Birthstones
.
A T E L I E R
July 20, 2023 by Anaïs
Where does the birthstone concept come from?
The birthstone principle dates back to ancient times. At the time, it was believed that these stones had their origins in the 12 stones adorning the breastplate of Aaron, brother of Moses, which referred to the 12 tribes of Israel. As these same stones all had different virtues, whether precious or fine, they were attributed to a sign of the zodiac in the 5th century and to a month of the year in the 18th century.
Wearing one's birthstone is a trend that developed in the 18th century, when gemstone merchants promoted the concept as a way of boosting sales. Wearing one's birthstone not only gave the wearer powers, but also ensured good luck and prosperity.
Where does the birthstone concept come from?
The birthstone principle dates back to ancient times. At the time, it was believed that these stones had their origins in the 12 stones adorning the breastplate of Aaron, brother of Moses, which referred to the 12 tribes of Israel. As these same stones all had different virtues, whether precious or fine, they were attributed to a sign of the zodiac in the 5th century and to a month of the year in the 18th century.
Wearing one's birthstone is a trend that developed in the 18th century, when gemstone merchants promoted the concept as a way of boosting sales. Wearing one's birthstone not only gave the wearer powers, but also ensured good luck and prosperity.
Even today, it's common to wear or offer a creation with one's birthstone or that of the person receiving the gift. Whether it's for a birth, a christening, a birthday or any other occasion, the choice of a piece of jewelry with a birthstone always has a strong symbolic significance due to the virtues attributed to each one.
.
Here's a presentation of the 12 birthstones by month so you can find yours or your loved ones'!
January
Le Grenat
A fine translucent stone known mainly for its bright red color, garnet is the stone attributed to the month of January. It is said to have the following virtues: protection, energy, joy, strength
February
Amethyst
A member of the violet quartz family whose hue is due to the presence of iron, amethyst is the gemstone of February. Its qualities are : Positivity, optimism, creativity, appeasement
March
Aquamarine
From the Latin "Aqua Marina" meaning "sea water", aquamarine is a fine stone known for its translucent light-blue hue. Symbolizing the month of March, it is said to have the following properties: calming, courage, sociability, awakening
January
Le Grenat
A fine translucent stone known mainly for its bright red color, garnet is the stone attributed to the month of January. It is said to have the following virtues: protection, energy, joy, strength
February
Amethyst
A member of the violet quartz family whose hue is due to the presence of iron, amethyst is the gemstone of February. Its qualities are : Positivity, optimism, creativity, appeasement
March
Aquamarine
From the Latin "Aqua Marina" meaning "sea water", aquamarine is a fine stone known for its translucent light-blue hue. Symbolizing the month of March, it is said to have the following properties: calming, courage, sociability, awakening
April
Le Diamant
The first gemstone to appear in the stone calendar, the timeless and eternal diamond is the stone of the month for April! Its virtues include strength, purification, harmony and love.
May
The Emerald
A precious stone known for its "gardens", emerald is the second gemstone dedicated to the month of May. It is said to have the following virtues: Strength, relaxation, concentration, harmony
June
La Perle
A treasure of the ocean, the pearl is a symbol of perfect beauty and purity. Its supposed virtues are as follows: Soothing, well-being, sincerity, fertility
April
Le Diamant
The first gemstone to appear in the stone calendar, the timeless and eternal diamond is the stone of the month for April! Its virtues include strength, purification, harmony and love.
May
The Emerald
A precious stone known for its "gardens", emerald is the second gemstone dedicated to the month of May. It is said to have the following virtues: Strength, relaxation, concentration, harmony
June
La Perle
A treasure of the ocean, the pearl is a symbol of perfect beauty and purity. Its supposed virtues are as follows: Soothing, well-being, sincerity, fertility
July
The Ruby
The third precious stone, ruby is the birthstone of July. Belonging to the corundum family and deriving its color from the presence of chromium in its composition, its supposed virtues are as follows: Joy, energizing, creativity, success
August
Peridot
A silicate from the Olivine family, peridot is a fine, translucent stone with an acid green color. Attributed to the month of August, this stone is said to bestow the following qualities: inner peace, serenity, luck, happiness
September
Le Saphir
Fourth and last, sapphire is a precious stone of the corundum family that can adopt a multitude of colors, with the exception of red. It has many virtues, including : Purification, health, imagination, communication
July
The Ruby
The third precious stone, ruby is the birthstone of July. Belonging to the corundum family and deriving its color from the presence of chromium in its composition, its supposed virtues are as follows: Joy, energizing, creativity, success
August
Peridot
A silicate from the Olivine family, peridot is a fine, translucent stone with an acid green color. Attributed to the month of August, this stone is said to bestow the following qualities: inner peace, serenity, luck, happiness
September
Le Saphir
Fourth and last, sapphire is a precious stone of the corundum family that can adopt a multitude of colors, with the exception of red. It has many virtues, including : Purification, health, imagination, communication
October
Opal & Tourmaline
The month of October features two gems: the first is opal. This fine stone of the silica family is recognized for its fascinating, ever-changing color reflections. The virtues attributed to it are : Protection, strength, dynamism, reflection
The second option is tourmaline. A fine stone whose name means "stone of mixed colors" in Sinhalese, it has a vast palette of colors and many shades. Its virtues are as follows: Protection, self-confidence, harmony, strength
November
Citrine
From pale yellow to orange, citrine is a fine stone that owes its color to the presence of iron oxide in its composition and takes its name from the Latin "citrus", meaning "lemon". It is attributed various qualities, including : Prosperity, abundance, self-esteem, energizing
December
Blue Topaz
A fine stone of the silicate family, blue topaz has a bluish tint that changes from transparent to translucent. Its purported qualities are as follows: Concentration, communication, serenity, inner peace
October
Opal & Tourmaline
The month of October features two gems: the first is opal. This fine stone of the silica family is recognized for its fascinating, ever-changing color reflections. The virtues attributed to it are : Protection, strength, dynamism, reflection
The second option is tourmaline. A fine stone whose name means "stone of mixed colors" in Sinhalese, it has a vast palette of colors and many shades. Its virtues are as follows: Protection, self-confidence, harmony, strength
November
Citrine
From pale yellow to orange, citrine is a fine stone that owes its color to the presence of iron oxide in its composition and takes its name from the Latin "citrus", meaning "lemon". It is attributed various qualities, including : Prosperity, abundance, self-esteem, energizing
December
Blue Topaz
A fine stone of the silicate family, blue topaz has a bluish tint that changes from transparent to translucent. Its purported qualities are as follows: Concentration, communication, serenity, inner peace
Of course, everyone is free to believe in the virtues of stones... However, giving someone's birthstone as a gift is full of good intentions and shows special care. At Salmon, we can work with you to create a tailor-made or personalized gift with meaning. Give your loved one a gift full of intention and symbolism. Don't hesitate to make an appointment to discover the infinite number of creative possibilities!
.
Of course, everyone is free to believe in the virtues of stones... However, giving someone's birthstone as a gift is full of good intentions and shows special care. At Salmon, we can work with you to create a tailor-made or personalized gift with meaning. Give your loved one a gift full of intention and symbolism. Don't hesitate to make an appointment to discover the infinite number of creative possibilities!
.