones Pearls are seen on masculine jewelry too! Especially the strong looking South Seas black pearls—those are frequently paired with leather straps to make a powerful men’s bracelet or necklace. The sky’s the limit with pearls—the only limit is one’s imagination when it comes to enjoying this exciting natural gem. One of the special attributes of pearls is their ancient origins. Look in museum paintings of famous ancient rulers or wealthy aristocrats. Many times they will be painted wearing pearls as a potent symbol of their wealth, power, and refinement. Thos are all traits we’d still like associated with us today. A pearl birthstone conveys these very specific characteristics –all without us ever having to say a word. And as old as pearls are, they carry with them a timeless allure that never fades. So the pearls you collect today are relevant, stylish and exhibit your fashion sense. Fortunately with the abundance of sophisticated pearl farming techniques today—the varieties of pearls are almost endless. One could actually build an important collection of pearl jewelry but never wear the same thing twice. The modern use of pearls today by innovative designers means pearl lovers can find anything their heart dreams up to enjoy pearls of every color and shape in stylish settings that make the wearer a bonafide taste-maker. Moonstone Birthstone Moonstone birthstone, even its name is dreamy, isn’t it? It conjures up sentiments of wishful thinking and imaginative ‘other worldly’ experiences. We love the moon—and of course we love moonstone. Collectors may be new to this stone, but in reality, moonstone was found centuries ago. We know this because ancient Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder described moonstone’s shimmery appearance in relation to the phases of the moon. This stone’s hypnotic adularescence—or milky glow with glints of rainbow hues makes the stone seem like moonlight floating on the water, some say. Unusual Coloration of Moonstone If you were to take a closer inspection of this mysterious stone by looking through a microscope, you’d discover microscopic layers of feldspar that cause light to scatter across the face of the stone, causing that iconic billowing adularescence we’ve come to love. Experts say this range of colors of the rainbow found in moonstone impacts its price. Stones with more prominent appearances of blue are seen as more valuable since they are found less often than examples with pink, orange, peach and yellow visible on the stone. Named for its resemblance to the glow of the moon, moonstone is a type of feldspar which varies in color from translucent, to bluish-white, to a peach tone. Before the moonstone birthstone became associated with June, it was once considered a sacred stone that provided its wearer with a great sense of understanding. Some even believed it could make them invisible. Moonstones Birthstones   The translucency of a moonstone birthstone makes it an interesting gem to wear against the skin. The lighter moonstones allow light to pass through the stones, and these gems can almost take on the skin tones and blend in with the wearer’s own complexion. This stone could be said to easily become one with its wearer. Did you know some moonstones exhibit a star or cat’s eye effect? There are so many variations of this stunning gemstone that you are sure to find one that exactly fits you perfectly. Caring for Moonstone With a Mohs ranking of 6 on the hardness scale, it tells us to exhibit care in wearing the stone to keep its sheen in perfect condition. If you are an extremely active person, using your hands for work or sports a lot, consider having your moonstone set into earrings or a pendant—where there is little chance in it falling victim to rough usage. Moonstone has had a long list of fans for as long as the gemstone was around. It does cause one to become mesmerized by its unusual seemingly glowing presence. You are caught up in its allure—its ability to make you look inside the stone to see all the nuanced hues that glisten back to the viewer. Wearing moonstone can be discovered as one of the most versatile gemstones a person will ever own. With so many tones that seem to shine forth from inside the stone—collectors are happy to see that the stone seems to take on the hues of whatever the person is wearing. For male or female, the mysterious moonstone makes a personal statement and is a conversation starter for sure. These radiant stones are found in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil, and the United States.  Since the stone comes in so many variations, there are endless combinations possible.  If the stone is almost white or translucent, it would pair nicely with pearls, or white diamonds.  The darker toned moonstones would contrast nicely with pearls, white diamonds, and even colored diamonds. Did you ever think your June birthstone could be so alluring? LEIBISH 6.68 carat, Gray, Moonstone, Oval Shape Alexandrite June's birthstone Considered as the contemporary June birthstone, alexandrite is produced in an array of shades and makes a stunning piece of jewelry.  Since these stone is so rare, they could be paired with other gems like diamonds, amethysts, or emeralds. Depending on its colors, complementary side stones can be chosen. If it is a birthday present, a pendant necklace displaying an alexandrite stone surrounded by diamonds could be quite desirable. Alexandrite June's Birthstone   It took some time for them to understand the color change phenomenon of course. It’s only apparent by carefully studying the stone under different light sources---mainly outdoor daylight and then under incandescent indoor lighting. At the time of its discovery, Russia was using actual candlelight for nighttime indoor illumination! Contrasted to other popular colored gems, alexandrite is considered a relatively modern jewel. It was discovered serendipitously when miners were working the Russian emerald mines of the remote Ural mountains. Color Changing Alexandrite What a shock and delight to discover not only a new gemstone material (it’s chrysoberyl) but one that changes color too. That unexpected thrill brought an exciting new gem to the world of collectors. Even today, its color change properties dazzle the most jaded jewelry lover. But the extraordinary fine quality of Russian alexandrite set the bar quite high for any alexandrite produced elsewhere—something that didn’t happen for years to come. All collectors want to know the hardness of the gems they love, and alexandrite is no different. This beautiful stone ranks a solid 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it quite durable and well suited to take a remarkable polish. This stone will look new for years to come, even with regular wearing of it. It’s only slightly less hard than sapphire, but more durable than garnet, another popular gemstones that can change color too. An alexandrite stone can also be used as the main or secondary stone for an engagement ring. The greater the color change in the alexandrite, the more it is worth. Known as “an emerald by day and a ruby by night”, alexandrite deposits are located in Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Madagascar, Brazil, and Burma.   LEIBISH Alexandrite Color Changing What makes Alexandrite rare, and why is it considered the true birthstone for June? Because the colors and their color change alternate colors may be different when found in different parts of the world, knowledgeable professionals may often be able to identify where exactly the stone was found by its color combination. That is because the geology of where the stones are found often determine what gemstones look like. Unlike the classic Russian Alexandrite which goes from green to red under different lighting, you’ll soon easily recognize alexandrite from Brazil as its own unique variety. Stones from these South American deposits look teal or deep bluish-green in daylight. But under incandescent lighting the stones shift to a deep rich purple. Both sources of alexandrite produce exquisite colors and delightful shifts in hues. The more completely the color change is shown, the more valuable the stone. It has become a true birthstone for June with countless fans. A Sentimental Choice - June Birthstones Consider all birthstones for June as a possibility. Whether you opt for an alexandrite, as rare and as costly as it may be, or you go with the other June birthstone options, choosing a gift containing the recipient’s birthstone can be a touching tribute. Any June birthstone jewelry item is a gift that will be cherished forever.  Thinking of buying an important gift for someone special? Thoughtful gift giving includes caring enough to discover the recipient’s birthstone for an extra special gift of love.  You’ll discover a birthstone can be a sentimental gift that becomes more important to the recipient with each passing year. LEIBISH Oval Alexandrite and Diamond Double Halo Pendant   Or are you contemplating getting a special piece for yourself to commemorate a personal milestone? That’s terrific. But did you know self-purchasing “just because” is equally as worthy. We soon learn in life how quickly the days fly by so it’s up to us to make each day a celebration and acknowledge how fleeting and precious each day really is. How do you get it right, you’re wondering? There are a few things that come to mind. First of all pay close attention to what they like. They may have said something in conversation about what they really love—or even pointed out a piece of jewelry they admire when out shopping or watching TV. But—you can always ask! That way you are sure that you’re on the right track. People like to know others are interested in their viewpoints, so why not casually ask if they ever had the chance to get a birthstone—which of the 3, pearl, moonstone, or alexandrite would they most likely wear all the time? Meaningful June Birthstone Gifts When you get to the place to consider a special gift—make sure you put some careful thought into it. The more you know the taste and preferences of the recipient (even you!) the more likely you are to buy that gift that will grow in heartfelt value as the years go by. Giving a piece of birthstone jewelry that was carefully thought out allows the recipient to become attached to it right away. And did you know that you can tell the recipient so much about your genuine heartfelt sentiments when you take your time to carefully select not only something you’ve learned they will appreciate but when it’s their birthstone too—you’ve given a gift that will be cherished for their entire life. So much sentiment without ever saying a word. Yes, knowing what the recipient appreciates, especially when it’s a piece of jewelry that he or she would never treat themselves with will warm their heart forever. All jewelry whether a self-purchase or given as a gift has an element of meaning to it, birthstone jewelry will always be considered some of the most personalized and meaningful items that one can have. You may not have many friends who share your birth month with you, so you’ll be eager to share with them the details of your own birthstone. However, any June birthstone selected needs to be suitable for its recipient. Pairing it with an appropriate jewel can capture the gift giver’s sentiment and be cherished at the same time.

Individuals in the market for a gemstone often ask themselves, ‘What gemstone best represents me?’ Gemstones, whether precious or semi-precious, are hard not to love; but what makes a person choose one stone over another? From shiny to matte; colorless and bold-colored; durable and more delicate. However, there’s more to a gemstone than meets the eye. Each gem possesses attributes that can reflect one’s qualities. So, what is your gemstone? By taking a look at the following gemstone-meaning chart, you will be able to answer this pressing question.   Amethyst (February Birthstone): Amethysts are semi-precious gemstones with a noteworthy purple coloring. They are a variety of quartz, and rank 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Because these stones are found in abundance, primarily in South America and Africa, they are more affordable than other gemstones. Those attracted to this royal color are often people in search of calmness and serenity, which amethysts provide.  Explore Amethyst LEIBISH Amethyst & Diamond Oval Drop Earrings (17.87Ct TW) LEIBISH Amethyst briolette, Iolite and Diamond Pendant (16.83Ct TW)   Diamond (April Birthstone): The diamond is the most popular and loved gemstone among all precious and semi-precious stones. This is not only because the diamond is the sturdiest substance known to man and exudes the highest level of brilliance, but also because it represents some of the most coveted qualities in human beings. These include strength, fortitude, creativity, courage, power, abundance, among others. Are you a traditional and quality type of person? Do you like to stand out, even just a little bit? Is only the best good enough for you? Are you strong and determined? If you answered yes to just one of these questions, there’s a good chance a diamond will make it into your life. There’s a reason why a diamond is a girl’s best friend: it has so much to offer and can relate to many different types of people. Explore Diamond   LEIBISH Natural Fancy Black Diamond Filigree Halo Drop Earrings (4.89Ct TW)   Emerald (May Birthstone): The much-adored green precious gemstone, the emerald, stands for security, kindness, love, beauty, and wisdom. It ranks 7-8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. There are different gemstone personality meanings, but those specific to emeralds translates into people who may or may not hide behind a mask and in the end are truly kind-hearted individuals.  Explore Emerald LEIBISH Oval Emerald & Pave Diamond Bombe Ring (3.78Ct TW)   LEIBISH Extraordinary Emerald and Diamond Drop Necklace (96.91Ct TW)   Ruby (July Birthstone): Rubies and sapphires are essentially the same stone, just different colors. Only the red variety received its very own category because its properties are so strong and important. Rubies represent boldness, confidence, and the ability to absorb attention. They rank 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness and exude a rich red color. If you have a ruby personality, you are most likely passionate, intense, and full of life.  Explore Ruby LEIBISH Pigeon Blood Ruby & Diamond Floral Halo Earrings (2.72Ct TW)      Sapphire (September Birthstone): The sapphire, another precious gemstone, is mainly known for its blue variety, although it appears in many other colors as well including pink, green, yellow, orange, purple, and black. Sapphires are fairly durable stones, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, and are therefore sought after for their sturdiness as well as their distinct royal color. If you are attracted to this rich stone, you are probably serene and a seeker of truth. Sapphires represent faith, hope, and blessings.  Explore Sapphire LEIBISH Pear Sapphire and Diamond Couture Necklace (46.15Ct TW) LEIBISH Heated Oval Sapphire and Diamond "Diana" Halo Ring (1.97Ct TW)   Citrine (November Birthstone) The citrine is a semi-precious gemstone, also from the quartz family. You can take the gems personality test for the citrine by deciding whether  you are square and traditional or are a free spirit and out-of-the-box. If you lean more toward the latter, there is a chance that the citrine gemstone could be your gemstone personality.  This is because those with bubbly, creative personalities and a craving for life often seek after citrine stones. An alternative to citrine, at least in terms of color, can be the yellow diamond, which (depending on the color intensity)  can be fairly affordable compared to colorless diamonds. Explore Citrine LEIBISH Oval Orange Citrine Solitaire Ring (3.41Ct)   So What Does Your Gemstone Say About You? After having read through the various gemstone personality meanings, there is surely at least one stone you can connect with on some level. This gemstone personality test is by no means the only indicator of which stone is for you or what the gemstones that you have to say about you, but it is still a window into a world of mystery, otherwise known as the worlds of gemstones. The gemstone market has been around since the dawn of time, but before they were used as ornaments, they were recognized as the sources of healing powers, protection, and other abilities. For this reason alone one should come to see his or her choice of the gemstone as not just personal taste, but rather, a true reflection of the stone’s innate qualities and how they can bring out the best into your life.  

The concept of birthstones is familiar to many, including those who do not necessarily consider themselves particularly knowledgeable in the realm of gemstones. However, even those who know each month’s birthstones backwards and forwards may not be fully aware of the meaning behind birthstones, where they come from, how they were selected for each month, and which birthstones are the rarest. Check out our collection of gemstones. Here is a compilation of the various birthstones that will direct you to your assigned stone and help you learn a bit about it.   The Meaning Behind Birthstones It is widely believed that each month, or every specific time of each year, has an effect on the people born during that period. Additionally, many cultures have felt that certain gemstones held various powers, and were therefore used for healing purposes, protection, and for renewing energy. That is why the meaning of each and every birthstone can be particularly significant. From January’s garnet, which symbolizes friendship and trust to April’s diamonds, which are associated with love, to September’s sapphires, which are all about trust and loyalty, each birthstone has its own significance as well as energy. LEIBISH Emerald Rings   Birthstone Calendar January February March April Garnet Amethyst Aquamarine Diamond May June July August Emerald Pearl Ruby Peridot September October November December Sapphire Opal Topaz Turquoise   Where Birthstones Come From The idea behind birthstones can be traced all the way back to biblical times when the High Priest wore a breastplate displaying twelve gemstones across four rows. Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes. Later on, twelve gemstones were associated with the twelve apostles. It was since then that gemstones were connected to zodiac signs and birth months, but it was much later on, however, in 15th or 16th century Poland, when birthstones were first worn. Finally, in 1912, the Jewelers of America put together an official list of birthstones, mainly selecting stones that were commercially available as opposed to most suitable from a sign perspective. Each of these stones, which include garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, diamond, emerald, alexandrite, ruby, peridot, sapphire, opal, topaz, and zircon, are mined in different parts of the world in varying quantities. Garnets are discovered all across the globe, but especially in Africa, Asia, South America, and in the United States. Most amethysts are mined in Zambia but are also found in several locations in South America including Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina as well as in Asia, the United States, and Canada. The majority of aquamarine stones come from Brazil, while the biggest producer for diamonds is Russia but is closely followed by Africa, India, and Australia. Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia are the main contributors for emeralds, whereas alexandrite has been found in Russia, Sri Lanka, and Brazil. Rubies are mined all across the planet, as are peridots. Sapphires on the other hand are only mined in a few locations worldwide. These include Kashmir, Burma, and Sri Lanka. Australia puts itself on the map for being the main source for opals while topaz is mined in many countries spanning six continents. Zircon comes from Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar) and can sometimes be found in Canada.   How Gemstones are Selected as Birthstones The modern birthstone list, as we know it, was influenced by a couple of factors. Zodiac signs impacted the development of the concept of birthstones and the practical realities related to the trade of gemstones are basically what finalized the designated birthstones. Therefore, birthstones were somewhat arbitrarily chosen for each month based on the overall availability, accessibility, and cost of the stones at the start of the 20th century. However, the initial representation of the stones based on the zodiac stones had a strong impact as well, and can be seen in months like January, which has the element of air, symbolized by the garnet. Similarly, February with its water element has the suitable amethyst as its birthstone. Of course the zodiac signs overlap months whereas birth months do not. That is why this aspect of the inspiration for birthstone selection is only just partial.   The Rarest Birthstones While some birthstones are easier to come by than others, all gemstones, especially precious gemstones, are considered quite rare. However, the price tags can be misleading in terms of rarity as some really expensive stones are not so rare and vice versa. For example, April’s diamond, though pricey, is less rare than rubies, emeralds, and alexandrite. While on the topic of alexandrite, this is currently the rarest gemstone on the birthstone list and can come at quite a cost. Black opals are also incredibly rare. Birthstones offer an interesting way of choosing jewelry. They allow individuals to explore gemstones they may otherwise steer clear of. At the same time, birthstones are not necessarily what people think they are, so when choosing birthstone jewelry, ensure you are purchasing it for the correct reasons.   Birthstones By Color Every month of the year has a birthstone. But what are those stones and in which colors do they appear? From Garnet, January’s birthstone to Zircon, December’s birthstone, let us take a look at the year’s stunning stones and their beautiful hues. LEIBISH Gemstones and Diamond Halo Drop Earrings (8.27Ct TW) In order to make sense of birthstones, color-wise, we will divide them by color. We will focus on the primary color of the months’ main birthstones.   Red/Pink Luckily, the first month of the year, January, has a birthstone that fits into this category so we can start with some sort of order. The garnet is a dark red gemstone that is often mistaken for a ruby. Though they are both pleasant to look at, are both red, and can appear similar, garnets are far less expensive than rubies but are also less durable and are overall not as red. July’s birthstone is the ruby. Rubies belong to the mineral family of corundum and rank 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness right after diamonds. They are one of the four precious gemstones along with diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires. Rubies are essentially the red variety of a sapphire. Sapphires that are not considered red enough are known as pink sapphires. Spinel is the additional birthstone for August. The main birthstone is peridot. Red spinel is the most desired color for spinel and is a cheaper alternative to rubies. It can also be pink. Tourmaline is the second birthstone for October and is found in a range of colors including a breathtaking pink. LEIBISH 2.49 carat unheated pear shaped ruby and diamond halo ring   Yellow/Orange November’s main birthstone is topaz, which is yellow. Its other stone is citrine, which is also yellow.   LEIBISH oval citrine set, including a gorgeous ring, pendant and earrings   Green You don’t get much greener than the green of an emerald, which is May’s delightful birthstone. Emeralds are one of the four precious gemstones and rank 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Other green stones include peridot, which is August’s main birthstone. Peridot actually only appears in green, and it’s more of an olive green. LEIBISH Vivid Blue Sapphire Pendant and Green Tourmaline and Diamond Drop Earrings   Blue Blue is the most common color for birthstones. Three main birthstones are known for their blue colors, while one additional main birthstone known for another color can also be found in blue, and additional birthstones are blue as well. Let’s begin with aquamarine, the birthstone for March. This calming stone displays a very refreshing shade of blue. It sometimes can have a combination of green and blue. September’s birthstone is the sapphire. Sapphires are mainly known for their deep blue variety but sapphires actually appear in a rainbow of colors. For our intents and purposes we will focus on the blue sapphire. Sapphires are another one of the four precious gemstones and are priced accordingly. As mentioned earlier, they are the sister stone to the ruby and also rank 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness right after the diamond. Zircon is the main birthstone for December in the United States. It is known for its colorless variety but it also appears in blue as well as other colors. Tanzanite and turquoise, also blue stones, are the secondary birthstones for this month and are the only birthstones for December in the UK. Alexandrite is one of June’s two gemstones and can be found with a blue hue but is mostly known for its color-changing abilities. The other stone for this month is the pearl. LEIBISH 1.21 carat Blue Sapphire Men's Ring   Purple The gemstone known for its purple color is the amethyst of course. This stone belongs to February. Other gemstones that may display a purple color are fancy color diamonds, sapphires, spinel, and tourmaline. Amethysts are part of the quartz family. They rank 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. LEIBISH Sapphire & Diamond Halo Earrings   Colorless/White April’s birthstone is the most popular colorless/white stone on the planet, the diamond. Many people are unaware that diamonds are actually found in other colors as well. These are known as fancy color diamonds. Diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness and are the hardest substance known to man. One of June’s birthstones is the pearl, which has a creamy opaque white color. Lastly, October’s famous birthstone, the opal, has a whitish appearance but often has a blue overtone and can contain a variety of colors as well. Additional birthstones have colorless varieties such as sapphires and emeralds. Just to review, here is a list of all the birthstones and their colors: January: Garnet - Red February: Amethyst – Purple March: Aquamarine – Blue April: Diamond – Colorless May: Emerald – Green June: Pearl – Cream July: Ruby – Red August: Peridot – Green September: Sapphire – Blue October: Opal – Whitish base, exhibits different colors November: Topaz – Yellow, Citrine – Yellow December: Zircon – Colorless/Blue, Turquoise – Blue, Tanzanite – Blue (and other colors) Take a look at our collection gemstone jewelry and let us know which ones you like best!