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Birthstones
What are Birthstones?
Birthstones are gemstones associated with each month of the year, long believed to bring good luck, health, and protection to those who wear them. Rich in history and personal meaning, each stone carries its own unique beauty and symbolism. At Richard Gretz Goldsmiths, we proudly craft many of our birthstone pieces in-house, offering thoughtfully made jewelry that celebrates every story, milestone, and birthday.
How did Birthstones become popularized?
First-century historian Josephus connected the 12 stones in the high priest Aaron’s breastplate to the 12 months of the year and the signs of the zodiac, fostering the idea of protective, month-specific gems. For centuries, people often owned all twelve stones, wearing them in their corresponding months to harness their specific healing or cosmic powers. The tradition of wearing only the stone associated with one’s birth month originated with Polish gem traders in the 18th century. The American National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) created a standardized, official list in 1912 to modernize and simplify birthstones, establishing the tradition popular today. During the 20th century, jewelers actively promoted birthstone jewelry for birthdays and Mother's Day. The rise of industrialized jewelry production made these items, once reserved for royalty, accessible to the public, blending personal sentimentality with personal adornment.
Emerald for May
All Birthstones
January
Garnet
Those born in January are lucky to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. Garnets are commonly red but 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 in its power to bring the wearer good health, wealth and happiness.
March
Aquamarine
Those born in January are lucky to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. Garnets are commonly red but 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 in its power to bring the wearer good health, wealth and happiness.
May
Emerald
Those born in January are lucky to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. Garnets are commonly red but 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 in its power to bring the wearer good health, wealth and happiness.
July
Ruby
Those born in January are lucky to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. Garnets are commonly red but 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 in its power to bring the wearer good health, wealth and happiness.
September
Sapphire
Those born in January are lucky to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. Garnets are commonly red but 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 in its power to bring the wearer good health, wealth and happiness.
November
Topaz/Citrine
Those born in January are lucky to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. Garnets are commonly red but 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 in its power to bring the wearer good health, wealth and happiness.
February
Amethyst
If you were born in February, your birthstone is amethyst – the purple variety of quartz that has captivated mankind for millennia. It's 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, the February birthstone, 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. If your birthday is in February, then wearing an amethyst can also be a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength.
April
Diamond
Those born in January are lucky to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. Garnets are commonly red but 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 in its power to bring the wearer good health, wealth and happiness.
June
Alexandrite/ Pearl
Those born in January are lucky to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. Garnets are commonly red but 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 in its power to bring the wearer good health, wealth and happiness.
August
Peridot
Those born in January are lucky to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. Garnets are commonly red but 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 in its power to bring the wearer good health, wealth and happiness.
October
Opal/
Tourmaline
Those born in January are lucky to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. Garnets are commonly red but 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 in its power to bring the wearer good health, wealth and happiness.
December
Tanzanite/Blue Topaz
Those born in January are lucky to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. Garnets are commonly red but 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 in its power to bring the wearer good health, wealth and happiness.
