There’s something quietly powerful about birthstones. Unlike trends or seasons, they stay with us for life, tied to the month we were born, the people we love, and moments worth remembering. For centuries, gemstones have been associated with protection, luck, love and strength, and while the beliefs may have evolved, the emotional connection remains.
Here’s a closer look at the stones linked to each month, and the symbolism that has made them endure...
January - Garnet
Deep red garnet has long been associated with protection and friendship. Historically worn by travellers as a talisman, it was believed to keep its wearer safe on long journeys. Today, garnet still carries that sense of grounding and strength - a stone that feels quietly reassuring, rather than showy.
February - Amethyst
Amethyst’s soft purple tones have been linked to clarity, calm and balance for thousands of years. Once reserved for royalty, it was believed to steady the mind and encourage thoughtful decision-making. It’s a stone often chosen by those drawn to its soothing presence rather than its sparkle. Amethyst also comes in a range of colours, from pale lilac to deep violet, and even green varieties, allowing each piece to feel unique.
March - Aquamarine
Aquamarine’s pale blue colour mirrors the sea, and it has long been associated with courage and tranquillity. Sailors once carried it for protection, while today it’s loved for its lightness and sense of ease.
April - Diamond
Diamonds have become synonymous with love, but their deeper meaning lies in endurance and strength. As the hardest natural material, diamonds symbolise bonds that last, making them an obvious choice not just for engagement rings, but for marking life’s most significant moments.
May - Emerald
Emerald’s rich green has always been associated with renewal, growth and hope. Ancient civilisations believed emeralds could bring wisdom and patience, and their colour still feels deeply connected to nature and spring. Imperfections are part of their charm, reminders that beauty doesn’t need to be flawless.
June - Pearl
Pearls, formed slowly within living molluscs, symbolise purity, wisdom and time, shaped not by cutting or polishing, but by patience.
July - Ruby
Bold and fiery, ruby has always represented passion, vitality and love. Once believed to protect the heart, rubies were favoured by royalty and warriors alike. Even today, they carry a confidence that feels unmistakably powerful.
August - Peridot
Peridot’s fresh green colour has long been associated with positivity, renewal and protection. Unlike many gemstones formed deep within the earth, peridot is created in volcanic rock, giving it a natural energy that feels alive and uplifting. Historically believed to ward off negative thoughts and bring good fortune, peridot is still loved for its lightness, a stone that feels optimistic, open and full of warmth.
September - Sapphire
Sapphire's were historically worn by clergy and royalty, today they still feel quietly authoritative, elegant without needing to shout. At E.C.One, we particularly love using sapphires in engagement rings, and they come in a stunning variety of colours, from classic royal blue to soft pastel shades and even rare pinks and yellows, so every piece feels truly personal.
October - Opal & Tourmaline
October’s stones celebrate individuality. Opals, with their shifting play of colour, symbolise creativity and emotional depth, no two ever the same. Tourmaline appears in an extraordinary range of colours and has come to represent protection and compassion.
November - Topaz
Topaz has been treasured for centuries as a symbol of strength, affection and clarity. Its warm golden tones have often been linked to friendship and emotional balance, while historically it was believed to calm the mind and protect its wearer.
December - Turquoise & Tanzanite
December’s birthstones speak to calm and reflection.
Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones known to humankind, long worn as a symbol of protection and healing. Its distinctive blue-green colour feels timeless, carrying with it a sense of connection to nature and tradition.
Tanzanite, by contrast, is a modern discovery, rare, vivid and entirely unique to one place on earth. Often associated with transformation and new beginnings, it feels fitting for a month that marks both endings and fresh starts.
A Thought on Choosing a Birthstone
Birthstones don’t need to be worn strictly by the calendar. Some people choose them to mark a birthday, others to celebrate a child, a relationship or a moment worth remembering.
At E.C.One, we’re proud to source our gemstones responsibly. From recycled metals to traceable and ethically mined stones, every piece is chosen with care for people and the planet. Whether you’re drawn to a birthstone for yourself or looking for a thoughtful gift, our gemstones can be crafted into bespoke jewellery, or you can explore our ready-made gemstone gifts to find something truly special.
