Ruby…

July’s birthstone is one of the most coveted of gems. Derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red” – the color of love and passion. Few things catch the eye like the ruby birthstone. The finest color is a deep red with a hint of purple, commonly called “pigeon’s blood”, nice huh?!

A variety of the mineral corundum, ruby gets its color from trace amounts of the element chromium. So, more chromium equals a stronger red.

Moonstone…

is the best-known gem of the feldspar group of minerals. It is renowned for its adularescence, the light that appears to billow across a gemstone, giving it a special glow. The finest moonstones show a blue sheen against a colorless background. Associated with both the Roman and Greek lunar deities. Hindu mythology claims this June birthstone it is made of solidified moonbeams. Moonstone is often associated with love, passion and fertility; it is believed to bring great luck.

Emerald…

is the birthstone for May, beloved for millennia, evoking rebirth and renewal. Regarded as the very definition of green, emerald is the perfect color for late spring. Emerald has captured hearts and minds throughout the ages. The rich green color suggests soothing and lush gardens. Legend suggests that emerald has the power to make its wearer more intelligent and quick-witted, and it was believed to cure diseases like cholera and malaria. It's the gemstone given for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.

Diamond is one of the world’s...

most sought-after and adored gemstones. A symbol of clarity and strength, those born in April are lucky enough to call this their birthstone. Diamond’s name comes from the Greek word "adamas," which means “invincible” or “unbreakable.” Cherished long before it became the April birthstone the places where diamond comes from are as fascinating as the lore that surrounds it.

Aquamarine is one of...

March’s two birthstones, both share a similar reputation for protecting one’s well-being, but aquamarine evokes the colors of the sea; from deep green-blue to light, slightly greenish blue hues, faceted aquamarines are often free from inclusions and as clear as water, symbolizing purity of spirit and soul.

This purple variety of quartz has captivated…

mankind for millennia. Amethyst’s lilac to deep purple hues can be cut into all sorts of shapes and sizes, and is also manufactured in a lab as well as mined. It’s found in the collections of royal families throughout Europe and Asia, but now it’s within reach of most consumers. Consider buying a stunning amethyst to treat yourself to a royal present. February’s birthstone can also be a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength.

Garnets are commonly red…

but also come in a range of beautiful colors, orange, yellow, purple and vibrant green. Some even change color from blue to purple in different lighting. Some believe that it has the power to bring the wearer good health, wealth and happiness.

Tanzanite may be a relative newcomer…

to the world of colored stones, but it was one of the most exciting gem discoveries of the 20th century. Blue stones emerging from Tanzania were identified as the mineral zoisite in 1962. Not until 1967, though, did prospectors locate the primary source for this December birthstone: the Merelani Hills. It was eventually named tanzanite in honor of its country of origin. The tanzanite birthstone is often described as “velvety,” mostly because of its deep and saturated color, which ranges from a pure rich blue to violet, with the blue considered most valuable.

Today, it is not only a December birthstone, but it is also the gem for the 24th wedding anniversary.

Tough to choose: Topaz or Citrine?

Those with November birthdays have two beautiful stones to choose from: topaz or citrine. Topaz comes in a rainbow of colors while citrine is prized for its charming yellow and orange hues. Both are known to have calming energies, bringing fortune and warmth to the wearer. Most topaz and citrine birthstones are affordably priced; good-quality gems being not as rare as for many of their counterparts. Your challenge will be deciding which one to pick. We have decided to take a closer look at Topaz for this months post…

Tourmaline is the newest October birthstone…

The name comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which means “stone with mixed colors,” because it often has multiple colors in one crystal. Very few gems match tourmaline’s dazzling array of colors. Perhaps this is why ancient mystics believed it could inspire artistic expression a color palette for every mood.

Jemima loves the peach/copper coloured tones of this stone, it features in our “Stardust” ring shown further down in the article.

September’s birthstone is sapphire…

which comes from the Greek word sappheiros – cherished for thousands of years the name usually refers to the blue variety of corundum (ruby is the red variety). Blue sapphire is one of the most popular colored stones but Jemima loves the fact that this birthstone comes in a rainbow of other colors.

Spinel, which can be found in a variety of colors, gives August babies a host of options when it comes to choosing stone set jewellery aligned to their birth month.

We love spinel for its fantastic vibrant range of colours and toughness, so much so that it’s the centre piece in one of our new Stardust rings. We take a look in more detail at the story of this stone