January’s Birthstone is Garnet
The name “Garnet” comes from the Latin word granatum, meaning “seed,” a nod to its resemblance to the red seeds of a pomegranate. While most people recognise garnets for their deep crimson tones, they are also found in greens, oranges and even rare blues. Garnet has long been associated with vitality, passion and protection, making it a meaningful stone to start the year.
February’s Birthstone is Amethyst
Amethyst, the violet variety of quartz, comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning “not intoxicated.” Ancient Greeks believed it could prevent drunkenness. Ranging from soft lilac to deep royal purple, amethyst is admired for its calming energy and is often linked to clarity, balance and peace of mind.
March’s Birthstone is Aquamarine
Aquamarine takes its name from the Latin aqua marinus, meaning “water of the sea.” Its serene blue-green colour reflects ocean waters and was once carried by sailors as a talisman of protection. A variety of beryl, aquamarine is celebrated for its clear colour and is often thought to represent courage, communication and calm.
April’s Birthstone is Diamond
Diamond comes from the Greek adamas, meaning “invincible.” Known for their unmatched brilliance and hardness, diamonds are symbols of strength and eternal love. While the classic image is a clear, colourless stone, diamonds can also occur in shades of yellow, pink, blue and green, each carrying its own unique beauty.
May’s Birthstone is Emerald
Emerald, a lush green beryl, takes its name from the Greek smaragdos, meaning “green gem.” Cleopatra was famously devoted to emeralds, and they remain symbols of growth, renewal and prosperity. Their natural inclusions — often referred to as jardin, or “garden” — give each emerald a distinctive character.
June’s Birthstones are Pearl, Moonstone and Alexandrite
Pearl is the only birthstone formed organically, inside oysters or mussels. Its soft lustre has symbolised wisdom and purity for centuries.
Moonstone has a distinctive glow, called adularescence, that looks like moonlight on water. Long tied to intuition and balance, moonstone is treasured for its mysterious beauty.
Alexandrite is known for its extraordinary colour change — green in daylight and red in incandescent light. Discovered in Russia, it is a rare and transformative gem.
July’s Birthstone is Ruby
Ruby, the red variety of corundum, comes from the Latin ruber, meaning “red.” With its vivid fire, ruby has been called the “king of gemstones.” It is a symbol of passion, energy and protection, and fine examples with a pigeon-blood red hue are among the most valuable gemstones in the world.
August’s Birthstones are Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx
Peridot is one of the few gemstones found only in green, from citrus tones to olive. Its name comes from the Arabic faridat, meaning “gem.” The stone is often associated with warmth, healing and light.
Spinel is admired for its sparkle and range of colours. It was historically mistaken for ruby, appearing in many royal treasures, but today it is valued in its own right.
Sardonyx combines bands of sard (brownish red) and onyx (black or white), often carved into cameos. It has been worn since antiquity as a stone of courage and protection.
September’s Birthstone is Sapphire
Sapphire comes from the Greek sappheiros, meaning “blue stone.” While blue sapphires are the most recognised, the gem is available in nearly every colour except red. Some sapphires display a six-rayed star, a phenomenon known as asterism. They have long been symbols of loyalty, wisdom and nobility.
October’s Birthstones are Opal and Tourmaline
Opal comes from the Greek opallios, meaning “to see change.” Its shifting flashes of colour, called play-of-colour, embody transformation and creativity.
Tourmaline can be found in every colour of the spectrum. Some stones even show multiple hues at once, making it one of the most versatile and diverse gemstones.
November’s Birthstones are Topaz and Citrine
Topaz takes its name from the Sanskrit tapas, meaning “fire.” It appears in golden yellows, blues, pinks and other shades, representing warmth and strength.
Citrine, a golden variety of quartz, is named after the French word for lemon. Its cheerful colour has made it a symbol of abundance and optimism.
December’s Birthstones are Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon
Turquoise has been treasured for thousands of years, from Egypt to the Americas. Its name comes from the French turquois, meaning “Turkish stone.” Its sky-blue tones are linked to protection and healing.
Tanzanite, found only in Tanzania, was discovered in the 20th century. Its vibrant violet-blue colour makes it one of the most sought-after modern gems.
Zircon is one of the earth’s oldest minerals, valued for its brilliance and range of colours. Often mistaken for diamond, zircon is tied to wisdom and clarity.
From garnet in January to zircon in December, birthstones each carry their own story, colour and symbolism. At AGOVIA, we believe that whether you choose a natural or lab-grown gemstone, every piece has its own individuality and charm. Birthstone jewellery is not only a way to celebrate your birth month, but also to connect with a gem’s history and meaning.
If you’d like to explore our bespoke and ready-to-wear collections, or even design a piece around your own birthstone, you can discover more on our website or get in touch with us directly via our bespoke form.
