What are Birthstone Necklaces?
With so many types of jewelry out there, finding a unique and meaningful piece can be challenging. Whether you are shopping for yourself or a loved one, you have probably run into the problem of staring at hundreds of necklaces while shopping. Usually, these necklaces can all start to feel the same. Additionally, there are several types of necklaces to choose from, including name necklaces, initial necklaces, and lockets. Nestled among these options are the iconic birthstone necklaces. But wait - what are birthstone necklaces anyways? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about birthstone necklaces, including finding the perfect one for yourself or your loved one. There’s much to cover, so let’s dive right into it.
What are Birthstone Necklaces?
They are one of the best ways to craft a personalized piece of jewelry, but what are birthstone necklaces, and how did they come to be? Birthstones are a set of 19 gemstones, each representing one of the months of the year. These stones range from standard favorites like diamonds and pearls to unique pieces like tourmaline, citrine, and alexandrite. The first reference to birthstones in recorded history comes from the Bible, where the breastplate of Aaron featured 12 gemstones. The Roman historian Flavius Josephus defined these stones initially, but the specifics of the list have been debated across cultures and centuries. Birthstones are extraordinarily versatile, as they can be used independently or with another necklace style. In fact, some of the best name necklaces also feature birthstones for that extra touch of personalization. Thanks to the wide range of colors and deep meaning behind every stone, birthstones are an excellent addition to any piece of jewelry. Today, you can find birthstones anywhere from the best initial necklaces to birthstone rings. With 19 birthstones and a deep history, it’s time we explore these craft gems in greater detail.
Breaking Down the Different Birthstones on Necklaces
Before you run off to buy birthstone necklaces or birthstone rings for mom or yourself, it’s vital to understand the meaning behind each birthstone. While the list began as 12 gemstones, it has expanded over the years in line with modern standards. Every birthstone means something special and allows you to find amazing-looking jewelry that tells a complete story of the wearer’s personality.
January: Garnet - The Gem of Faith and Constancy
Garnet has been loved for centuries for its beauty and durability. Garnet shares its name with the color, featuring a deep red in most cases, and the gem features multiple subspecies to choose from. The gem symbolizes faith and constancy, thanks to its status as one of the hardest minerals among the birthstones.
February: Amethyst - The Stone of St. Valentine
Purple is the color shade most associated with royalty and luxury, and amethyst is entirely up to the challenge. The legendary St. Valentine was said to own an amethyst ring, making this birthstone one of the most romantic options available. In addition to love, amethyst also represents peace, courage, and inner strength. It is a common choice in spiritual jewelry and can range in color from light lilacs to deep noble purples.
March: Aquamarine - The Gem of the Sea
Aquamarine is the perfect gem to represent the changing of the seasons. This gem shares its name and shade with the color, featuring pale blue or green-blue to create delicate and exquisite designs. Symbolizing the purity of the sea, aquamarine is the perfect birthstone for any nature lovers in your life.
April: Diamond - The Stone of Invincibility
They say that pressure makes diamonds, and that’s precisely the case with April’s birthstone. The rain showers of April give way to a brilliant and durable gemstone that symbolizes strength. While diamonds are common in most types of jewelry, the stone has special meaning for those with April birthdays. You can also find diamonds in various colors, from the popular colorless option to yellow or pink.
May: Emerald - The Gem of Fertility and Rebirth
In the heart of spring, there is no better choice than a green gemstone representing growth, fertility, and rebirth. Emeralds have been honored and prized for millennia for their rarity and beauty. Emeralds range in color from light to dark green, and they are an excellent choice for elegant jewelry that represents new beginnings.
June: Pearl/Alexandrite/Moonstone - The Stone of Purity and Innocence
June is our first triple birthstone month. Both pearls and moonstones have a claim to the month of the summer solstice. Pearls are a timeless option that symbolizes purity and innocence. Moonstones are unique gemstones shrouded in allure, ranging from white to peach colors. The Roman historian Pliny named the stone for its shifting appearances based on the moon's phases. Alexandrite is a newer addition to the list of birthstones, with a vibrant selection of colors that changes from blue-green to purple-red based on the time of day.
July: Ruby - The Gem of Love and Passion
Rubies are the epitome of passion, with their deep red color contributing to a bold aesthetic no matter the jewelry you pair them with. As a sister gem of emeralds, spinels, and sapphires, rubies were named after the Latin word for red; ruber. Rubies also range along the shades of red, and pinkish-red rubies represent one of the most iconic designs, especially when paired with gold jewelry.
August: Peridot/Spinel - The Stone of the Sun
August is home to the most recent addition to the list of birthstones. Peridot is the classic choice for August, as a beautiful light green gemstone that is said to represent the sun. For centuries, Peridot has been believed to bring prosperity and luck to the wearer. Peridot also features olive-green tones perfect for delicate designs. Spinel was recently added as an August birthstone to pair with Peridot. It can range in color from pink to black and is a sister gem of rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.
September: Sapphire - The Gem of Wisdom and Divine Favor
Sapphires are one of the most versatile gems. Historians and gem experts tie it to several months across the millennia, including both Gemini and Taurus zodiac signs. In the Western world, Sapphires have a home as the September birthstone. With beautiful blues in various shades and even some pink variants, sapphires celebrate spirituality and wisdom. In recent years, the stone made waves as the engagement ring of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.
October: Opal/Tourmaline - The Stone of Hope and Creativity
Opal and Tourmaline share the October month, as both stones represent similar values. Opals have a unique mix of colors, ranging from red and orange to blue and green. Tourmaline similarly has an endless amount of color combinations. You can find tourmaline with pink, black, or even green coloring. Both gemstones represent hope and creativity and work wonders with eclectic aesthetics.
November: Topaz/Citrine - The Gems of Healing and Warmth
November has two gemstones that uniquely complement each other. Topaz is a striking stone that symbolizes healing and strength. You can find topaz in yellow or blue tones, and it is one of the most durable birthstones available. Citrine is loved for its feelings of warmth and happiness. Citrine’s cheery yellow color evokes feelings of the sun, bringing life into a cold month.
December: Turquoise/Tanzanite/Zircon - The Stones of Victory and Success
December is at the heart of the holiday season, with three different birthstones. All three represent victory and success, each in a unique way. Turquoise shares its shading with the color, as a rare stone with a beautiful blue-green visage. Tanzanite was discovered in Tanzania for the first time in the 1960s. Its violet hues are unique among birthstones, and it can only be mined in a small area of only seven kilometers wide. Unlike its new counterpart, Zircon is one of the oldest gemstones on Earth. The gem is often confused with cubic zirconia, but one look at the majesty of zircon will clarify things. Zircon can range from colorless to lustrous brown. Overall, all 19 of these birthstones offer unique meanings that allow you to craft a personalized piece of jewelry. From elegant to modern styles, there’s something for everyone on this list. That’s a big reason why birthstone necklaces are so popular, which we’ll discuss more about next.
Why Are Birthstone Necklaces So Popular?
Going into this article, you likely had a couple of questions. What are birthstone necklaces, and why do I keep seeing them so often? We’ve covered everything you need to know about what they are, but we are just getting started on their popularity. From their aesthetic value and iconic colors to their utility as a gift, it’s no surprise millions worldwide love birthstone jewelry.
Personal Expression and Connection to Your Birth Month
Birthstone necklaces are a fantastic way to express your style through a connection to one of your life's most special days: your birthday. Every gemstone has several meanings and characteristics that set it apart from other stones, creating a unique aesthetic for you to show off to the world. Thanks to their many meanings, you aren’t tied to one (or three) birthstones just based on your birth month, either. Birthstones may have separate meanings based on your zodiac sign, like sapphires being an excellent option for Geminis and Tauruses.
Celebration of Loved Ones (Wearing Birthstones of Children, Partner, etc.)
Jewelry offers a special way to cherish your loved ones and always keep them close to your heart. Birthstones can be used to celebrate the birth month of your family and friends. You can include the birthstones of your children, partner, or parents as part of your necklace or ring to represent your connection to them. The ability of birthstones to connect you with loved ones also makes them one of the best gift choices. Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays are all excellent times to gift a unique and personalized piece of jewelry that displays your love and appreciation for your family and friends.
As a Conversation Starter or Fashion Statement
What are birthstone necklaces if not an attention-getting aesthetic wonder? Birthstone necklaces are beautiful and a great conversation starter. They can be a fun way to connect with others who share the same birth month or to share the story behind the gemstone and its associated symbolism. Additionally, birthstones are a fabulous fashion statement thanks to their wide range of colors. You can find a gemstone for nearly any aesthetic, from elegant and timeless stones like diamonds and pearls to eclectic and jaw-dropping options like tanzanite, tourmaline, and moonstone.
The Perfect Gift Idea for That Special Someone
The key to a unique gift that your loved one will cherish forever is to find something that is thoughtful and symbolic. Birthstone necklaces are full of symbolism and a special connection to your loved one, thanks to their intimate connection with the recipient’s birth month. Gifting a birthstone necklace and recounting the details behind the stone’s meaning can help you strengthen your bond with your loved one. You can also include secondary and tertiary birthstones with other meaningful birthstones as part of your necklace to further increase the special meaning. Now that you know why they are so popular, all that is left is to find the correct birthstone for your loved ones!
Tips for Finding the Right One
Finding the right birthstone necklace can be overwhelming, with so many different styles and designs. You’ll need to consider your recipient and their birth month, even if it’s yourself, while ensuring you purchase a high-quality necklace. Additionally, there are a few aesthetic tips and tricks to ensure the necklace looks its best. Let’s explore the options you have available while shopping.
Understanding the Different Styles and Types of Birthstone Necklaces
Necklaces come in a nearly endless amount of styles and materials. There are several attributes to weigh when searching for a necklace with a personal touch.
- Metal: You can find birthstone necklaces made of gold, silver, rose gold, or white gold. It is a good idea to find a metal that compliments the color of your birthstone rather than one that clashes.
- Stone Shape: Birthstones are crafted in several styles, including hearts, ovals, or squares.
- Necklace Shape: Similarly, necklaces are available in many styles. You can find pendant necklaces, bar necklaces, interlocking hearts, name necklaces, and more!
- Engravings: Many birthstone necklaces can be engraved with the names of loved ones to pair with their given gem.
Considering the Wearer's Personal Style and Birth Month
Each style has its own unique look and feel, so it's essential to consider the wearer's style and preferences when choosing a birthstone necklace. Some people may prefer bold, eye-catching styles, while others love timeless designs. Many of these styles correlate directly with the wearer’s birth month. For example, June birthdays may opt for pearls for a classic aesthetic or alexandrite for a modern design.
Evaluating the Quality of Materials and Craftsmanship
When choosing a birthstone necklace, evaluating the quality of the materials and craftsmanship is essential. Look for high-quality materials such as solid gold or sterling silver, and check for any signs of poor craftsmanship, such as loose stones or rough edges. Creating a customized birthstone necklace is also a huge boon when shopping. With so many features, standard mass-market jewelry often does not pass the bar of creating a meaningful piece of jewelry. Thankfully, there’s an excellent option that stands up to the test.
Design Your Perfect Birthstone Necklace at Jewlr Today!
The #1 home for custom birthstone necklaces is right here at Jewlr. With a unique customization process and over 6000 styles, it’s no surprise over 1.5 million customers have trusted us over the years.
Why Shop With Us?
The world of jewelry is a crossroads for many shoppers. There is so much to weigh when finding new pieces, whether shopping for a gift or yourself. You have to sift through a sea of aesthetically pleasing yet impersonal styles, hoping that when you finally find your dream piece, it’s from a high-quality shop. We decided that the run-of-the-mill in the jewelry world wasn’t cutting it. We created Jewlr as a direct manufacturing retailer to help customers design every aspect of their jewelry, from the metal to the shape of their gemstones. We are still revolutionizing the jewelry game 14 years and 1.5 million customers later. We pair every order with compassionate customer service and speedy free shipping to the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
How it Works
Creating a one-in-a-million piece of jewelry was once the domain of nobles and robber barons, but no longer. Thanks to our innovative manufacturing process, you can also join in on the fun. We utilize 3D visualization technology to allow you to preview every aspect of your jewelry from the get-go. You can personalize everything from your metal to the font you engrave your piece with without leaving a product page! You can also reach out to our customer support team at any step during the process, and we are happy to help you design the perfect piece of unique jewelry.
Bringing Our Beginner’s Guide to Birthstone Necklaces to a Close
You are probably ready to go out and get one of your own, but before you go, let’s recap our guide. What are birthstone necklaces? Birthstones have a storied history dating back to the Roman Empire and remain popular. If you want a beautiful and easily personalizable piece, birthstones have you covered. Every gem has a unique meaning and a variety of colors and styles. Whether you are looking for necklaces, birthstone rings, birthstone earrings, or birthstone bracelets, you are in the right place here at Jewlr. Our personalized manufacturing process allows you total control over the design of your jewelry, along with the confidence that you will receive the best quality possible. We also constantly stay on top of the jewelry world, including our blog. Some of our latest guides include what is a birthstone ring, an exploration of birthstone rings costs, and how to wear a name necklace. Otherwise, if you are ready to create a handcrafted piece of tailor-made jewelry with the highest-quality manufacturing, you’re in the right place. Browse our inventory today to begin the simple 3-step process and create the jewelry you’ve been searching for!