Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with a particular month of the year. They’re often worn as jewellery and are thought to bring good luck or have other special properties. There is no scientific basis for these believes.
The idea of birthstones dates back centuries, with roots in various cultures and traditions. Some link them to the 12 stones in the breastplate of Aaron from the Bible, while others connect them to astrology and ancient civilisations.
There are both modern and traditional lists of birthstones, with some variations depending on the source. The modern list was standardised in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers in the US. Additionally, each birthstone is often associated with certain qualities or meanings. For example, January’s garnet symbolises passion and loyalty, while April’s diamond represents strength and purity.
Not on the High Street, an internet shop, noticed that there are over 20 million TikTok posts on ‘birthstone charts’, and they sell them as jewellery, so got Inbaal Honigman to explore lesser-known meanings and more profound insight for each stone.
Inbaal offers tarot and psychic readings, attracting high-profile clients and brands like Not on the High Street. Interestingly, this psychic partnership comes up with a suggestion for protection and defence this Halloween.
January Birthstone Garnet: Ideal for Travel and Protection
Known for its energising and stimulating qualities, Garnet is a favourite with January borns. But did you know that Garnet was also used as a protection talisman for travellers and explorers? Legend has it that a large Garnet was used to illuminate Noah’s Ark and keep it safe, so the stone has become a popular gift for those travelling far from home.”
Amethyst: The Festive Gem for February Birthdays
Famous for its qualities of aiding sleep and enhancing intuition, Amethyst is the birthstone for February. Its unusual name, Amethyst, means non-toxic in Ancient Greek. It was believed to prevent drunkenness, and therefore used to be placed in drinking vessels or worn on the body, to help the drinker remain cool-headed and sharp.”
March Birthstone Aquamarine: The Gem of the Sea and Safe Travels
Renowned for its cooling properties, March birthstone Aquamarine is believed to help heal respiratory conditions. Not many know that Greek and Roman sailors believed that Aquamarine could protect them from seasickness and storms. The stone was believed to be associated with the sea due to its colour, and as a last resort against shipwreck, sailors would throw Aquamarine overboard to appease the Sea Gods.”
Diamonds: April’s Birthstone and the Ultimate Love Crystal
Seen as a symbol of clarity and strength, April’s birthstone Diamond is also known as the love crystal. Interestingly, in Hinduism, diamonds are associated with the planet Venus, which is the planet of love and beauty. Even though the first diamond engagement ring wasn’t recorded until 1477, the Venusian link to the diamond means that it was seen as ‘the love stone’ for centuries before then.”
May’s Emerald: The Birthstone of Prosperity and Luxurious Dining Experiences
Known for its balancing qualities, Emerald is a favourite with May borns. But, did you know that Emerald was seen as an antidote to poison in antiquity? Mediaeval servants would test food and drink for poison by dipping an emerald into it before serving it to Royalty.”
Embrace Change with Alexandrite: The Gem for Positive Thinking
Famous for being a lucky stone, June gem Alexandrite is believed to bring positive change. Its unusual quality, of changing colour from “emerald by day” to “ruby by night”, sets it as a stone of duality. In natural light, it showcases a range of greens and blues, sometimes with hints of teal or yellow. Under incandescent light, the gem transforms, revealing shades of red, purple, and even pink.”
Ruby: A Birthstone of Courage with Ancient Ties to Battle
A renowned symbol of passion, July birthstone Ruby is believed to help bring love, passion and romance to the wearer. Not many know that ancient Burmese warriors believed that rubies would make them invincible in battle, and some even inserted them into their skin.”
Peridot: August’s Birthstone Offers Spiritual Protection Year-Round
Seen as a calming stone which helps the wearer make wiser decisions, August birthstone Peridot was known as the gem of the Sun by the ancient Egyptians. Interestingly, Peridots were believed to drive away evil spirits if strung on donkey hair and worn on the left hand.”
As Halloween approaches, peridot’s spiritual protection might make it the perfect choice for those seeking a safeguard against the supernatural.
Sapphire: The Gem of Wisdom and Intuition for September
Known for its help in clearing the mind, September stone Sapphire is known as the stone of wisdom and serenity. But did you know that Sapphire was used by the Ancient Greeks at the famous Oracle of Delphi? Visitors to the Oracle would wear jewellery made from sapphire to help open their “third eye” and commune with the spirits.”
Tourmaline: October’s Birthstone Brings Good Energy to Your Home
Famously dubbed ‘the gemstone of the rainbow’, October gem Tourmaline is believed to break up negative energy. It’s fascinating to note that in Chinese Feng Shui, black tourmaline is associated with creating a shield of energetic protection and helping to increase empathy in its wearer.”
Topaz: The Birthstone of Reconciliation and Forgiveness
Renowned for its soothing qualities, November birthstone Topaz is said to help stabilise the wearer’s emotions and calm the nerves. Not many know that it was first found by the Romans over 2000 ago on the Island of Topazios in the Red Sea. They believed it could protect its wearer from enemies and bring reconciliation.”
Harness Lunar Energy with Moonstone, the Stone of December
Seen as a stone of clarity, December birthstone Blue Topaz is believed to promote emotional balance. Interestingly, during the medieval period, Blue Topaz was said to cool boiling water, become invisible when in contact with poison, and cure a range of ailments including the plague. Its powers were thought to be linked to the moon, therefore waxing and waning according to the lunar phases.”
I mentioned that Not on the High Street sells birthstones as gifts, and you can see their collection online. It’s a large one!
In Pure Spirit
Keeping safe this Halloween likely means not taking risks by mixing drinks and strangers, staying in well-lit areas and keeping your door on the chain if trick-or-treaters visit you.
If a birthstone gives you an extra sense of security, though, what’s the harm?
Some people calling themselves physics will share their insight entirely for free, but no one is obliged to surrender their time in the first place.
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