Gemstones offer vibrant colors, unique shapes, and create eye-catching pieces of jewelry. From sapphires and rubies to alexandrite and topaz, you can find a colored gemstone for every budget, wardrobe, and personality, exclusively at our Northfield jewelry store.
Colored gemstones are found in every corner of the world, and many have a rich history dating back to ancient times. For example, ancient Greeks believed amethysts could ward off intoxication. And the aquamarine was long thought to have a soothing influence on married couples, making it a good anniversary gift.
Birthstones are a fun, popular and colorful introduction to the world of gemstones. They appeal to audiences around the world regardless of gender, age, nationality or religion. Birthstones are like stories, with attributes and lore that are unique to each gemstone.
Below are the Birthstones, according to the Gemological Institute of America.
January
January: Garnet is one of the most diverse gemstones, as it comes in an extraordinary range of colors. Garnet is mined around the world and symbolizes many different positive emotions. Those born in January are lucky to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. They’re commonly red, but they also come in an extraordinary range of beautiful colors, including orange, yellow, purple, and vibrant green. There are even garnets that change color from blue to purple in different lighting. Some believe the true value of the garnet birthstone is its power to bring the wearer good health, wealth, and happiness.
February
February: Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, and is said to cure drunkenness and make you quick-witted in business. You once had to be rich to own this birthstone, but new finds have made it more affordable. Its lilac to deep purple hues can be cut into many shapes and sizes, and it can be manufactured in a lab as well as mined. Amethyst can be found in the collections of royal families throughout Europe and Asia. Now it’s within reach of most consumers. Consider buying a stunning amethyst for the king or queen of your heart – or treat yourself to a royal present. Wearing amethyst can also be a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength.
March
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone are the two birthstones for March. One evokes blue skies and calming waters, while the other represents health and strength. Aquamarine and Bloodstone are very different when it comes to appearance, but they share a similar reputation for protecting one’s well-being.
- The Aquamarine birthstone 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 the purity of the spirit and soul.
- The Bloodstone birthstone is typically a dark-green cabochon that contains red spots of iron oxide, the “blood” that brings health and strength to the wearer.
April
April: Diamonds are the April birthstones. Diamonds are rich in history and can be found in many unique places. Sparkling with an internal fire all its own, diamond is one of the world’s most sought-after and adored gemstones. Those born in April are lucky enough to call this scintillating gem their birthstone, a symbol of clarity and strength. Diamond is so strong, in fact, that its name comes from the Greek word “Adamas,” which means “invincible” or “unbreakable.” The timeless charm of diamond was cherished long before it became the April birthstone, and the places where diamonds come from are as fascinating as the lore that surrounds it.
May
May: Emerald is the May birthstone – and it’s a perfect choice. Its enchanting greens mirror the splendor of spring. Few places on earth have the geological conditions needed to produce the coveted birthstone. Emerald has been beloved for millennia, evoking rebirth and renewal. Widely regarded as the definition of green, emerald is the perfect color for spring. From the poetic description of Ireland as “the Emerald Isle” to the vibrant green of the famed gemstone itself—the May birthstone emerald has captured hearts and minds through the ages. Variations of this rich green color suggest soothing, lush gardens. Legend has it that emerald has the power to make its wearer more intelligent and quick-witted, and it was once believed to cure diseases like cholera and malaria. Today, it’s the gemstone given for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
June
June: Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone are the three birthstones for June. If you were born in the month of June, you are lucky enough to have three birthstones to call your own. With so many attractive options, individuals with June birthdays can have a birthstone that fits their mood or budget, due to the different colors and price points these gems offer.
- Pearls originate from oceans, lakes, and rivers around the world. It is a timeless wardrobe staple, beloved by women of all ages. Ancients from the Middle East believed that pearls were teardrops fallen from heaven. Pearls have long been associated with purity, humility, and innocence. So it may be said that the June birthstone meaning is “sweet simplicity.” As such, pearls were traditionally given as a wedding gift.
- Alexandrite is the rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that changes color in different lighting. Most prized are those alexandrite birthstones that show a vivid green to bluish-green in daylight or fluorescent light, and an intense red to purplish-red in incandescent light. The gem was named after the young Alexander II (1818–1881), heir apparent to the throne. Alexandrite caught the country’s attention because its red and green colors mirrored the national military colors of imperial Russia. When certain types of long, thin inclusions are oriented parallel to each other in this June birthstone, they can create another phenomenon, called chatoyancy or the cat’s-eye effect. Few gems are as fascinating – or as stunning – as cat’s-eye alexandrite.
- 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. This June birthstone has been associated with both the Roman and Greek lunar deities. Hindu mythology claims that it is made of solidified moonbeams. Moonstone is often associated with love, passion, and fertility; it is believed to bring great luck.
July
July: Ruby, the king of precious gems represents passion, love, and success. Ruby is one of the most coveted of gems. The name is derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red” – the color of love and passion. Few things catch the eye like the ruby. The finest color of the birthstone for July is a deep red with a hint of purple, called “pigeon’s blood” in the trade. A variety of the mineral corundum, ruby gets its color from trace amounts of the element chromium. The more chromium, the stronger the red.
August
August: Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx are the three birthstones for August and they come in a variety of shapes and colors.
- Peridot birthstones are known for being formed under extreme conditions, as they can be found in the hardened lava that carried it from deep within Earth’s mantle as well as in meteorites that traveled from outer space. Peridot is the yellowish-green to greenish-yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. Some historians speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot. This August birthstone was valued in many ancient and medieval cultures. The peridot birthstone has also been used for centuries as a protective talisman, shielding the owner from evil spirits and “terrors of the night.”
- Spinel birthstones were underappreciated until recently, as today’s consumers look for an alternative to ruby, a gem with which red spinel was mistaken for centuries. The name “spinel” comes from the Latin word spina, which means thorn, in reference to the shape of spinel crystals. This second August birthstone comes in a wealth of colors: intense red, vibrant pink, orange, purple, violet, blue and bluish green. For centuries, spinel was mistaken for other gemstones. Some of history’s most famous “rubies” have actually turned out to be this August birthstone. Today, this historic red spinel is set in Great Britain’s Imperial State Crown, just above the 317.40 ct Cullinan II diamond.
- Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history that dates back more than 4,000 years. In ancient times, sardonyx was a popular stone for Roman seals and signet rings, as hot wax would not stick to it. For millennia, the bands of color in this August birthstone have made it a popular carving material for cameos and intaglios. Today, this August birthstone is associated with courage, happiness, and clear communication, bringing stability to marriage and partnerships.
September
September: Sapphire comes in all the colors of the rainbow – except red. Sapphire birthstones have traditionally symbolized wisdom, loyalty, sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. Sapphires have been long associated with royalty and romance and are also said to symbolize fidelity and the soul. “Sapphire” comes from the Greek word sappheiros and blue sapphire is one of the most popular colored stones. The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed that blue sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy. Clerics of the Middle Ages wore sapphires because they symbolized Heaven.
October
October: Opal and Tourmaline are the two birthstones for October. Both of these gemstones are known for their endless color combinations and are believed to have been created from rainbows.
- Opal, the traditional October birthstone, is believed to have originated in India where it was called Upala, a “precious stone.” Most opals are valued for their shifting colors in rainbow hues – a phenomenon is known as “play-of-color.” Their color has inspired writers to compare it to fireworks, galaxies, and volcanoes. Ancient Greeks thought opals bestowed the gift of prophesy and protection from disease. Europeans long maintained opal to be a symbol of purity, hope, and truth. Hundreds of years ago, opal was believed to embody the virtues and powers of all colored stones. Opal is also the stone given to celebrate the 14th wedding anniversary.
- Tourmaline is the newer 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. This could be why ancient mystics believed this October birthstone could inspire artistic expression – it has a color palette for every mood. Different colors of tourmaline are thought to have their own healing properties. Black Tourmaline is believed to protect the wearer and give a sense of self-confidence. Pink Tourmaline embodies love and is associated with compassion and gentleness. Green Tourmaline promotes courage, strength, and stamina. Tourmaline is also given to celebrate the eighth wedding anniversary.
November
November: Topaz and Citrine are the two birthstones for November. Both are fairly abundant making them affordably priced. These two November birthstones are known for their calming energies and can be found around the world. Topaz comes in a rainbow of colors; citrine is prized for its charming yellow and orange hues. Both November birthstones are known to have calming energies while bringing fortune and warmth to the wearer.
- Topaz hues include colorless, light blue, yellow, orange, pink, violet, brown, and, very rarely, red. This November birthstone was long thought to have many benefits. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave them strength. From the 1300s to the 1600s, Europeans thought it could thwart magic spells and dispel anger. For centuries, many people in India have believed that topaz worn above the heart assures long life, beauty, and intelligence. Blue topaz is the gem of the fourth wedding anniversary, and Imperial topaz is the gem of the 23rd wedding anniversary.
- Citrine is the transparent yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz, which has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. It has been a popular gemstone since ancient times and has shared a history of mistaken identities with the other November birthstone, topaz. They believed the citrine birthstone could soothe tempers and calm the wearer. Today, most of the citrine in the marketplace results from the heat treatment of amethyst. With its ready availability in a broad range of sizes, a citrine birthstone is one of the most affordable and desired yellow gemstones.
December
December: Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon are the three birthstones for December. These December birthstones are mined around the world and all have their own unique take on the color blue, allowing you to choose the birthstone that best fits your style.From the blue to bluish purple of tanzanite, to the intense blue and green of turquoise, to the rainbow varieties of zircon – there’s a color for everyone.
- Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem that ranges from blue to green and often has veins of a matrix running through it. This December birthstone has been cherished for millennia. The pharaohs and other rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with it. It was thought to possess many beneficial powers, like guaranteeing health and good fortune. From the 13th century on, it was believed to protect the wearer from falling (especially off horses), and would break into several pieces at the approach of disaster. The Apache thought turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end.
- 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. 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. With its vivid colors, high clarity, and potential for large cut stones, tanzanite quickly became a sensation. Today, it is not only a December birthstone, but it is also the gem for the 24th wedding anniversary.
- Zircon has a broad color palette for this December birthstone including red, orange, yellow, brown, green, and blue – either derivation seems possible. Colorless zircon is known for its brilliance and flashes of multicolored light, called fire, which has resulted in centuries of confusion with diamond. During the Middle Ages, this December birthstone was thought to lull one into a deep sleep and scare off evil spirits. In the Hindu religion, zircon alternates with hessonite garnet as one of the nine gems of the navaratna. When worn together, the nine gems protect the wearer and bring wealth, wisdom, and good health.
Gemstones vary widely in value, based on their rarity. They also vary in their care requirements. Talk with your trusted Northfield jewelers about the specific care needed to keep your colored gemstone as beautiful as the day it was purchased.
We have an extraordinary collection of colored gemstones in store. And if we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, we’d be happy to custom design a piece exclusively for you!
